If you want to maintain your car at its best, you need to understand its computer systems. The following computer systems now control functions like adjusting the timing belt or setting the fuel-to-air ratio:
- Transmission control module
- Powertrain control module
- Engine control module(ECM)
This blog will look at some of the most common signs that indicate issues in your car’s ECM and may eventually lead to its failure if neglected.
Your car’s engine light is blinking
The check engine light in your vehicle is the most critical indicator of something seriously wrong. Although the light may often only indicate a problem with the tire pressure sensor or oxygen sensor, you shouldn’t ignore it. Sometimes, it may also indicate a serious problem in your car’s ECM.
Your vehicle isn’t starting properly
If your ECM has set the fuel-to-air ratio incorrectly, you may face problems with ignition. If your car isn’t starting properly in the first go or has hiccups during ignition, it’s a telltale sign that your ECM needs reprogramming.
Your engine is misfiring or stuttering
When your car’s fuel-to-air ratio is rich, it can cause the engine to misfire. On the other hand, if the ratio is too lean, it causes the engine to stutter. Similar issues could be a result of improper adjusting of the engine timing. All such signs indicate that there might be an issue with your ECM.
A sudden fall in fuel average
Another vital sign that you shouldn’t ignore is the fuel average. One of the essential tasks of your ECM is to improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Any immediate drop in the fuel average indicates that your ECM isn’t adjusting the engine timing and fuel-to-air ratio effectively.
Loss in acceleration
Your ECM works with the transmission control module to ensure that your car’s acceleration is functioning at the optimal level. While the transmission control module takes care of the vehicle’s shifting, the ECM adjusts its throttle accordingly, resulting in an effortless and smooth shifting in your automatic vehicle.
A sudden fall in acceleration indicates that your car’s ECM is not programmed correctly and needs repairs.
If you observe any of these signs, you should immediately get your ECM upgraded and repaired. For ECM reprogramming or repairs, CAT ECM is here for you. We offer truck ECM replacement, ECM upgrades, car ECM repair, and much more.
Contact us today to learn more about our service.