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The power control module, or PCM<\/a>, is the brain of your car. If you\u2019ve ever gotten a low oil warning, or your check engine light or traction control light have come on, your PCM is behind that warning. It monitors more than 100 functions on your car, from your automatic transmission to your O<\/span>2<\/span> sensors to your engine pressure.<\/span> By using this data, they could shift intelligently, taking into account not only the engine\u2019s RPMs, but also speed, torque, and whether or not the wheels are spinning (if the WSS data is faster than the VSS) or locking up (if the WSS is reporting speeds slower than the VSS).<\/span><\/p>\n PCMs were far more efficient than older, mechanical, flywheel-based automatic transmissions, and took over the entire market by the mid-1980s. Unless you\u2019re driving a classic car, your car has a PCM under the hood.<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s our complete guide to diagnosing a broken PCM, choosing a replacement, and getting one installed.<\/span><\/p>\n Every model of vehicle has different needs. Even different versions of the same model can have different transmission ratios, meaning that it\u2019s extremely important to make sure your PCM replacement is right for your vehicle.<\/span> The exception to this rule is the hardcore auto enthusiast who wants to tweak their car for improved performance. If you know what you\u2019re doing and you want to change your automatic transmission\u2019s gear shift pattern, there are plenty of PCMs out there that will get you more acceleration on the racetrack.<\/span><\/p>\n One thing to be aware of is your everyday shady mechanic. Some people claim to be able to reprogram your PCM for the track, at a fraction of the cost of buying a replacement. If someone tries to sell you this service, they\u2019re lying. Auto manufacturers don\u2019t want people changing their PCM settings, because badly-done tweaks could cause crashes and leave them liable for damages.<\/span><\/p>\n Factory PCMs can indeed be flashed, but only to restore them to factory settings in the event that they\u2019ve become corrected. Beyond that, if you want to change your vehicle\u2019s gear shift ratio, you\u2019ll need to buy a new PCM.<\/span><\/p>\n Many people find electric vehicle parts confusing. Brake calipers and tie rods are physical parts. You can see if they\u2019re broken, and easily observe when they\u2019re malfunctioning. How do you know if a circuit board is acting up? We\u2019ve explored <\/span>common PCM failures<\/span><\/a> before, but let\u2019s do a quick recap.<\/span><\/p>\n PCM Error Codes<\/b><\/p>\n First off, there are error codes that indicate a faulty PCM. If your state requires vehicle inspections, these may come up during that time. Otherwise, you may discover them after a trip to the mechanic. PCM error codes include:<\/span><\/p>\n Check Engine Warnings<\/b><\/p>\n In addition to these codes, you may be getting other check engine codes that return after repairs. For example, you may keep getting O<\/span>2<\/span> sensor errors, replacing your O<\/span>2<\/span> sensors, and getting the same errors again days later. If this happens, there\u2019s either something causing your sensors to fail, you\u2019re your PCM is faulty.<\/span><\/p>\n Problems With Your TCM<\/b><\/p>\n You may have <\/span>problems with your Transmission Control Module<\/span><\/a> (TCM), which is the part of the PCM that controls \u2013 surprise! \u2013 your transmission. Depending on the exact nature of the issue, this can be as mild as a sudden drop in gas mileage, or as serious as your call stalling on the road, or failing to start at all.<\/span><\/p>\n Shifting Issues<\/b><\/p>\n Abrupt or unnecessary shifting is another sign that your PCM is starting to fail. So is engine misfiring, like backfires or frequent stuttering. If any of these things start to happen, it\u2019s a good idea to take your car to a mechanic and have them check to see if your engine is setting off any of the codes we listed above.<\/span><\/p>\n Finding the Source of the Problem<\/b><\/p>\n Finally, you\u2019ll want to determine why your PCM failed in the first place. PCMs are rated to last far, far longer than any of your car\u2019s sensors, so their failure is usually caused by other issues in your car\u2019s electrical system, such as power surges. If you don\u2019t want to find yourself back in the shop three months later replacing your PCM <\/span>again<\/span><\/i>, ask your mechanic to find out why it failed to begin with.<\/span><\/p>\n According to RepairPal, the average cost of a PCM replacement can come out anywhere between $885 and $966, although dealership prices can be <\/span>as high as $1,600<\/span> in parts and labor.<\/span><\/p>\n But why go to a dealer? Would you go to your dealer for an oil change, or tire rotation? Of course not. They charge too much for car maintenance, compared to an independent mechanic. Companies like Solo Auto Electronics can replace your PCM for 50% less than your dealer, and they\u2019re not there to sell you an upgrade or tell you your flux capacitor needs readjustment.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\n<\/span>PCMs were <\/span>first used in the late 1970s<\/span><\/a> in performance cars. They were originally designed only to manage the powertrain and gear shifting. They did this by monitoring signals from the vehicle speed sensor (VSS), throttle position sensor (TPS) and wheel speed sensor (WSS).<\/span><\/p>\nWhat to Look For in a PCM Replacement<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n<\/span>If you\u2019re not sure, you can find your PCM\u2019s OEM replacement part number on the PCM itself, or in your manufacturer\u2019s catalog. For the average person, using the OEM standard replacement is recommended, since it\u2019s guaranteed to work properly with your vehicle and won\u2019t void your warranty.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.solopcms.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/engine-computer-auto-testing-mechanic-repair-replacement-unit-pcms-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/h2>\nHow to Know if You Need a PCM Replacement<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Average Costs of a PCM Replacement<\/strong><\/h2>\n