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What happens when your PCM goes bad?
A failed PCM or TCM can cause the car to get stuck in gear, which can be a serious safety issue. It can also lead to costly transmission damage.
What is a PCM on a Chevy Tahoe?
The PCM, or powertrain control module, in your Chevy truck serves as the on-board diagnostic computer for your vehicle. The PCM controls everything from air-to-fuel ratio to generating fault or trouble codes for critical vehicle systems.
What causes PCM failure?
PCMs typically fail for one of two reasons: voltage overloads (often due to a short in a solenoid or actuator circuit) or environmental factors (corrosion, thermal stress or vibration). Thermal stress and vibration can form microcracks in circuit boards (which are repairable).
Can you drive with a bad PCM?
Bad PCM shouldn’t be a cause for worry, though, and many states allow drivers to pass checks despite the engine light is on. Nonetheless, the sooner you fix it, the better your engine will perform and you can also protect other parts and systems that could get compromised.
What does the PCM control?
The powertrain control module, aka PCM, is your vehicle’s brain. It manages the engine, transmission and other systems based on information it receives from various sensors around the vehicle.
How do you reset a PCM?
Resetting the PCM on your vehicle will help to clear all codes from it after a problem is fixed.
- Open the hood of the vehicle.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Use a wrench to loosen the lock nut, and pull the cable off. This cuts the power to the PCM. Wait for five minutes.
How do I reset my Chevy PCM?
Remove the nut off the negative battery cable with a socket set or wrench. Slide the cable off of the battery and put it aside. Turn the headlight switch to the “on” position to drain the ecm of any remaining power. Wait at least 10 minutes, then turn it back to the “off” position.
Is the PCM the engine computer?
The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is the main computer in the automobile that controls all its functions. By placing control of both the transmission and engine into one unit, the PCM can better coordinate their functions for better power delivery and fuel economy.
How much does it cost to fix a PCM?
In some cars, there are multiple computers, and with other cars, there are just a few. The PCM controls more than 100 factors in your car, and for that reason, is very important – and expensive. A typical pcm replacement cost comes to between $500 and $1,500 on average.
What does the PCM do in a Chevy truck?
by Alibaster Smith. The PCM, or powertrain control module, in your Chevy truck serves as the on-board diagnostic computer for your vehicle. The PCM controls everything from air-to-fuel ratio to generating fault or trouble codes for critical vehicle systems. If your PCM fails your Chevy truck can experience a wide range of problems.
When to replace the ECM on a Chevy Tahoe?
When this happens, the check engine light stays on, your SUV may not start and it’s time to replace the ECM. When your vehicle doesn’t start, check the battery connections and charge. If the battery is good and so is the starter, the ECM for Chevy Tahoe may be corroded or shorted.
What is the code for a PCM failure?
We’ve written about several of these codes in the past, including the U0100 code, the P0603 code, the P0113 code, and the P0606 code. That said, our list is not exhaustive. Most codes beginning in “P06” involve a PCM failure, and there are some others as well.
Can a bad PCM cause a car to not start?
This can be caused by several different PCM errors, but may also be an indication of something wrong in your ECM. Regardless, this is a serious problem, since your car could potentially fail to start when you’re stranded on a country road, in an empty parking lot, or any number of undesirable locations. 3. Sudden Loss of Gas Mileage