3 Signs of a Faulty ECM

Modern cars come with engines that are controlled by an onboard computer known as an electronic control module. The ECM is one of the most important components in a car. However, an ECM can malfunction with wear and tear or lack of maintenance.

A malfunctioning ECM can drastically impact your car’s performance and become a safety hazard in certain situations. If your ECM is malfunctioning, you need to identify it as soon as possible. Here are some signs of a faulty ECM.

 



1. The Check Engine Light on the Dashboard

As the name suggests, a check engine light means something is wrong with your engine. It could also be any other fault, but one of the earliest signs that your ECM is malfunctioning is the appearance of this light.

If your car has a check engine light, make sure to get the ECM examined by a professional.

2. A Drop in the Performance

When your car’s ECM malfunctions, you’ll notice a significant drop in your car’s performance. It might have trouble starting or may not accelerate properly. The mileage may also reduce, the gear shifting may not be as smooth anymore, and more.

This is because the ECM controls these functions, like the fuel injection into the combustion chamber, air-to-fuel ratio, ignition sparking, etc.

3. Drained Battery

If your car’s battery gets drained frequently, this could also be a sign of a faulty ECM. Modern cars only shut off when the ECM sends signals to the car’s sleep module. In case the ECM is faulty and doesn’t send the right signal, some electronic systems in your car may continue functioning despite you turning the ignition off. This drains your car’s battery.

Battery drain can lead to your car taking several attempts before starting. It may also not start at all if the battery is drained completely. You can also check if your battery is weak by checking the intensity and consistency of your car’s headlights.

 


If your ECM is malfunctioning, you should immediately get it repaired or replaced. In case you’re looking for an ECM expert, CATECM can help you.

They are a trusted ECM repair and reprogramming service provider and offer ECM repairs at affordable costs. They also have remanufactured ECMs if you want to replace your old ECM. Their products and services come with a one-year warranty.

Reach out to them now for more details.

 

 

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