Why do ecms go bad

However, most ECM problems are a result of a bug in the software itself. Can I drive my car with a bad ECM? Yes you can drive with a bad engine control module but bear in mind that your engine will be at great risk. The primary function of the ECM is to keep track of each activities of the various part of the engine. The main purpose of ECM is to regulate emission controls to make sure that the engine does not emit pollutants beyond specified parameters.

Because of the immense importance and role the ECM plays in making sure the engine runs properly, if it bad your vehicle might not even start. The two are both electrical components that ensure control and proper functions in the car but one depends on the other. PCM been and abbreviation of powertrain control module other call it powertrain control unit too. Power-train control module, abbreviated PCM, is an automotive component, a control unit, used on motor vehicles.

It is generally a combined controller consisting of the engine control unit ECU and the transmission control unit TCU. The PCM commonly controls more than factors in a car or truck. While engine control module ECM is an electrical components that is concerned with all the activities in the engine bay. ECM monitor all different activities through various sensors in the engine bay.

These elements may both lead to ECM shorts or electric surges and voltage problems that cause faulty readings and codes. Moisture may enter through corroded ECM seals, which is common in old cars 5 to 10 years. Moisture may also corrode the wiring harness around the electronic fuel solenoid and cause a short in the ECM. The solenoid also gets old and suffers corrosion by itself. Most corrosion and moisture damages occur due to aging and continued exposure to the elements. Injector and sensor wiring harness will eventually suffer corrosion and the fuel solenoid may also begin to corrode the weakening parts.

If your car was running well and then failed to start, the ignition may have shorted the ECM. If you have replaced a starter with a newer model, you may damage your old ECM.

Most modern starters by-pass the crucial voltage regulator that ensures the power entering your ECM is controlled. This may result in voltage problems and your car may short the ECM on ignition. Dead cells and batteries, bad jumpstart practice and loose grounding, can also result in faulty inputs and problem codes.

Bad grounding and loose wires in the ECMs harness can also result in blow-ups and short circuits. Other causes include welding damages, physical knocks and accidents that may leave the ECM and battery grounding loose.

The car can run with a faulty or bad ECM with periodic erratic performance. However, the longer you wait, the more damage you inflict on the car.

There are various symptoms of a bad engine control module. Even so, most symptoms can stem from problems other than the ECM. Whether it is the engine stalling or failure to start scenario, causes of engine performance issues are diverse and have overlapping common symptoms. If this sensor were to go bad, then the ECU would not receive the correct amount of voltage.

Then it would malfunction and cause further problems in your vehicle. Make sure any new starter that you purchase has the right sensors which can communicate with the ECU properly. Hi I think my EC may be bad… If my van was used to JumpStart another and was incorrectly connected, would the ECM stop working immediately or would it take a couple of times that it ran before I could not start my van..

Hello, i would like to make a question,i tried to connect a diesel blow off valve on a ford fiesta 1. Scan tool said ecu internal fault! Any suggestions would help me so much? If they manage to rectify it should we accept the car or leave well clear … Any opinions most welcome. I have a ford f My ignition cylinder lock broke. Could that cause the ECM to fail? I changed the ignition cylinder lock and then programmed the key.

I called a locksmith to program my key. Once he arrived he tried programming the key which failed. So he then replaced the security relay antenna as well as my dash cluster.

Then he mentioned the ECM may be fried or damaged. So I am wondering could the ECM be the problem or is it something else? When testing my connector from my ECU to my throttle control sensor I am getting a high volt number on one terminal. On the 3 terminals I am getting. I this a sign my ECU is bad?

You can also test the pin on the ECU to see what voltage is expected and what is actually produced for the throttle position. Mine will run fine a week,then sputters ,nut when in drive it dies, wont run at all no communication with ecu ,then when it runs fine it connects to ecu no codes but speed sensor.

Had a new PCM programed and installed by mechanic, now runs worst than the original that had code p, what next? Was the programming incorrect? Engine cranks but does not fire. Fuel gauge does not move. No check engine light. All other dash lights work. Leave switch in on position for 15 seconds check engine light comes on, other lights are off. I replaced the ECM with a rebuilt one new module not available for van this old , it worked for 2 starts of engine, then failed. Mileage 57, miles.

Now have 2 ECMs that do not work. Auto mechanic worked for 4 hours, could not discover what caused the failures. If your check engine light comes on you can go to AutoZone or any hardware place and they will give you some answers to what the codes could be which will lead to your answers that you are seeking.

I want to buy a new brainbox. Can someone help? How can I? It sounds like you may have a bad connection concerning your cylinder which requires electricity.

Your cylinder is connected to a spark plug. If I understand correctly it is part of a harness which you can probably replace yourself if you ordered online on Amazon or go to the Pick-A-Part junkyard and get it a new one or used one.

It would help if you watch you to somewhere and you will find what you are looking for. Good luck. Do you have the old one yet if so down load the program vin number and then flash the new one you must have the same part numbers too When you get the se one pull the vital info off the old one when you hook the new one up wipe it then reset it with the numbers from the old one in it then make new keys.