Determine the Symptoms of Bad ECM in Your Volkswagen by San Rafael Mechanic

Determine the Symptoms of Bad ECM in Your Volkswagen by San Rafael Mechanic For the smooth operation of the vehicle, you have to understand its computer systems. Due to the lack of knowledge, you unable to maintain the vehicle and adjust the timing belt, or setting fuel-to-air ratio. So, to control such functions now the modern cars as Volkswagen have:   

Powertrain control module(PCM) Engine control module(ECM) Transmission control module(TCM)

In general, the ECM is commonly responsible for making constant adjustments to the engine. Its primary function is to manage the fuel-to-air ratio and engine timing as well as share data with the PCM and TCM for controlling the anti-lock brakes, shifting, and traction control systems.

For performing the whole task, the ECM is completely dependent on the information from dozens of sensors. The following points define the signs of a bad engine control unit in your Volkswagen.

Reduced fuel mileage Due to the reduced fuel mileage, the engine timing and air-to-fuel ratio are affecting Volkswagen's performance. Over time, this problem is slowly leading to severe engine problems. Over the course of a few years, the gas mileage of the vehicle slips downwards.

When it happens, you have to consult with a mechanic as soon as possible. If you notice the mileage reduced over the course of a couple of weeks, then make sure that the ECM or the sensors are the real culprits.

Rough shifting The rough shifting is a common problem that is caused due to the loss of acceleration, but many times it may happen when the ECM is sending the wrong data to the TCM. In this situation, you will notice that the TCM is unable to get the right information for shifting the gears at appropriate times.

As a result, the shifting in your Volkswagen can feel rough and clunky as well as occurs at inappropriate times and make the engine rev up or bog down. When it happens, consult with a reputed mechanic to fix it immediately.

Activated check engine light

Thus, the activated check engine light on the dashboard will catch all sorts of problems in the Volkswagen such as the failed oxygen sensor or bad tire pressure sensor. But sometimes, it will clearly be indicating the problems with the ECM. So, when the check engine light is illuminated on the dashboard of your Volkswagen then consult with a professional mechanic to check the error code for determining the issues. If you found the problem along with other symptoms, then check the ECM as soon as possible.

Loss of acceleration In general, the ECM of Volkswagen is running with the TCM to make proper adjustments for acceleration. Generally, the TCM is handling the shifting and ECM is adjusting the throttle accordingly that may lead to effortless and smooth shifting of the engine except for an automatic transmission.

If the ECM of your vehicle is not adjusting the throttle properly, then the shifting of your car may feel jerky. In these circumstances, if you are driving your vehicle for the first time, then you have to learn to work a stick shift.

Engine stutters Commonly, the rich fuel-to-air ratio in the Volkswagen makes the engine to misfire and cause stuttering when it fails to ignite periodically. On the other hand, it will also cause improper adjustment of the engine timing.

Subsequently, the improper air-to-fuel ratio also indicates the failed ECM of Volkswagen. It commonly happens when the vehicle is idling and the engine is running relatively slow as well as doesn't have a lot of momentum to keep it running. So, when your vehicle is stalling in an idle condition, inspect it by a mechanic before the problem gets worse.

Starting issues When you are starting the Volkswagen, the engine is never finicky about the fuel-to-air ratio. If the ECM of the vehicle is setting the ratio incorrectly, then you will experience starting problems for the long run. Due to the ECM problems, you will notice other issues in the car such as hiccups during startup or turn the key several times to get the engine to turn over.

Conclusion When the ECM of Volkswagen is failed, then don’t need to panic about it. Many times, the causes behind the problem are an affordable sensor or a faulty wire. For preventing the issues, you have to perform the proper diagnosis for determining the causes behind the failure. If you

are living in San Rafael, then consult with a reputed Volkswagen mechanic to make the fixing process quick and painless.