Can an ECM go bad?
A bad ECM may lead to a vehicle that won’t or is difficult to start. If the ECM fails completely, it will leave the vehicle without engine management control, and will not start or run as a result. The engine may still crank, but it will not be able to start without the vital inputs from the computer.
How long should an ECM last?
Although the ECM power relay is meant to last the entire lifetime of your vehicle, sometimes it can still fail. If it does, it’s usually due to moisture issues or a power distribution issue. You won’t be able to leave the part as is since your vehicle needs the ECM power relay in order to run.
Can a bad ECM cause a car to not start?
Of course, there are other reasons a car may not start, including a bad starter or a blown alternator. If you’ve replaced these parts and your car won’t start, your ECM is the most likely cause. Once again, you’ll need to take your car to a mechanic to be sure.
Is it time to panic about an ECM failure?
These ECM failure symptoms don’t necessarily mean that it’s time to panic. Oftentimes, the cause of the problem is an affordable sensor or a faulty wire. The only way to know for sure is to perform a thorough diagnosis. Some of the articles we’ve linked provide helpful advice on checking for the most common problems.
Why does my ECM keep failing to ignite?
A rich fuel-to-air ratio can cause your engine to misfire, while a lean ratio can cause stuttering when it periodically fails to ignite. Similar problems can be caused directly by an improperly-adjusted engine timing. Either way, it’s possible that your ECM is causing the problem.
What are the symptoms of a bad ECM computer?
There are a few things that can tip you off that there’s a problem. Here are the four most common symptoms of a bad ECM computer: There are many reasons your Check Engine light can turn on. These range from emissions problems to faulty O2 sensors to problems with the ECM.