One of the sophisticated pieces of technology that’s part of the many vehicles produced today is the PCM.

A single automobile may look so complicated when at work in the eyes of a regular car owner. But a lot of the mechanisms that make a vehicle run is actually based on simple principles. There are only a few complicated systems that make vehicle processes hard to understand. The more modern the vehicle is, the more complicated it becomes.

One of the sophisticated pieces of technology that’s part of the many vehicles produced today is the PCM. Like every other part of a vehicle, the PCM also has its own share of responsibilities. But what exactly is it supposed to do? How does it work? Can your vehicle work fine without it? What will happen if this breaks down? The answers to that and more are featured right here:

What is PCM?

PCM stands for powertrain control module. This edgy piece of machinery receives data from a wide range of sensors pre-installed in the vehicle. Some of these sensors include the TCM (transmission control module) and the ECM (engine control module).

The powertrain control module is able to analyze all the data that it collects from the different sensors. It makes use of the collected info to take control of the various vehicle processes. This includes the fuel injectors, the ignition system and more. It decides which the best settings are to help the vehicle perform its optimal performance. The PCM is also key to a lot of modern vehicle’s road adaptation capability.

PCM stands for powertrain control module. 

How Do PCMs Work?

Whether you own a Ford, a Toyota or a Chevy, a lot of times, the PCM is similar. In comparison, the PCM is your vehicle’s brain. It practically controls everything in your vehicle. So, just from that statement, you can tell that a bad car “brain” is definitely bad news. If there is a problem with the PCM, that means it can't properly send the necessary messages to the other systems in your vehicle. This could also equal to throwing the timing and other vital systems.

If your vehicle suffers from a PCM problem, it is bound to display serious and obvious signs. To help you identify problems with your PCM, we listed down a few common signs. If you think your vehicle is exhibiting two or more of the signs listed here, then you need some help. Philcarnews.com listed some of the signs you should look for:

1, Poor Performance

Humans don’t work as efficiently when they’re over fatigued or exhausted. When we’re ill, our brain can hardly think things through and it becomes harder to think right. This is when making wrong decisions becomes the easiest. Like we said earlier, your PCM is your vehicle’s brain. Now, your PCM may not get the flu or flatulence, but it can definitely get “sick.” If it does, it’s bound to make errors. For example, it could misinterpret the fuel and air mixture. It can even forget to send the engine the correct amount of fuel it needs.

If there is too much fuel, your engine won’t be immediately damaged. What you will observe, however, is that there will be an increase in emissions. That is equal to a noticeable drop in fuel economy. If this is left to last longer, your vehicle will emit more carbon. This can adversely affect your vehicle’s overall performance.

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The PCM may not get the flu or flatulence, but it can definitely get “sick.”

2. Shifting is Problematic

If your vehicle starts to shift even when unnecessary, it’s enough to assume that there’s a problem with the TCM or PCM. This, however, can also indicate a problem with other parts of your vehicle. This could be your transmission valve body or your vehicle is simply low on transmission fluid.

If your vehicle starts to shift even when unnecessary, probably, there’s a problem with the TCM or PCM. 

3. Backfires or Engine Misfires

If your engine misfires or backfires a lot, you need to consult a mechanic. They can use a scanner and pull out the trouble codes for you. After analyzing the codes, they may be able to tell you the problem and what needs to be done.

If your engine misfires or backfires a lot, you need to consult a mechanic. 

4. Problems with Starting

For your vehicle to run as it should, your PCM ensures that all the vehicle parts are in their correct position. Aside from that, the PCM also coordinates the timing of the ignition.

If the PCM’s timing is off, your vehicle’s spark plugs will fail to ignite at the correct opportunity. This can lead to problems related to running the vehicle. If this is your issue, your vehicle may still crank over. But then again, it still won’t be able to start.

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Your vehicle may still crank over but then again, it still won’t be able to start.

5. Increased Emissions

The bad effect of burning more fuel than normal is the increase in the vehicle’s emissions. If there is an exaggerated amount of fuel, your catalytic converter will do its best to clean all of the smoke. You will also encounter higher emissions.

This may even lead you to fail an emission test. If this is an absolute necessity from where you live, then it's a must for you to sort this out.

6. The Warning Lights Turn On

If there is more than one warning light on, this is a sure sign that you are about to be faced with a lot of repairs. That means a lot of financial allotment for labor at the mechanic’s and possibly, replacement costs.

Your vehicle may not be operating as it normally would. One thing for sure is that there are bound to be problems present in the different systems in your vehicle.

If your dashboard is starting to look like Christmas, then you better ho-ho-hop on your way to the nearest mechanic.

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PCM Possible Replacement Costs

PCM units can vary in price depending on where you bought the unit from. If you buy from a direct supplier, it’s bound to be more affordable.

But the price is usually not that far from what you’ll find in regular automotive parts stores. If you take a look at the top e-commerce shops in the Philippines, you’re bound to find an estimate as to the pricing.

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