4 Signs That Your ECM Needs To Be Tested For Creeping Failures

The engine control module is arguably one of the most important components in your automobile. It works in tandem with multiple parts in your engine to offer better performance, greater fuel efficiency and better control for your automobiles. When it comes to heavy duty commercial vehicles, ECMs take on greater importance because they can significantly reduce fuel costs and help you get more value for money from them.

On the off-chance that your automobiles break down completely, it can significantly raise operational costs, introduce huge time lags and replacements cost about $1500 a piece. So, it’s understandable that you should be a little concerned if you see signs that your ECM is failing. These are subtle signs that everyone running a fleet of commercial vehicles should know of, because buying new ECMs is time-consuming and possibly expensive. Some signs that you should get your ECM checked out and repaired include:

1. The Check Engine Light is On

A lot of people just ignore their engine light even though it’s been on for days at a time. They keep putting it off until such a time comes when their construction vehicles don’t start or guzzle far more diesel than usual—by then it’s usually too late. Check engine lights might indicate a failing ECM and it’s definitely worthwhile to get your car checked out as soon as possible if it comes on.

2. Your Vehicles take More Diesel

Caterpillar in general prides itself on the fuel efficiency of its vehicles—they even have a chart that compares their trucks to other manufacturers. This happens because their ECMs are highly tuned to ensure that you need the least amount of oil to get the most amount of work done. If you feel that your trucks aren’t giving you the same mileage, it’s possible that the ECM’s acting up and not distributing the fuel efficiently.

3. Performance Problems

The ECM controls the distribution of power across the various parts of the car. It determines how fast the axles should spin, how to divert torque across the four wheels and manages other important car mechanisms. If you feel that your trucks aren’t generating enough power or aren’t accelerating as quickly, this might be indicative of an ECM failure.

4. The Vehicle Doesn’t Start

This is definitely a sign that your ECM’s failed—since it’s responsible for sending signals throughout the truck that make it start and work. If your engine light’s been on for a very long time and there were problems with the truck before and you hadn’t checked them out—then the ECM might need repairs.

CATECM specializes in CATECM replacements and repairs. Our technicians have years of experience troubleshooting ECM problems in Caterpillar vehicles, offering services throughout the United States. Get in touch with us today for more information on our services, which include truck ECM replacements, marine ECM repairs, ECM remanufacturing and more.