Your auto mechanic’s diagnoses have determined that a control module is the culprit causing the issues you’ve experienced with your vehicle. You’re faced with having to purchase a Control Module. There are many options, how do you choose? To make an educated decision, you first need to know the differences. Genuine, OEM, Aftermarket, Used, Remanufactured.…
The majority of Engine Control Modules (ECMs) for vehicles from 1996-present (OBD II) are subject to programming to function properly in your vehicle. Most units before 1996 (OBD I) are referred to as plug-n-play. How do you know what services are needed and available for your vehicle? Domestic Vehicles Required ECM programming on a wide…
Why Choose a Remanufactured Control Module versus a Used Control Module? Is there a difference? You’re faced with an auto repair and your mechanic’s diagnostics reveal that the Engine Control Module (ECM) is the culprit. You’re told that the options are a used or remanufactured control module and that the price differences may be…
What to ask your mechanic before you take your vehicle in for repairs Finding a mechanic you can trust is important. Knowing your vehicle is in good hands is assuring. Even though you might not understand all the nuts and bolts of a repair job, it’s still important you have enough information to make…
What you should look for in finding a good repair shop Opting to keep your vehicle instead of getting a new one is a good way to save money. But keeping your vehicle longer, especially one that is older, means getting repairs and maintenance done. How do you make sure the shop and mechanic…
The Engine Control Module (also called the Powertrain Control Module or PCM) is often called the “brains” of the engine management system. It controls the fuel mixture, ignition timing, variable cam timing and emissions control. It oversees the operation of the fuel pump, engine cooling fan and charging system. It also interacts with the transmission…
There are many reasons your vehicle’s Check Engine Light (CEL) comes on. The Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), is a signal from the vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM) that something is wrong. It could be anything from a bad catalytic converter to a loose gas cap. At minimum, you will need to…
There are common symptoms your vehicle will exhibit when things are out of sync. Typically, there will also be one or more Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) once the vehicle has been scanned.
The key functions of the ECM are to regulate the timing of the ignition, the amount of fuel delivered to the engine and other components to meet the precise parameters that your vehicle’s engine requires to run smoothly. This is accomplished by the module constantly reading values obtained by various performance maps and using signals…