For instance, you’ll need to accelerate more if your turbo isn’t generating enough boost because the PCM isn’t telling it to. If everything isn’t working correctly, it’s not surprising that your fuel economy will suffer as a result. However, unless you’re taking your vehicle for an emission test, you probably won’t notice anything different. When it’s not working the way it should, performance suffers, and you’ll likely have an increase in emissions.

When everything is working correctly, your PCM minimizes your vehicle’s emissions by optimizing performance. Related: 5 Causes of a Car Engine That Cranks But Won’t Start 4. If your vehicle is having problems starting and it’s related to the PCM, it’s a pretty serious problem that you need to have looked at before you total your engine. At the very least, it might be hard to start, especially in colder conditions. If your PCM problems get bad enough, you might not be able to get your vehicle started. Related: 8 Causes Why Your Car Won’t Accelerate 3. However, if just a single part of your PCM isn’t working correctly, you may only have poor performance under certain conditions, like idling or accelerating. The more screwed up your PCM is, the more likely you’ll have multiple issues leading to poor performance. Your PCM controls performance, so it makes sense that if it’s not responding correctly, performance will suffer. Check the trouble codes with an OBD2 scanner 2. If your vehicle has a check engine light, rule out every other possible cause before jumping to the PCM. Just keep in mind that the problem is more likely with the sensor, wiring, or just about anything else. The light could be for anything related to the powertrain. The first sign that your PCM is having issues is likely going to be a check engine light.

Here is a more detailed list of the signs of a bad or failing powertrain control module to look for: 1. Before you jump straight to the PCM, though, rule out any other potential causes. While it’s not common for a PCM to break, it does happen from time to time. Poor fuel economy and increased emissions are also quite common. You may also notice problems with the transmission, like shifting issues. The most common symptoms of a bad PCM are poor engine performance and a check engine light on your dashboard. What is the difference between an ECM and a PCM? Symptoms Of A Bad Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

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