Last updated on April 8th, 2022 at 01:58 pm
the intricacy of today’s vehicles, including Nissan vehicles, makes them rely on the ECM to manage their various features. Such features include the capability to adjust the gear ratio and air-to-fuel proportion while in motion. While older model vehicles relied on a mechanic to manage all of these features, current cars use computers, which improve performance, efficiency, and safety.
However, the use of engine control modules comes with their disadvantages. Their failures can lead to mechanical breakdowns, such as hose burst, bolt strip, and gasket failure. They may also cause electrical faults, which can make an experienced mechanic lose his cool.
The ECM (engine control module), TCM (transmission control module), and PCM (powertrain control module) are the primary computers of a car. They work together, and if one fails, it can feed incorrect data to the other, which leads to additional issues down the line.
This article will be focusing on how to choose the best ECM for your Nissan vehicle. Different manufactures have different requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to select the ideal ECM computer for your Nissan car.
How much does it cost to reprogram a Nissan ECM?
Why should you reprogram your ECM? The engine is built to last, but with time, it does not work the same way it did on the first day. Some parts wear out because of friction and will not fit tightly as before.
Also, constant vibration will loosen your engine parts, which affects the performance. Such components might not be faulty to make you buy new ones, but reprogramming the ECM will help compensate its old and worn-out condition. Thus, the reprogramming will help your engine run efficiently.
Bearing that in mind, how much does it cost? Reprogramming your vehicle’s ECM depends on who does it and your location. Some dealers will charge you at least an hour as per their labor rights. Some will charge about $100 to $200 to reprogram. Therefore, you can do your research and choose the right dealer.
What are the symptoms of a bad Nissan ECM in a car?
How do I know if my car’s ECM is bad? It is amongst the many questions car owners usually ask. It can be difficult to identify a bad Nissan ECM if you do not have an OBD code scanner. However, various symptoms and warning signs can help you realize a bad ECM. They include:
Stalling or stuttering of the engine – if your car engine stalls or stutters, it can be an indication of a bad ECM. It is a frequent symptom indicating an incorrect fuel-to-air ratio due to a bad ECM. It worsens when you are idling. Nevertheless, the stuttering and stalling of the engine can also be because of a dirty air filter.
Engine shuts off for no reason – it shows that there is a bad fuel-to-air ratio. Fix this issue at the earliest since it is a grave symptom.
A sudden drop in your gas mileage – the fuel-to-air proportion is crucial since it has a direct effect on your vehicle’s fuel economy.
A costly situation is when there is too much fuel and insufficient air. A lean situation is when there is a lot of air and insufficient fuel. Such a situation can make your car to burn more fuel. See a mechanic if you experience this kind of problem.
Trouble starting your engine – a too lean or too rich situation can also lead to difficulty when starting your car engine. With time, it can get worse and might finally become challenging to start the engine altogether.
Illumination of the check engine lights – check engine light can be on due to various reasons. Nonetheless, some reasons, including a failed TCM, PCM, or ECM, are less trivial.
Can my ECM be repaired?
Yes, you can repair your faulty ECM. However, repairing a bad ECM might be tricky, especially if you are a starter. ECM is a computer and a highly developed piece of technology that needs expert knowledge to repair. Thus, you can take it to a repair center.
It requires a total detachment of the unit as well as accurate and thorough electronic work. The process is the same as repairing a smartphone or computer. The primary advantage is that it is cheaper than buying a new engine control module.
How do I replace the ECM In My Vehicle?
You will need a socket set and socket wrench to replace the engine control unit on your computer. Stepwise instructions are as follows:
- Open your engine part to access the battery and disconnect it using a socket wrench.
- Locate the engine control module ECM either underneath one of the front seats of the vehicle or in the engine cubicle. The rectangular and silver module is the ECM. In case you do not know where the ECM is, you can check on the manufacturer’s manual or ask a car dealership to locate it.
- Lift and pull away from the locking tab from the computer to detach the electric supply. This process will separate electrical power.
- Unscrew all the screws holding the engine control module using a socket wrench. Wrench your old ECM and insert the new one.
- Screw the ECM in place using the socket wrench. Make sure that the bolts are tight.
- Connect the electric wires to the plugin ECM.
- Connect your battery cables. It is advisable to tighten these cables using a socket wrench. Start your car and let it idle for about 5 minutes.
Conclusion
Nissan vehicles are known for their quality and performance. Therefore, do not allow a faulty ECM to inconvenient you while driving. The good news is ECM replacement, repair, or reprogram can help with a bad ECM to improve the vehicle’s performance. While replacing module ECM, look for a quality product since poor-quality parts can spoil other parts of your Nissan. Alternatively you can look into getting your Nissan ECM ECU repair from us at a much lower cost.
