Many people, including professionals, get confused by all the acronyms
used in automobile mechanics. A PCM or powertrain control module is
different from an ECM or engine or electronic control module, even
though most people believe the two are the same. Most modern or newer
models only have a PCM,
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ECM
Some of older
automobile models had two computers, the ECM and the TCM. The ECM
controlled the engine function, but the transmission was controlled by a
different computer system called the transmission control module, or
TCM.
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The ECM was also used with vehicles that operated with a manual
transmission because there was no need for a computer to operate the
transmission functions.
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PCM
The PCM is the main computer in the automobile that controls all the
functions of the vehicle. Everything from the vehicle's timing to the
proper flow of fuel into the fuel injection system is under the control
of the PCM. Along with the engine functions, the PCM controls the
functions of the automatic transmission, such as automatic shifting when
vehicle is accelerated or downshifting when the vehicle slows down. The
PCM does not have as much control of a manual transmission.
Repairs
Most modern day automobiles, vehicles built after 1996, contain
computer systems like the PCM, and it is a very reliable engine
component. When the PCM does fail,
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it can easily exceed $1,000 for replacement, depending on the type of
automobile. ECMs do not cost as much because they only found in older
models and their function is limited. If a problem is occurring in the
automobile, it probably is not the PCM or ECM. A bad battery, fuel
filter, bad injectors or burnt ignition coils can be the culprit rather
than damage to the PCM or ECM. Once the PCM or ECM is damaged, it must
be replaced.
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Failure Signs
The automobile will operate differently when the ECM or PCM has failed.
Some of the first systems of failure are that the engine will cough,
choke or stall, because the PCM is not regulating the fuel mixture going
into the fuel injectors. Since the ignition spark and crankshaft
position are controlled by the PCM, the vehicle will not start if the
computer is not working to control these functions. Almost every warning
light on the instrument panel will begin to turn off and on randomly.
The computer's monitor systems, such as the ABS and Check Engine
warnings, alert the operator. When the PCM or ECM fails, the system is
not getting the correct information and this causes all the warning
lights to flicker on and off.