FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions we have received from past customers. Contact ECM Repair 1 today to speak to one of our technicians about your vehicle issues. We strive to make sure 100% of our customers are happy with our service. We can be reached at 800-737-0915 to answer all of your questions.
What is an ECU/ECM/PCM?
An engine control unit (ECU), also known as power-train control module (PCM), or engine control module (ECM) is a type of electronic control unit that determines the amount of fuel, ignition timing and other parameters an internal combustion engine needs to keep running. It does this by reading values from multidimensional performance maps (so called LUTs), using input values (e.g. engine speed) calculated from signals coming from sensor devices monitoring the engine. Before ECU's, air/fuel mixture, ignition timing, and idle speed were directly controlled by mechanical and pneumatic sensors and actuators.
What is an BCM?
A body control module is a computer component in an automobile that checks, regulates and operates electronic devices throughout the car. When electric devices first began being used in cars and trucks, each device was governed by a separate electric component. There was a module for the air-conditioning, a module for the interior lighting, a module for the door locks, and so forth. A body control module gathers all these separate modules under one system so that they function together instead of separately, a format easier to both manufacture and troubleshoot.
What is a TCM?
A transmission control module or TCM is a device that controls modern electronic automatic transmissions. A TCU generally uses sensors from the vehicle as well as data provided by the Engine Control Unit to calculate how and when to change gears in the vehicle for optimum performance, fuel economy and shift quality.
Electronic automatic transmissions have been shifting from purely hydro mechanical controls to electronic controls since the late 1980’s. Since then, development has been iterative and today designs exist from several stages of electronic automatic transmission control development. Transmission solenoids are a key component to these control units.
Rebuild? Replace? What's the difference?
There are two levels of service we provide to our customers. The first option is to rebuild your existing control module. This involves:
Sometimes your module cannot be repaired in a way that we can warranty. If this is the case, you can purchase a remanufactured module. ECM Repair 1 will:
Do you work on my make of vehicle?
There are so many options it would be almost impossible to keep the inventory up to date on the website. But chances are, if it has wheels and electronics, we have or can get the part you need.
Even if you think yours may be hard to find, give us a call. We can work wonders!
Here is a small list of units we have worked on in the past:
Engine Computer Module for:
Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chevy, Chrysler, Cummins, Daewoo, Daihatsu, Detroit Diesel, Dodge, Duramax, Eagle, Ford, GEO, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Peugeot, Plymouth, Pontiac, Porsche, Renault, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Triumph, Volvo, VW, Winnebago, Yugo, and virtually every other vehicle!
How long does it take to repair my module?
Turnaround is always based on current workload. But we strive to get all parts through repair as quickly as possible.