What to Look for in Engine Control Modules.
An engine control module (ECM) also known as the power train control module can be said to be the brains of an engine management system. From ignition timing to emission control the engine control manual practically controls everything the engine does. Emissions are continuously being monitored through the programming of on board diagnostics. It is also responsible for the operation of the engine cooling fun, the fuel pump and the charging system as well. In a nut shell the engine control module will oversee the a variety of functions that are needed to operate your vehicle.
Engine control modules electronic components are built to be tough but it’s possible to have some problems with it. In the event that an engine control module fails it will not set any DTCs or diagnostic trouble codes making it difficult to do some troubleshooting to determine where the problem is. Total failure of the engine control module is very rare most of the times the problem will be outside the computer.
At times a professional will successfully identify the computer to be the problem , if it is the case it will need to be changed, but changing it will require a professional to do it properly. Doing the replacement is actually done in a series of steps. Replacement of the computer is not a simple affair , it is done in a series of steps. Look at how compatible the computer is with your vehicle, it needs to be programmed for your vehicle’s year , make, model and engine just to mention but a few specifics. A remanufactured module supplier will have the information necessary so consider doing all the consultations that you have to do because this is not procedure that you can afford to get wrong.
You will need a professional programmer to work with here because programming your computer vehicle is not a typical DIY project. Engine control modules for your trucks will need you to do some serious research on them before you can go shopping. There are very many car shops that are selling the modules but you need to know that not all are genuine. If you happen to buy a truck ECU that is not genuine not only have you wasted your time but money as well.
It makes it necessary to test the ECM before you conclude the deal, make sure that everything in your vehicle is working properly before you can do the test. One of the ways to know that you are dealing with a faulty ECM is when it starts detecting problems that are not there. The other way to go about it is to Google and see that it has all features that it’s supposed to have.