How much does it cost to replace your ECM?
It is advisable to not just go to any mechanic to fix a broken electronic control module. Repairing a bad ECM is very technical and it’s not something any mechanic is equipped to do. Sometimes, the problem with the ECM is software related and would need to be reprogrammed. However, reprogramming an ECM requires technical skill. The best option is to replace the whole ECM. This is fairly simple because the location of the ECM is easily accessible. The cost of replacing an ECM can be as low as $900 before taxes and fees. However, the total cost is usually as high as $2000 depending on the make and model of your car and the mechanic workshop. ..
What are the signs of a bad ECM?
- The car will not stop on a dime
- The car will not start
- The car will make strange noises
- The car will not shift gears
- The car may not run at all
The Check Engine Light is on
When you see the Check Engine Light on your dashboard come on, it usually means the ECM has detected an issue. However, when the ECM is bad, it comes on too. To be sure you have to take your car to the workshop for it to be scanned with a diagnostic tool. You can also do it yourself and check the codes online.
The Engine misfires or Stalls
A misfire occurs when one or more plugs do not fire or they fire at the wrong time. This would cause the car not to start early. This can happen when the ECM has issues so it’s not giving the plugs the right information at the right time.
Bad Gas Mileage
The ECM in a car controls the mixture of air and fuel that is used to move the car. When the ECM has issues, it might use more fuel than needed which would mean that your vehicle would be consuming more fuel and harmful to the environment.
Reduced Engine Performance
A bad engine control module (ECM) can reduce the amount of fuel that enters the combustion chamber, which can result in a shorter distance traveled by the piston and reduced acceleration. Additionally, a bad ECM could also cause the car to vibrate more often, especially when it’s carrying a heavy load. ..
The Car does not Start
If your car won’t start, it’s most likely because of an ECM issue. If the ECM isn’t working properly, it can make the car difficult to start. You might also have a dead battery or a malfunction in the fuel supply.
Conclusion
If your car has an ECM, it is important to have it fixed as a bad one could prevent you from driving your car. However, if the section of the ECM that has issues is not related to the car mobility then you should still be able to drive it. Nevertheless, if there are any problems with the ECM such as sending wrong codes or not working correctly, then you should fix it immediately. In some cases, a diagnostic tool might not be able to discover that the ECM is having an issue which could leave you repairing what’s not bad and wasting money. You should be sure of a mechanic before you give him your car to fix for you.
The ECM is a circuit board that can get bad if it gets too hot or water pours on it. However, it doesn’t get bad easily and can last for a long time. ..
If you have the correct diagnosis and unplugged the old one, then it is just a case of plugging in the new one.