Can I Get A 1206 Sx Controller Repaired If Water Damaged

7 Common PCM Failure Symptoms

Non too long ago, all of our cars' systems were manual. From timing to tire pressure, you had to keep an eye on every attribute of your vehicle, and information technology was routine for mechanics to give your car a "tune-up" forth with your oil change.

Ever wonder why that isn't necessary anymore?

The reason is your motorcar's figurer system. These systems are primarily controlled by a single computer: the powertrain control module (PCM). This controls the engine control module (ECM) and the transmission control module (TCM).

While our modern, computerized vehicles are more reliable and efficient than older cars, these computers come with a disadvantage. When a computer fails, information technology can affect multiple aspects of the vehicle all at once.

Here, we'll exist looking at common PCM failure symptoms and what they hateful for your car.

Let'southward get started!

1. Your 'Check Engine' Light is On

The Check Engine light is your motorcar's grab-all calorie-free. Information technology can stand for merely about anything that isn't covered by one of your other auto'due south warning lights, then there'southward no reason to panic just because it came on.

That said, it ways that something is wrong, so it'due south a good idea to take your engine codes read to ensure that nothing serious is going on. In addition, many states won't let a car to pass an inspection if the Cheque Engine light is lit, which means y'all'll need to have it checked sooner or later regardless. Why non get it taken care of before there's an emergency?

2. Your Car Won't Start or Starts Roughly

If your auto doesn't showtime or takes several attempts to get running, this could also exist another PCM failure organization. This can be caused by several unlike PCM errors, but may also be an indication of something wrong in your ECM.

Possible causes include:

An improperly-counterbalanced fuel-to-air ratio
Improper engine timing
A short in the wiring harness

Regardless, this is a serious problem, since your car could potentially fail to start when you're stranded on a country road, in an empty parking lot, or any number of undesirable locations.

3. Sudden Loss of Gas Mileage

One office of your PCM is to work with the ECM and TCM to control your fuel-to-air ratio and make up one's mind when to shift gears. If either of these functions isn't working optimally, your gas mileage will endure.

Of course, there are other reasons for poor gas mileage besides. Check your tires to make sure they're properly inflated, and make certain your filters have all been replaced as scheduled. If these things are up to date, information technology's possible there's something wrong with your automobile's computer system.

4. You Failed Your Emissions Exam

As we've mentioned, your vehicle'due south PCM and ECM control your fuel-to-air ratio. If the mixture is likewise rich (too much fuel compared to the amount of air), the fuel won't fully combust and volition put out significantly more particles and carbon monoxide than a well-running engine.

This may cause you to fail your state'due south emissions exam. If your car does neglect, check your PCM and ECM first. Believe it or non, a failed PCM or PCM may actually be skillful news: replacing either of these systems is significantly cheaper than getting a new catalytic converter.

five. Your Engine Stutters or Stalls

Engine stuttering or stalling is a sign that there's either a serious mechanical problem or a failed computer system. In one case again, if you're experiencing these symptoms, a PCM or ECM failure is actually one of the better-case scenarios in terms of cost and ease of repair.

This can happen for any number of reasons, simply ordinarily, it's a trouble with your engine timing. While that function is direct controlled by the ECM, your PCM may also be at fault, since the ECM requires feedback from the PCM to adjust timing.

6. Erratic or Random Shifting

One of the near serious PCM failure symptoms is irregular shifting. This more often than not happens because of a faulty sensor, or considering water has damaged some of the circuits in your car'southward PCM or TCM.

If your automated manual vehicle isn't shifting ordinarily, take it to a mechanic immediately . A failed PCM or TCM can crusade the car to get stuck in gear, which tin can exist a serious prophylactic issue. It can also atomic number 82 to plush transmission harm.

vii. You're Receiving a PCM-Related Error Lawmaking

The last symptom on our list is the apprehensive error code. When your PCM experiences a problem, information technology logs an mistake lawmaking, which volition display on any connected code reader device. If this is your first sign of problem, congratulations! Yous constitute the problem earlier information technology got whatever worse.

We've written about several of these codes in the past, including the U0100 code , the P0603 code , the P0113 code , and the P0606 lawmaking . That said, our list is not exhaustive. Nearly codes beginning in "P06" involve a PCM failure, and there are some others as well. Consult your code reader'south transmission for specific information on whatsoever codes you're seeing.

8. What to Do If You Feel PCM Failure Symptoms

If you're experiencing one of these PCM failure symptoms, don't panic. The problem may not be your PCM at all. It may be a faulty sensor or a shorted wire.

To notice out more, we encourage y'all to wait at some of the PCM repair guides we've linked in the article. A good mechanic can also assist you pinpoint the source of your problems.

If it turns out that you take to replace or repair your PCM, contact u.s.a. on our website, or call united states of america at 888-848-0144. Our knowledgeable technicians specialize in PCM repair and replacement. They'll answer any questions you lot may have.