These days, you’d have to be living in a bubble to not be affected by computers in some way. Even our home appliances are becoming more computerized. And, vehicles certainly aren’t exempt from advancements in technology either. Let’s take a look at the computer that functions as your vehicle’s brain. It’s officially known as the Engine Control Module, or ECM for short.

What does an Engine Control Module do?

In simple terms, an ECM’s purpose is much the same as the motherboard of your personal computer. It communicates with and controls other engine parts to coordinate overall function. Without it, the engine will not work properly and will run inefficiently, if it runs at all.

How does an ECM work?

Your vehicle’s engine control module works via three main processes:

1. Monitoring – Example: The ECM continuously checks the amount of air and fuel being used in the engine through close communication with oxygen sensors.
2. Adjusting – In the example above, the ECM notifies the fuel injectors if the wrong mix is detected. This way, the problem can be rectified before causing other issues.
3. Regulating – Example: When you accelerate, the engine control module determines how much fuel is needed, which then regulates vehicle speed.

What are the symptoms of a faulty Engine Control Module?

As you can imagine, it’s important to keep the “brain” of your vehicle functioning as intended. Although it doesn’t always provide a warning when it’s about to fail, there are several clues that can indicate ECM failure. These include the following:

1. Stalling or misfiring – These are important clues because engine timing is regulated by your vehicle’s electronic control module.
2. Poor performance – When you get sick, you probably notice a decrease in overall energy. The same is true with your vehicle. When an ECM is starting to fail, you may experience loss of power, especially noticeable when you attempt to drive up inclines.
3. Decreased fuel efficiency – Remember the example above? The fuel/air mix used by the engine is regulated by the ECM. When it’s not functioning properly, this mix is incorrect, causing poor gas mileage. This costs you more money at the pump, but can also lead to engine damage.
4. Illuminated check engine light – No one likes to see this light come on. But, it serves its purpose to warn you of possible engine trouble. There are multiple factors that can trigger a check engine light, however, so be sure to have the code read by an experienced mechanic.

Can an ECM be repaired?

For many things in life, repairing versus replacing typically saves money. In the case of a faulty engine control module, however, this is usually not the case. Just like other computers, an ECM is a complicated technological device. Repair is not easy due to the numerous intricate parts inside, and most auto repair professionals opt for replacement instead.

If you notice anything unusual about how your vehicle’s engine sounds or feels, schedule an appointment for service at your local auto repair shop as soon as possible. Engine issues, such as a faulty ECM, may be expensive to repair, but ignoring them can cost even more down the road.