Symptoms of a Bad ECM (Engine Control Module Failure)

[@Jlwsilence]

I have a 06 Buick rendezvous. I’m getting code p0404. I’ve changed the egr valve, cleaned the manifold, changed the wire connector and cleaned the tube out and the check engine light still comes back with the same code. Sometimes it’ll go off for a few days then come back on. Could this be a failing ecm?

[@omarfen3750]

I have a 2013 nissan latio it usto have stalling and limp mode, eventually it stall and can’t start back when the ignition turn on the cooling fan comes on car crank but no start.when the mechanic scan it the ecu is not communicating and he said its popping the fuse so they are gonna change the bcm and if the problem still accure they go a head and change the ecu…. what you think?

[@davidsuarez7841]

Hi I have a 2016 Hyundai accent. At first is was draining the batteries, due to the tail lights staying on after the car was turned off. I replaced the battery and that issue was solved. Well know a engine code can on p0445 I tried a smoke machine but didn't find anything. I also changed the check valve. But I have noticed that the electric throttle body is getting power after I turn the car off. I've checked the fuses checked connections. And I've disconnected the battery for more than 10-20 minutes but the check engine light is still on and won't reset. Hope you can help

[@thepawanderer]

Hello I got a 05 accord lx 2.4. I recently changed the cat both 02 sensors and the engine control module relay then reset the coads took a couple times but they went away that was couple months ago. Till today I was driving and my dash lights came on gas gage droped not the bank 1 o2 sensor and cat coad and p0685 coad is back and check engine light on again. Other than that car rund great. O and radio sometimes works sometimes it doesn't, could it be a bad alternator or what

[@MasonWilliams-g6v]

Did u figure out the problem?

[@thepawanderer]

@MasonWilliams-g6v yea i put a new ground strap wire and negative batt cable on and that got rid of the p0685 code and got my radio working. but my p0420 code keeps coming back, i put a new cat on and both 02 sensors are new so idk

[@PaulSmallwood-rp8rm]

hello i have a 2012 chevy malibu it will shut down without any warning at any speed will not start back unless you remove the battery cable and leave it off for a minute or so any help would be greatly appreciated

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Hello! The issue with your 2012 Chevy Malibu shutting down unexpectedly and requiring a battery reset to restart sounds quite concerning. Here are some possible causes and steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem: Electrical System Issues: This behavior might indicate a problem with the vehicle's electrical system. A poor connection or faulty battery terminal could cause intermittent power issues. Check the battery terminals for corrosion or looseness, and ensure the battery itself is in good condition. Ignition System: Problems in the ignition system, such as a failing ignition switch or issues with the ignition relay, can cause sudden shutdowns. These components might need testing or replacement. Engine Control Unit (ECU) Reset: The fact that removing the battery cable temporarily fixes the issue suggests that the ECU may be experiencing faults or errors that are cleared with a reset. This could be due to a software glitch or faulty ECU hardware. Let me know if you found the issue

[@natej9851]

I have a 2012 Malibu and tonight I was on the highway and the rpm’s flew up to 7 and then completely died and had to get a tow, It’s been shutting down random and crank but no start but tonight it completely died

[@OCtheG]

@@natej9851I’d be suspicious of crank or camshaft position sensor throwing the engine into limp mode. Odds are low it actually revved itself that high, probably just thought it did from bad input.

[@EduardoGarcia-by2ur]

@@natej9851have you fixed it yet?

[@joelbarros870]

Can a pcm pop up a check battery system?

[@chintanagrawal007]

Can it affect the ABS?

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Yes, a faulty Engine Control Module (ECM) can affect the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The ECM's role in processing data and communicating with the ABS control module means that communication errors or incorrect data processing due to ECM issues can hinder ABS operation. Additionally, ECM problems can trigger unrelated fault codes, affect electrical power distribution, and compromise integrated safety systems, including the ABS. Diagnosing such problems accurately is crucial, as ECM-related symptoms can resemble other issues. A qualified mechanic may need to reprogram or replace the ECM to resolve these issues and ensure proper ABS function.

[@RIPBLIZZ1]

MAN THAT’S CRAZY HOW ALL THESE NEWER CARS HAVE SO MANY ISSUES…. 😳😳😳😳 YET AN OL SCHOOL CLASSIC WILL DRIVE FOR DECADES OFF AN OIL CHANGE, TUNE UP, BRAKES, BATTERY, TIRES, & A TRANS FLUSH ONCE A YEAR, THAT’S IT!

[@rodneyhendricks2412]

Rite

[@lr.1750]

My ecu overheating. What could be problem?

[@robertogonzalez4463]

HELP PLEASE,,,,I had my 2004 Avalanche transmission repaired twice, it's still bad, 1st and 4th speed don't work, the mechanic says I need a new ECM, could this be possible?

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Hi Roberto, Yes, it's possible that a failing ECM (Engine Control Module) could cause issues with transmission function, as it controls various aspects of shifting, gear engagement, and overall performance. However, it’s crucial that the mechanic checks if the ECM is properly diagnosing faults and if wiring or transmission sensors are causing these issues in 1st and 4th gears specifically. ECM replacement should ideally follow a thorough check of all related components.

