Underneath the hood of your car, there is a whole host of intricate and finely-calibrated modules that are designed to keep your vehicle in precise working order. An imbalance in any one of them could prove to be disastrous to the optimal functioning of your vehicle. Understanding what these modules do and how they work is key to keeping your automobile in top shape. Below are a few (of many) components that we service on a daily basis:
- ECM (Electronic Control Module): This module is known by a couple of other names including the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The key functions of the ECM are to regulate the timing of the ignition, the amount of fuel delivered to the engine and other elements that 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 generated by other devices monitoring the engine.
- BCM (Body Control Module): The Body Control Module (BCM) could be considered a central organizational module for your vehicle. It streamlines the manufacturing and troubleshooting aspects of electronic modules by housing the modules into one, central unit instead of each function having its own device. It also coordinates the operating functions of many auxiliary items such as; wipers, instrumentation lighting and gauges, speedometer, radio, security, etc.
- TCM (Transmission Control Module): The backbone of the modern transmission system, the Transmission Control Module (TCM) typically uses both data from the ECM and various vehicle sensors to determine the appropriate time to shift gears. The primary goals of the TCM is to maintain the most favorable shift points, fuel efficiency and performance.
- GEM (General Electronic Module): Found on Ford vehicles, the General Electronic Module (GEM) controls many of its functions including door chimes, remote keyless entry, four-wheel drive, battery saver, heated rear window, perimeter anti-theft and much more. It is the type of module that can be thought of as a computer that controls the electrical functions of the vehicle.
- TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module): A Chrysler part, the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is the powerhouse of the electrical system of your vehicle. It regulates everything from the ground up including the ignition, safety features and comfort elements.
- FCM (Front Control Module): The Front Control Module (FCM) is a circuit-board based module that handles all electrical input and information for Chrysler, Dodge and some Ford vehicles. It receives information from hard wired switch inputs as well as PCI bus circuit data.
At Module Experts, we have over a 110 years of combined experience in the automotive electronics industry. We offer the services you need to get back on the road quicker including the rebuild, remanufacture and repair of your car’s modules. Call us to speak with an experienced service technician today!