If the engine control module just needs to be tested, analyzed, and reprogrammed, it should cost you between $150 and $300. As with buying new, if you have someone else install your replacement remanufactured ECM, you could be looking at additional hundreds of dollars of labor costs.
You should expect to pay between $150 and $300 at a local repair shop or service center just to have the ECU inspected and tested.
The average cost for an Engine Control Module (ECM) Replacement is between $960 and $1,035. Labor costs are estimated between $76 and $96 while parts are priced between $883 and $939.
The easiest way to perform an ECU reset is by removing the fuse from the fuse box. It is a very simple process, and all you have to do is pull out the car key, remove the fuse from the fuse box, and then put it back after about 15 to 20 seconds. Doing this clears any long-term memory stored in the car's ECU.
Like desktop computers and most other electronics, disconnecting the battery cable for a short period will not fully reset your ECU due to the residual power remaining in the circuits.
One of the symptoms indicating that your ECM is not working properly is engine stalling or misfiring. Sometimes, this sign doesn't show that there's something wrong with the engine but that there's a malfunction in the engine control unit. The chances are that the engine stalling won't be consistent.
Mechanically speaking, replacing your ECM is relatively simple. However, it's an expensive part, and it needs to be paired with the correct vehicle in order to function correctly. As a result, the first step is to ensure that your ECM is in fact the problem.
Resetting your ECU is a popular myth. In reality, resetting your engine control unit (ECU) after modifying your engine isn't necessary. However, resetting your ECU can help you fix a faulty check engine light or restore your car to factory setting.
A faulty ECM can send poor data to your vehicle's transmission control module (TCM). As a result, the vehicle cannot properly shift gears or apply power, causing the shift to feel awkward, delayed, or even jarring. When this occurs, the engine may sporadically become more active or stall out.
If your car is no longer under warranty, then you'll want to take it to either the dealer or a mechanic to get it fixed. The pricing for this can vary depending on the amount of work to fix it and the parts needed. Generally, this can be between $80 and $180.
The most common source of ECM failure is in one of the wiring harnesses. If the wires to the transmission or fuel injectors become corroded, they can lose conductivity, leading to a failure. Fortunately, these issues can usually be resolved by replacing the corroded wires.
A diagnostic scanner is attached to your car's OBD II port, usually located under the steering wheel. The old programming is erased, then replaced with the latest software provided by the manufacturer. The whole process should take only about fifteen minutes.
ECM stands for Engine Control Module, and ECU is short for Engine Control Unit. These two acronyms represent the same component and are used interchangeably.
The engine control module (ECM) is the computer that manages every system on the vehicle related to emissions. When something goes wrong, the ECM will hopefully record a diagnostic trouble code and turn on the check engine light.
At least 5 minutes or quicker if you disconnect both terminals and hold them together. Make sure that nothing touches the battery terminals. But remember that when you do this the whole system resets and the car will run rough for a while until the computer relearns parameters.
Here's something you probably don't know: after clearing the car's computer you will need to drive for about 50 to 100 miles. As you drive your car the computer will monitor all the sensors and register the results.
According to carroar.com, resetting your car computer can help out the vehicle by: Allowing you to start your car engine. Getting rid of the check engine light. Fixing any unpredictable engine behavior.
Causes of a defective engine control unit
One of the main causes is a short circuit in the wiring or in components, which can cause them to burn out. This short circuit is often caused by external influences, such as the wrong start of the car.
The national cost for an engine control module replacement in 2023 is between $128 and $1155 with an average of $210.
Can you drive with a bad ECM? Yes, you can. Of course, it depends on the failure. If the internal power supply fails, the fuel injectors won't be commanded on, so no fuel will get to the engine.
Use a wrench to loosen the negative terminal bolt, and then take the negative cable and hold it aside. Keep it off of the battery for 30-60 seconds. Reattach the negative cable, and retighten it using your wrench. Reconnect the negative cable and tighten it back up with your wrench.
A failed ECM power relay can also cause a battery drain or dead battery. If the relay shorts it can leave power on to the computer, even when the vehicle is turned off. This will place a parasitic drain on the battery, which will eventually cause it to go dead.