Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some basic questions customers ask us frequently, as well as acronyms and terms used in the Automotive Electronics industry. If you don’t see your question listed below, please call us and talk to one of our friendly and knowledgable technicians who will answer any of your questions to the best of their ability. We look forward to serving you!

A Body Control Module (BCM) is a computer component in an automobile that checks, regulates and operates electronic devices throughout the car. When electric devices first began being used in cars and trucks, each device was governed by a separate electric component. There was a module for the air-conditioning, a module for the interior lighting, a module for the door locks, and so forth. A body control module gathers all these separate modules under one system so that they function together instead of separately, a format easier to both manufacture and troubleshoot.

An Engine Control Module (ECM), also known as Power-train Control Module (PCM), or Engine Control Unit (ECU) is a type of electronic control unit that determines the amount of fuel, ignition timing and other parameters an internal combustion engine needs to keep running. It does this by reading values from multidimensional performance maps (so called LUTs), using input values (e.g. engine speed) calculated from signals coming from sensor devices monitoring the engine. Before ECU’s, air/fuel mixture, ignition timing, and idle mechanical and pneumatic sensors and actuators directly controlled speed.

A Transmission Control Module (TCM) is a device that controls modern electronic automatic transmissions. A TCU generally uses sensors from the vehicle as well as data provided by the Engine Control Unit to calculate how and when to change gears in the vehicle for optimum performance, fuel economy and shift quality.

Electronic automatic transmissions have been shifting from purely hydro-mechanical controls to electronic controls since the late 1980’s. Since then, development has been iterative and today designs exist from several stages of electronic automatic transmission control development. Transmission solenoids are a key component to these control units.

A Rebuilt Module is a used module that has been refurbished and rebuilt to a fully functional condition on the electronics, but might show signs of prior use. Rebuilt Modules are essentially repaired used modules, tested to fully function like a new module, and backed by our Rebuilt Lifetime Warranty Services for your peace of mind.

A Remanufactured Module, also known in short as a “Reman”, is a pre-manufactured module which might or might not have seen prior use in a vehicle, that has been brought to a like-new condition both physically (in appearance) and electronically (module functionality). Remans are put through our rigorous remanufacturing process that involves a thorough circuit analysis, component testing, replacement of all dated electronic components with new ones that meet current automotive operational standards, communication tests, re-programming where necessary, and refurbishment of the module shell to a like-new state. Our Remans are backed by our exceptional Lifetime-Warranty (1-year on diesel) for your peace of mind.

Each control module need is unique to the customer’s circumstances, time & budget constraints, the vehicle in question, and the extent of damage sustained or issues pertaining to the concerned module. Call us today to talk to one of our friendly and knowledgable technicians who will help you find the best solution to your specific needs. Click here to read more about the Rebuild & Return (R&R) process vs. purchasing a remanufactured module.

If you choose to get your exisiting module repaired, our typical turnaround times vary between 2 to 7 business days, depending on the damage to the module and availability of the replacement components. If you choose to buy a remanufactured module instead, our estimated time for delivery of the new module usually takes 3 business days if we have it in stock. The delivery time varies between 2 to 9 business days, for modules that are rare and not typically in stock.

Yes! We do provide an option to expedite your service, at a nominal additional cost. We can provide same day processing and overnight shipping on remanufactured modules that are in stock, while the turnaround time on repaired modules can be reduced to 3 days. Call us today to talk to one of our friendly and knowledgable technicians, and request expedited service during the purchase.