What are the symptoms of a bad engine control module

The ECU, or engine control unit, is the main part of the car that provides smooth and effective working of the car system. The ECU is a sensitive component of a car that also needs costly repairing and replacement. In this process, we will discuss some symptoms that help us to find a bad ECU working, and we find replacement and repair charges also.

What is an ECM on a car?

The engine control module is a computer-based system of a car that controls and monitors different functions of engine parts, like fuel injection, emission controls, and ignition timing.
It also called brain of car, ECM provides good engine working featues and increases efficiency through different sensors.

The ECM’s main work is to check that the vehicle is working at full potential with maximum levels. It recorded all details through use of a sensor in the engine bay.
that helps ECM to retain control of the car air-fuel mixture and also regulate emission control system
Before making ECM, some parameters, such as air fuel mixture, ignition timing, and proper speed, are set and managed with the use of a mechanical pneumatic process.
ECM makes ongoing changes to the engine, and that engine control module is good since it gives data to PCM and TCM which are used for handling vehicle shifting, anti-lock brakes, and traction control systems.
If the car ECM does not accurately regulate the air-fuel ratio, then there is low engine power or bad acceleration at the time of driving.

Working of Car ECU

The main function of the ECU is as
It controls the air-fuel mixture used by the engine and also sets the ignition timing for providing good power and fuel reduction.
It controls speed and opening of valves based on engine conditions.
It regulates the working performance of the engine cooling fan.
it shows warning llight if there is damage or any other faults

Location of the Engine Control Module

ECM location is based on type of vehicle and model.

Some cars come with ECM in the engine bay that helps to provide easy access.
Some have ECM below the dashboard on the driver side.
In other car models it lies below the driver seat, and European cars have it behind the glove compartment.

Symptoms of a Bad Car ECU

There are different signs of a faulty ECU that you will see during driving. If you face these signs, the best thing to do is move your car to a workshop and do an inspection. The common signs of a faulty ECU are as

Engine Performance

if there is any issue shown related to engine working performance. It is due to a fault of the ECU. Normally engine working issues are based on the engine control module. The bad working of the car ECU affects engine idling, and as a result, reduces internal combustion efficiecny and acceleration features.

Engine Stalling

With low engine performance, a faulty ECU also causes the car engine to stall during acceleration. But in some conditions the engine causes misfires and then returns to normal conditions. So inspect your car to find any permanent fault.

Check Engine Light On

The engine light is needed for the diagnosis of the system, which is also called onboarddiagnostics. OBD is a vehicle’s word that shows vehicle features to perform self-diagnostic and reporting features.
So flashing, or the check engine warning light shows that the computer system detected any errors with the engine or sensor or any other damage. There are some reasons that cause the check engine light to come on.
car fuse blown, damage to car components, bad ECU
faulty ignition coil or spark plug.
Error with connection, like wear damage or looseness, and car battery shown errors

Car Consumes High Fuel

the faulty car ECU also causes high fuel consumption; if a car is using a larger amount of fuel as compared to normal, that shows the chances of the car facing issues with the ECU.
Since the car engine is facing problems finding the proper fuel rate that is provided to the engine for combustion.
So it is a reason for the engine to get more fuel for accurate working at the time of driving.

Car does not start.

If the car is having difficulty starting, there is a chance for a faulty engine control system. This error occurs since the ECU does not have features to send input to the engine as normally flows.
The issue with the car not starting is the result of a dead battery, faulty alternator, or faulty spark plug.
The best thing is to take the car to the workshop and inspect it properly.

Causes of a Car’s Faulty ECU

The ECU performs and controls different functions of the car, and this will show any signs if it faces any errors. If there are faults for the ECU in the car, there are main errors for the ECU that can be seen here.

Dead Car Battery

Car battery comes with electronic cells that work well for accurate working of ECU. If the battery is dead or the cells are not working well, that affects the working of the car ECU. There is a problem for the car engine not starting due to a bad car battery.

Corrosion

ECU parts have seals that prevent moisture from the external side from entering the ECU. This seal has chances for damage due to wear and rust that cause moisture to enter the ECU.
Air moisture is not good for the ECU, as it causes corrosion. If corrosion exists longer, it causes the ECU to stop working.

Bad Car Starter

It is an electrical component in a car that starts the car engine and moves the piston in the internal combustion system so the engine works. Normally a car produces a crank sound if the car engine is on. If sound is not produced, there is a chance the car starter is bad and needs to be repaired or replaced.
Some signs of a faulty car starter are as
The car is difficult to start, but the lights on the dashboard are on, and the car does not start and causes a ticking sound and produces a grinding sound.Engine releases smoke or smells of burning at time of engine startup

Low Voltage

Normally the voltage value for a car ECU is 9 to 12 volts. If the voltage rate is about 6 or less, it causes an error for the car ECU.
Check the voltage rate of the ECU with the use of a meter gauge that checks the voltage of the ECU.

Replacing the cost of the ECU

Component Costs

The replacement of the ECU is a high-cost process for the engine. the net replacement cost of the ECU based on vehicle model, year, and manufacturer. But it is normally costly for luxury cars.
Normally parts of ECUs range from $600 to $1700. Some luxury and high-performance cars are high cost and need more labor costs.

Labor Cost

With parts replacement cost, you will also face labor expenses that are about $200 to $500, according to work and programming. Some workshops have their rates based on hourly labor.
Programming is part of the repairing process; the new ECU needed programming through using the vehicle VIN and content.

FAQs

Is it possible to replace ECM on its own?

The replacement of the engine control module is difficult for an unskilled person. ECM needed proper programming with certain tools, and professional mechanics can do this process. If you provide accurate programming to the ECM, it will not work well since the new ECM needs programming that affects working if not accurately performed.
• The ECM replacement process involved the latest diagnostics process for finding faults, sourcing the correct component replacement, and performing the programming process. So there is a need for manufacturer-based software and diagnostic tools that mechanics have but you may not have at home.

Is it possible to repair an ECM?

Yes, it is possible to repair or fix ECM errors; for this purpose, get the services of an expert technician that can solve errors. That is testing of the board for knowing faults and solder components.
Repairing the ECM board costs about $300 and can be higher based on damage and labor costs. Also included is that it is different based on the fault.but does not confirm repairing work longer
Some workshops provide ECM repair services, and they repair damaged parts and also update programming software.
Follow some parameters before repairing the ECM, like a car more than 15 years old with 150K miles—it is not possible to repair, but replacement is the best option.

What causes an ECM to be faulty?

ECM damage due to different reasons; the main cause is electrical overload, which occurs if the jump start car is faulty or there is a short circuit in the electrical system. Be careful since voltage changes can damage the ECM.

Moisture is also a reason; ECM can be affected by water like other electronics. If you are driving in moist weather, there is a chance of water seeping into the ECM, resulting in an error if located in that area.
Low fuel quality also causes the ECM to get damaged; inconsistent gasoline grades have a bad effect on engine working and the ECM. Use quality fuels and additives for proper working of ECM.

Is It Possible to Drive With a Bad ECM?

Yes, you can drive with a faulty ECM, but it is not recommended.
When you drive a car with a faulty ECM, it faces performance issues that affect driving and cause damage to the ECM with these signs.
The check engine light will glow; that is a sign of an engine problem.
Low engine power and slow acceleration also cause the ECM to manage engine working, like fuel injection and ignition timing. It does not accurately control these systems if it is badly affected.