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However, spending more time at the gas pump should be a sure-fire sign that something is wrong. If you keep an eye on the fuel economy, you might notice the trouble early. For this reason, your motor might start burning more fuel when the engine control module is going bad. The defective ECM makes it difficult for the engine to properly regulate fuel intake. If you are noticing less acceleration or a reduction in power, it could be the ECM. What you are left with is a decrease in performance, especially when you attempt to push the gas pedal down or you are towing up a hill.
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When this module goes bad, it can create an imbalance in the fuel-air ratio or the timing settings of the engine. Performance Issues (image)Īll engine performance issues can be linked back to a possible defective ECM. There’s no pattern to the severity or frequency when the ECM is going out. One day the car might run fine and the next day, it can be challenging to control. In extreme cases, the car might even stall while sitting at a traffic light. The faulty computer leads to a misfiring condition. Engine Misfiring/Stalling (image)Īs the ECM starts to fail, the wrong messages get sent to the engine, creating an imbalance.
SYMPTOMS OF A BAD ECM CODE
The only way to diagnose the cause is with an OBDII trouble code scanner. If a sensor, circuit or other electrical component of the ECM has gone bad, it will turn on the Check Engine Light. While this light can illuminate as a result of a long list of troubles, having a bad ECM is one. Check Engine Light (image)Īll modern vehicles come equipped with a Check Engine Light to let you know when something is wrong. Symptoms of a bad Engine Control Module 1. We look at the bad ECM symptoms, its location, and the estimated replacement cost. When the engine control module (ECM) starts to fail, it leads to many performance issues. This vital component sends messages to the motor to ensure proper operation. Whatever it is called, it has the same function. The engine control module (ECM) is known by many other names, including the engine control unit (ECU).
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