[@robertogonzalez4463]

@@HonestMechanicChannel Thank you sir, absolutely grateful for your response, have a great day

[@ginoasci]

Is it possible that the ECU can cause an engine knocking just during warm up. Yes or no ?

[@Cornyy550]

No

[@ginoasci]

@@Cornyy550 : why not ?

[@Cornyy550]

@@ginoasci if ur motor knocking it’s the motor(internals )no computer

[@JayCutty762]

i have a 2005 pontiac grand prix gxp and i just order a new ECM. Will i have to get my car retuned ?

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Hi, Can you please clarify a bit so I can give an informed answer

[@Big_EmDee]

I have a 2013 Ram 1500 hemi. Im thinking i have a bad PCM. Constant dinging, check engine light random low voltage at times, and now every once in a while it wont run above 1500 or so rpms, and it takes minutes to get up to speed. Flashes bad abs, traction control, trailer brake system and check shifter. The other day my whole instrument panel went out, including the entertainment center, when it came back up it said "no bus". All that said, is there tests to run on the PCM to make sure its bad? Ive checked all grounds, and connections, and battery voltage and all seem ok.

[@anthonybonilla8902]

Canbus connections Under seats it’s a clip

[@Big_EmDee]

@@anthonybonilla8902 after 2 months on the struggle bus with this truck, I finally gave in and took it to a shop. They found I had an exposed bit of wire under the TIPM in the one of the harness pigtails. Been 3 weeks now, no dings or lights.

[@michelewebb874]

I have a 2002 Monte Carlo. I'm pretty sure that its the ECM. But where is it located?

[@NIGHT2K17]

Air filter box maybe

[@michelewebb874]

Thank you!!

[@akashhussain4568]

I have a 2006 BMW 1 Series 116i, and the engine light keeps coming on and off, but it's on most of the time. When the light is on, the car goes into limp mode, meaning it accelerates very slowly. I'm not sure if the issue could be with the ECU. The mechanic told me it was the throttle body, so I had it replaced. After that, he said it was the mass air flow (MAF) sensor, so I had that changed as well, but it still didn't fix the issue. Now he's saying that the ECU might need replacing. Could it really be the ECU? What do you guys think?

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Hi Akash, sorry to hear that. at this point I recommend that you get a cheap scanner and try to see if there are any permanent codes instead of throwing parts at it , I know it can get really expensive fast. With regards to your question: It’s possible that the ECU (Engine Control Unit) might be the issue, especially given that you've already replaced the throttle body and MAF sensor without resolving the problem. Limp mode, coupled with the check engine light, can be triggered by a variety of faults, including ECU malfunctions. In some BMW 1 Series models like the 116i, faulty ECUs have been known to cause intermittent issues like misfires and the car going into limp mode However, before replacing the ECU, it’s crucial to ensure that all electrical connections, especially around the MAF sensor and throttle body, are functioning correctly. Faulty wiring or poor connections can sometimes mimic ECU problems.

[@ederduarte2187]

Can a bad pcm affect the throttle body?

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Hi there, Yes, a bad PCM (Powertrain Control Module) can affect the throttle body. The PCM controls the throttle body's operations in modern vehicles with electronic throttle control, so any malfunction in the PCM can lead to issues with throttle response and engine performance.

[@j.2391]

Hey man so look i have a 2010 chevy malibu im having issues with my coolant temperature sensor at first i replace it my self and it worked but only last me like 2 days i decided to take it to a shop they look at it and they say it was a wiring issue so they replaced the wires and it works car was starting and ac was working then 3 days later the temperature gauge stop working and it was difficult to start so i took it back to the shop they replaced the thermostat and then the car started working ac was good etc now yesterday in the morning i was driving and again the temperature gauge dropped and the ac stop working so what could it be man? I replaced the sensor the thermostat the wires what could be causing this 😢😢😢 help me out man

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Hi. The recurring issue with the coolant temperature sensor, despite replacing the sensor, wiring, and thermostat, suggests there might be a problem with the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) or an intermittent short circuit in the wiring harness. A faulty PCM can cause erratic readings and improper operation of the temperature gauge and AC. An intermittent short circuit can also cause similar symptoms. At this point, it's best to have a professional mechanic perform a thorough diagnostic of the vehicle's electrical system, including the PCM, to identify and resolve the root cause of the problem.

[@susanbischoff4007]

Interesting you said RPM fluctuations at idle. My fluctuations happen while accelerating with a "warm" engine. Once I'm up to speed all is well. (No, its not the transmission.) No RPM fluctuations during first drive of the day. Have you heard of this? I'm at my wits end.

[@OCtheG]

What’s the vehicle? Sounds like throttle position sensor or throttle body getting stuck from carbon buildup. If you’re lucky just clean it, the sensor isn’t hard either.

[@susanbischoff4007]

@@OCtheG already cleaned, no difference. Oh well, it was totalled a few weeks ago. Sigh. Not a problem now.

[@Booksbooksbooksplusmore]

Idle air control valve or temperature sensor before the mass air flow.