There are numerous components that can malfunction within a car. However, none are quite as maddening as discovering your engine control module has gone on the fritz. As the name suggests, this is an electrical part of a vehicle that is responsible for controlling the engine. When something is amiss, you should not hesitate to take your car to a professional mechanic to get it looked at promptly.
One issue you may discover with your ECM is that the mechanic is unable to replicate the symptoms. This is a typical issue with many automotive electrical parts. In many cases, the module will seem to work just fine, but the next moment, it is running out of juice again. This is no reason to fear. You still have many options at your disposal, and the first step to getting your module working again involves understanding precisely how it works in your car.
The Functionality of the Engine Control Module
Your ECM is essentially responsible for controlling the intersection of the necessary ingredients to make energy within the energy. These ingredients include air, fuel and a spark. This may sound simple, but in all honesty, the module has a ton of work to do in monitoring a complex network of sensors within the car to ensure all of the conditions are just right. There is a normal operating range your car has to create to attain energy. When something goes wrong, the module has to compensate to get it working properly once again.
When a problem does come up, your engine control module will emit a check engine light to let you know that something has gone wrong. The component stores a trouble code so that a mechanic can easily diagnose the issue. Newer systems tend to come with a low-cost, lightweight memory system a dealership can simply identify. This often allows the dealership to correct the programming issue and update certain specifications. This is similar to how you need to run software update or a new system on your laptop.
A recent task assigned to the engine’s computer in recent years involves how the system responds to your foot pressing down on the gas. In years past, when your foot pressed down, it was connected to a cable that aligned directly with the engine, allowing the engine to determine how much fuel to inject. The amount of fuel added was determined based on how hard you pressed down, so gently tapping and flooring the vehicle produced different responses.
Now, part of the ECM’s job is to determine the position of the throttle while it is idle. It essentially reminds itself as well as the throttle, how the engine needs to run when it is not receiving any additional gas. The goal of this is to prevent and control an uneven idle. In the event the sensors do not agree on a given position, then the computer will transmit a signal to the transmission and engine to run in Limp Mode, which prevents the driver from going up to high speeds that could quickly spiral out of control.
The Technology Found in an Engine Control Module
If you were to look inside an ECM, you would find it looks incredibly similar to that of a basic computer. You will find a microprocessor that receives, translates and reacts to various sensor inputs as quickly as they occur. It is comprised of the basic hardware you would find in a computer, such as a circuit board that is encoded with relevant software. In this instance, it is software informing the vehicle how it should run.
Many people are surprised to learn that the engine control systems are not actually designed by the vehicle manufacturer. This is one of the components the company sources and customizes elsewhere. There are only a handful of original equipment manufacturers that can design an engine control module. The reason for this is that each specific type and brand has to be fully customized to fit within the manufacturer’s specifications. Engine specs and other factors need to go into consideration.
Ultimately, an ECM is a fairly standard car part. When most people go shopping for a new vehicle, they are not going to ask the seller what kind of module is in the system. The module is already there in place. Luckily, you really do not need to concern yourself with what kind of engine control module is in the car you want to buy. Each one is basically designed to perform the same set of functions, and regardless, you would not really have a choice about what you put in your car anyway.
Repairs Needed for an Engine Control Module
When something goes wrong with the module, you may want to take it to the mechanic to get it repaired. You should not be too disheartened when you hear there is no way to replace your faulty module. Most people will find their best, and only, option is to simply install a new one. This is due to the fact that these modules are not really designed to be repaired. An average mechanic will not even have the qualifications necessary to repair such a device.
To repair an engine control module, you would need to disassemble the unit in its entirety. You would then need to perform incredibly precise electrical work. It is similar to repairing the motherboard you find in a desktop computer. Even if you do find someone who could fix it for you, you will generally be better off simply getting a new one. Replacing the unit is particularly important if it has sustained moisture or acidic damage. This will be easily visible from the exterior.
Just like any other component of your vehicle, your ECM can go wrong at a moment’s notice. While it may look like a sophisticated piece of technology, swapping it out for a new one is fairly simple. Fortunately, when you need any parts for your vehicle, your best bet will be to get in touch with the professionals at Importapart. We strive to provide our customers with the best parts and high-quality customer service.
