The Engine Control Module (ECM) is the brains of the vehicle. The ECM is responsible to receive and transmit signals to all sensors in the vehicle. This module also monitors the diagnostic system of the vehicle (Check Engine). When the ECM is defective, the automobile can behave erratically and sometimes the engine will not start. The location of the ECM depends in the make and model of the vehicle. In most of the vehicles the ECM is found in the engine compartment, in other vehicles, the ECM is mounted under the driver or passenger’s seat. The ECM is the control module that manages engine performance and diagnostics system.

Currently when a customer has a failure in the ECM the only option is to replace it with a new ECM from the manufacturer which costs between $500-$1,500 dollars or find a similar ECM which in most cases needs to be re-programmed or configured according to the vehicles characteristics. Also, the replacement ECM will not give the option to locate the problem that has affected your vehicle and the replacement ECM will get damaged again.

The following factors affect the electronic controllers negatively and are vital for their performance:

• Engine ignition
• Inactive Sensors
• No injectors
• Operational Solenoids

Can be impacted by:

• Environment
• Location of the ECM in the engine
• Lack of engine wiring maintenance
• Engine wash
• High voltage/current peaks

In our research, we have observed that many ECMs after 3 to 5 years of use, present problems due to the internal components damage from normal wear and usage, these components need to be replaced and a preventive maintenance needs to be done on the electronic board. This maintenance prevents future failures and keep optimal ECM performance.