Symptoms of a faulty engine control unit
The Engine Control Unit (ECM) plays a vital role in all modern cars, acting as a computer that manages the drivability and performance of the engine. A small fault in this part can cause serious engine problems.
The ECM takes information from various sensors and uses this data to calculate and fine-tune the engine's fuel and spark to ensure maximum power and efficiency. Here are a few signs that a faulty or poorly functioning ECM can affect your vehicle's performance.
Engine "misfires" or shuts down suddenly
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Engine won't start. Photo: Naija Car News |
Abnormal engine performance is a sign of a faulty ECM. This part of your car’s “computer” can cause your engine to experience minor problems like misfiring or suddenly shutting down. These symptoms often come and go without a clear frequency, but they can become more severe over time and can eventually cause an electronic system failure.
Car won't start
Another symptom of a faulty ECM is a car that is difficult to start or will not start at all. When the engine control unit is completely damaged, the car will not be able to operate or start. Although the engine may turn over, it will not start without the “computer”. A number of other problems can also cause the car to not start; therefore, it is best to take the car to a garage to check and determine the actual problem.
Check Engine Light is On
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Check engine light comes on. |
This light usually comes on when the ECM detects a problem with any of its circuits or sensors. In some cases, the check engine light may still be on; to determine the cause, a technician will have to plug in a computer and run a diagnostic scan.
Engine performance issues
Most performance issues can be traced back to the ECM. When this component fails, the engine can lose its fuel and timing settings, which negatively impacts vehicle performance. A faulty ECM can cause a loss of power, poor acceleration, poor acceleration, engine misfires, and stalling.
More fuel efficient
When the engine control unit has a problem, the car will malfunction and consume more fuel. This happens because the engine does not know how to regulate the right amount of fuel for combustion. In this case, the car owner will have to pay more money or fill up more gas/oil at the gas station.
