What if your airbag keeps deploying or your check engine light comes on dozens of times? It’s hard to tell whether it’s a bad part in your car or a sign of a damaged engine control module.
The engine control module (ECM) plays a huge role in your vehicle, which means the possibility of it becoming damaged is high. There are a lot of electrical signals that involve the ECM, which means it should be well-maintained to avoid any future problems.
Need to fix your car? Keep reading. We’ll teach you how to detect a damaged ECM so you can take your vehicle to the mechanic.
1. Illuminated Check Engine Light
One of the clearest signs of a damaged engine control module (ECM) is an illuminated check engine light. When the ECM is unable to communicate properly with the vehicle’s other components, the check engine light will turn on to alert the driver of an issue.
As the heart of the vehicle’s electrical system, the ECM is essential if the car is to operate efficiently. To avoid any further damage, it is important to get a diagnostic check on it as soon as possible.
2. Engine Misfires or Backfiring
One of the signs of a faulty ECM is when an engine misfires or backfires during operation. When this occurs, it is often a direct sign of the ECM being overloaded or damaged in some manner. If a misfire is accompanied by an illuminated check engine light and a fault code is generated, the ECM should be the first thing checked.
In some cases, the ECM will have to be serviced or replaced when misfiring or backfiring occurs. When the vehicle experiences rough exhaust noise from the backfiring, it is essential that the ECM be serviced or completely replaced as soon as possible to get the vehicle back in proper running condition.
3. Irregular Engine Idle
A damaged ECM can cause the engine to idle irregularly. Since it handles controlling many aspects of the engine, any irregularity in performance can be a sign that the module is being affected.
ECM problems can cause the engine to run inefficiently or to fail. To prevent serious problems and costly repairs, it’s best to have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible. For professional services, you can check Cummins Insite ECM Calibration.
4. Stalling or Slow Accelerating
A stalled or slow cranking engine is a sign that the ECM has not received power or is otherwise faulty. It may not be receiving correct signals from the vehicle’s sensors, or it is not sending correct signals to the engine.
5. Poor Fuel Economy
The ECM is the brain of the engine, using sensors and other inputs to control factors such as fuel delivery, air/fuel ratio, timing, and emissions. If these inputs are not read properly, it will often result in poor fuel economy.
Check the Signs of Damage on Your Engine Control Module
From the tell-tale noises and lessened engine performance, a damaged engine control module can cause serious issues in a vehicle. If your car is exhibiting any of these traits, it’s time to act: take it to a professional mechanic for a proper diagnosis and repair.
Don’t let a damaged ECM lead to costly damages – address the issue and protect your car today!
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