when it's blown the ecm. starts failing naturally and the most prominent symptom of throwing ecm is no power in the key is pushed to start. so you try to start your car you're not getting kind of power. sometimes you might get some dash lights or whatever but you can get a no start.
On a newer model car the ECU/ECM controls everything ignition related AT LEAST. Timing, ignition, air. When the fuse blows, the engine control unit/module loses power and is unable to control the ignition process, the throttle (drive by wire) shuts and fuel ceases to be commanded to move. No spark is commanded to fire.
The ECU constant power supply is protected by a 7.5A fuse located on D1 on the ECU, not shown in the images. The 7.5A fuse should be unplugged to reset the ECU. Always check the fuse properly by using a test light or a multimeter.
If the ECM fuse keeps blowing, then there is a definite electrical short. Most of the time the short is in the ECM, but it may have a short in the wiring going to it. I usually isolate it by going through the wiring schematic and disconnecting areas of the circuit until I find the short.
The ECM manages the ignition and the fuel system. The engine wont run with out it.
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.
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.
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 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.
The engine control module does what its name suggests: It controls the engine. If the ECM has died completely, you won't be able to start your car. Your engine could cut while you're driving, as well, if the ECU malfunctions. Once you've coasted to a stop, you won't be able to get your automobile started again.
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.
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.
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.
VOLTS AND AMPS
In effect, the ECM controls charging amperage by commanding the alternator's internal voltage regulator to increase or decrease charging voltage.
Corrosion and moisture:
Corrosion or damage due to moisture is one of the main reasons for ECM failure. Corrosion can enter the ECM through the wiring harness and moisture can enter by a failure in the seals in the ECM itself. This happens over a period of time (5 to 10 years) due to the ECMs exposure to the elements.
The power distribution center, or fuse block, located under the hood houses most or all of the vehicle's fuses and relays. It contains a relay for the ECM that is powered up when the ignition key is turned to the on position. This ECM power relay acts as a switch that supplies power to the ECM.
The first, and easiest, way to repair an ECM is if there's a problem with the power supply. Oftentimes, these can be repaired by a skilled mechanic or electrician, by rectifying any shorts or bad connections. However, most ECM problems are a result of a bug in the software itself. This isn't common.
Can a car run without an ECU? While a modern car may be drivable with a faulty or defective ECU, it will be impossible to drive one without an ECU at all. For instance, as a car's ECU will control the car's electronic fuel injection system, the engine won't be able to run if it's missing this component.