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title: What Are the Tell-tale Signs of a Malfunctioning ECM? Let’s Find Out

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# What Are the Tell-tale Signs of a Malfunctioning ECM? Let’s Find Out
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In this world, change is only constant; it is quite evident in space of automobile. However, businesses never deviate from their top priorities when it comes to innovation. Innovation, on the other hand, gives them a competitive edge in the market and gives customers a unique experience.

The ECM (Electronics Control Module) is one of many innovations that cars have undergone in recent years. It manages engine operations to power a vehicle’s wheel so that you can travel from one place to another.

### What Exactly Is An ECM?
![](https://i.imgur.com/GQ3vDz2.jpg)


Since a car is an interdisciplinary engineering phenomenon, you can find a great fusion of electronics, computer with mechanical engineering. In this space, the engine control module (ECM) or more commonly, engine control unit (ECU) utilizes the software and sensors to manage the engine operations.

A number of electronic parts and sensors that compute data and send it back to the engine to accomplish this.
The engine will carry out a particular task in accordance with what this data suggests. Any number of issues with the engine's performance may arise if your car has a defective engine control unit. As a result, it will make it more difficult for you to drive safely and efficiently.

Although a device's technological prowess is undeniable, failure is a possibility. In spite of this discussion, it is crucial to understand about a failure while keeping in mind the risk of an automobile engine. 

Despite the dangers, as long as there is no hesitation in learning, the ability to tackle tough situation improves. Let’s take a look of these points that highlights on the failure of an ECM.

### An Illuminating Check Engine Light at Your Car’s Dashboard
![](https://i.imgur.com/nYYviy1.jpg)


A check engine light illuminates specifically when one or more sensors are faulty. Identification of such issues is hard without any technical assistance, since you cannot inspect them with the naked eyes.

However, there are tools available for car scanning and diagnostics at a number of service centres of Service My Car. In the case of illuminating check engine lights, you can come and avail this specialized service under the supervision of an expert. 

Scanning produces some specific codes to indicate the specific problem with the car, such as the ECM malfunctioning.

### Improper Performance of Your Car’s Engine
![](https://i.imgur.com/aaxCyRo.jpg)


As stated above, a car needs the mutual operations of various devices to synchronize its operations. The ECM sends the data to the transmission unit to enable proper and smooth acceleration along with your car’s engine RPMs.
However, an interruption in data transmission eventually leads to incorrect acceleration. This could happen while you're driving if the ECM breaks down.

As a result, shifting can be jerky and clumsy or occur at the wrong times, which make the engine rev or bog down.
The engine can also be the source of issues because it generally malfunctions when the proper air-to-fuel ratio is not present.

### Increased Fuel Efficiency
![](https://i.imgur.com/JQZ324k.jpg)


With a malfunctioning ECM, you can expect an engine to work properly while it ends up burning more fuel and reportedly high fuel efficiency.

If you dig deep enough, it is quite simple to understand that if a sensor fails to manage the air to fuel mixture as per the engine timing, fuel economy will suffer.

However, a car’s fuel economy tends to be increase over the time when engine starts to age. If there is any sudden deviation, you can opt for a quick inspection at a reliable service centre.

### Engine Misfires with Intermittent Stuttering
![](https://i.imgur.com/a5KWaDb.jpg)


Your engine may misfire if the fuel-to-air ratio is too rich, while a lean ratio may cause it to stutter when it intermittently fails to ignite.

It might be due to improper engine timing when the engine fails to deliver as per expectation. In both cases, ECM is the main culprit. However, such an issue requires proper attention as engine problems tend to be a costly affair in the end.
 
Nevertheless, you always reserve the right to visit a reliable service centre such as Service My Car for a car engine repair.

### The Starting Failure of Your Car
![](https://i.imgur.com/QG6VbBP.jpg)


In some of the worst case scenarios, an ECM issue results in a car not starting. An engine may receive an abrupt warning to shut off due to a false indication and stops running.

This occurs after the engine control unit completely malfunctions and stops working altogether. After that, the engine will no longer have a computer system to regulate and direct its operation. 

The engine may still turn over, but it won't start because the computer isn't providing it with the crucial data it needs to function. Though, ECMs are not always the only reason for difficulties starting your car.

### Do These Signs Conclude a Complete ECM Failure?
![](https://i.imgur.com/Ot1togQ.jpg)


Not all of these ECM failure symptoms indicate a need for concern. A cheap sensor or a broken wire is frequently to blame for the issue. Making a thorough diagnosis is the only way to be certain. You can also avail such an additional service during your car maintenance to skip late hassle.If you need any type of car service & repair, service my car provides you free pickup and delivery at the nearest [bmw service bolton](https://servicemycar.com/uk/bmw-service-bolton) center.

Here, the most important thing to take care of is finding a worthy car service provider. Service My Car has established itself as a worthy alternative for your needs relating to car repair. Visit our website or app for any queries.