In most vehicles, the ECM is located in
the engine compartment
. Some vehicles have the ECM mounted under the driver's or passenger seat, however.
Where is a car computer located?
On most models the ECU is located
beneath the wipers behind the plastic trim
.
How do you know if your ECU is bad?
- Check Engine Light stays on after resetting.
- Car was jump started on reverse polarity.
- Engine turning off for no reason.
- Water Damage or Fire Damage on the ECU.
- Apparent loss of spark.
- Apparent loss of injection pulse or fuel pump.
- Intermittent starting problems.
- Overheating ECU.
How do I check my engine ECU?
- Check Engine Light comes on. An illuminated Check Engine Light is one possible symptom of a problem with the ECU. …
- Engine stalling or misfiring. …
- Engine performance issues. …
- Car not starting.
What is the ECM in my car?
The
Engine Control Module
(ECM), also called the Engine Control Unit (ECU), ensures that your vehicle operates at optimal performance. The ECM monitors most of the sensors in the engine bay in order to manage your vehicle's air-fuel mixture and regulate the emission control systems.
How do I know if I need to replace my PCM?
- Your ‘Check Engine' Light is On. …
- Your Car Won't Start or Starts Roughly. …
- Sudden Loss of Gas Mileage. …
- You Failed Your Emissions Test. …
- Your Engine Stutters or Stalls. …
- Erratic or Random Shifting. …
- You're Receiving a PCM-Related Error Code. …
- What to Do If You Experience PCM Failure Symptoms.
Can I replace an ECM myself?
The answer to the question “Is it hard to replace an ECM?” is
NO
! The parts themselves aren't inexpensive (as long as you're buying them from us!), plus high quality aftermarket and OEM ECMs can be easily installed yourself.
What can cause an ECU to fail?
- Dead Battery.
- Corrosion.
- Low Voltage.
- Bad Jump Starting.
- Bad Starter.
What does resetting the ECU do?
“Resetting the ECU” is
the process of clearing all the long term memory from the ECU's memory
. These variables trim idle speed, fuel, spark, and more. The ECU will also store trouble codes for diagnostic capability.
How much does it cost to fix a ECU?
You
should
expect to pay between $150 and $300 at a local
repair
shop or service center just to have the
ECU
inspected and tested. In
many
cases, the faulty
ECU
can be repaired or reprogrammed, and this type of
repair
will usually run between $300 to $750, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
How do I reset my car ECU?
Resetting your Engine Control Module through the
Fuse Box
When your vehicle has properly warmed up then you want to turn your vehicle back off and unplug both fuses, cut power by disconnecting the battery . After a few minutes all the old data should be reset so plug the fuses back in and turn your vehicle back on.
Can you fix an ECU?
ECU repairs can be very expensive. The part alone can cost between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Fortunately,
an ECU can be repaired or reprogrammed in many cases
—thus preventing the need to actually replace an ECU.
Can you drive with a bad ECM?
4. Car
Not
Starting. A bad ECM may lead to a vehicle that won't or is difficult to start. If the ECM fails completely, it will leave the vehicle without engine management control, and will not start or run as a result.
How do I know if my ECM relay is bad?
- No power when the key is inserted. One of the first symptoms of a problem with the ECM power relay is no power when the key is inserted. …
- Engine will not start. …
- Battery drain or dead battery.
Can AutoZone test my ECM?
If you take your car or truck in to the dealer or an authorized mechanic for service, your vehicle should have a
working PCM/ECM installed
. Otherwise, you may want to pursue another round of OBD-II diagnostic testing at AutoZone.
Can I put a used ECU in my car?
A used ECU would
have to be programmed to your vehicle
, depending on make and model it can be as simple as using a diagnostic tool to program it or a lot of times it can involve swapping the contents of the internal memory from the old ECU to the new one which isn't a job for the average garage.
