How much does it cost to replace the engine control module?

If you have a professional replace your car's ECM, you can usually expect to pay somewhere between $800 and $1,500 to get the job done.

Is it worth replacing ECM?

Ultimately, it doesn't matter to your car whether or not you repair or replace your existing ECM, all that matters is that it works.

What are the symptoms of a failing engine control module?

If your engine is misfiring, stalling, or experiencing other performance issues, it may be a sign of a faulty engine control module. Given that the ECM is responsible for making adjustments to your engine, your vehicle may experience drastic changes in fuel efficiency, power, and acceleration.

Can you fix an engine control module?

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.

Can you drive with a failing ECM?

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 to Replace a Bad Computer in Your Car

Can you replace an ECM yourself?

The parts themselves aren't inexpensive (as long as you're buying them from us!), plus high quality aftermarket and OEM ECMs can be easily installed yourself.

How long do engine control modules last?

The ECM will usually last the lifetime of the car, though it can go bad. In fact, the computer can fail as early as 75,000 miles, and around 125,000 miles is the most common range for ECM replacement.

How much does a ECM cost?

The cost for the new ECM will typically be around $800, with labor around $100, bringing the average total expense for an ECM replacement to approximately $900 before taxes and fees. This can increase depending on the shop you go to or the type of car you, running as high as $2,000.

How do you fix an ECM failure?

To be sure it is an issue with the computer and not something else, you can try replacing the cam sensor first. If it still persists, you can try wiping the ECM connectors clean. If after that the problem does not go away, it means your ECM is about to fail and needs to be replaced.

How much does a new ECU cost?

ECU repairs can be very expensive. The part alone can cost between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Fortunately, an ECU can be repaired or reprogrammed in many cases—thus preventing the need to actually replace an ECU.

How do I install a new ECM?

What does the engine control module do?

An engine control unit (ECU), also commonly called an engine control module (ECM), is a type of electronic control unit that controls a series of actuators on an internal combustion engine to ensure optimal engine performance.

How do you know if your car computer is bad?

What causes bad engine control module?

Because ECMs are electrical systems, they're subject to short-circuits, power surges, and other failures that plague electronics. 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.

Can a bad ECM drain the battery?

Battery drain or dead battery

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.

Can a ECM be tested?

The first thing to do is test the ECM to see if it returns any error codes indicating a failure of a specific engine system. For example, if you are experiencing misfiring, then a diagnostics test of the ECM should return an error code showing a problem with one of the cylinders.

How much does it cost to replace a computer in a car?

Your vehicle's computer or engine control module is one of its most important components and helps ensure your engine functions properly. Because of its importance, you can expect a car computer replacement to cost somewhere between $900 and $1300, depending on vehicle make and model.

Does disconnecting the battery reset the ECU?

A. It depends on the car's age and type of ECU used. On some older cars, disconnecting the battery will reset the system but in most new cars it does nothing, except potentially reset the clock and radio station presets.

Will disconnecting battery reset engine light?

Leaving the battery disconnected for about 15 minutes will ensure the vehicle systems will completely reset when you reconnect the battery. Secure the negative cable back to the terminal and cover it with the cap (if applicable). Disconnecting the battery will clear the error codes and reset the check engine light.

Why would a car's computer need to be reprogrammed?

Flashing or reprogramming a car's computer is one way to keep the vehicle's engine control modules up to date. This is commonly done on vehicles 1996 and newer to make sure the microprocessors in the power train and fuel injectors are regulating the system properly.