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Possible ECM failing?

Tiny
BLESSEDKID
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
My car has been nothing but problems here and there. To make it short, I recently got the engine light on and I went to a mechanic to fix things. He changed a few sensors (image attached below) that were causing issues and still, the check engine light remained on. Then, he proceeded to saying that the computer or ECM was failing and needed replacement. He has a friend who has the ECM and the necessary equipment to fix the problem but he is not reliable, as we have tried many times but he never shows up. Anyway, before I go and spend thousands of dollars trying to fix issues here and there, I wanted to consult with another mechanic and get a second opinion on whether the ECM is at fault or might be something more severe. Also, from the attached image, the red code is new. I had not seen it before changing the other sensors. Thank you!
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 8:35 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I would agree with this only if the testing below has been performed. If not then replacing the ECM sounds like a guess. Clearly we have a circuit issue as it is unlikely that all the sensors would fail at the same time plus if they have been replaced then we need to run through the rest of the testing.

Take a look at this and let's go from there.

Thanks
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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 AT 8:43 AM
Tiny
BLESSEDKID
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hey KaseKenny1,

Thank you for your response and your valuable time. Nonetheless, I have no knowledge whatsoever, when it comes to the core elements that make a car function properly. The only thing I have changed in this car myself were the tail lights and that was from watching YouTube videos.

With that being said, I have been spending crazy money since I bought the car with 167,000 miles on it, and now it has 185,000. I have replaced a lot of things and still, I am having a lot of failures, back to back. I don’t know whether to take it to a shop and let me them run another diagnostic before purchasing the ECM, or just replace the ECM to see if that changes anything. $130.00 is to perform the diagnostic and I found the ECM online (refurbished) for about $130.00 and $260.00. What do you think I should I do?
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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 AT 10:57 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I totally understand and there is no right answer. All I can do is tell you what I would do.

If it were me, I would take it to a shop that I trusted or can run through these tests just to confirm it is an ECM.

Clearly you are going to pay for them to do this but at that point you have confirmation that this is going to fix it. Think about if you just go ahead and get the ECM for $130.00 and it is not the issue then you are going to have to pay someone to look at it anyway.

The only way you come out ahead on this is if we are sure the ECM is the issue and you replace it with the cheaper one and it fixes it. However, there is risk to this just because we are not 100% sure. I am pretty sure that this is the issue but am not looking at it and only have the codes to go on. Again, this is what it appears to be since the sensors have bee replaced but it is a risk.

The only way to minimize your risk is if the ECM is able to be returned if you plug it in and it does not fix the vehicle.

Hope this helps.
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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 AT 4:52 PM
Tiny
BLESSEDKID
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you so much for your input. I wish I had a trusted mechanic to help through and help me solve it but I don't. The shop where I had the sensors changed is a pretty good one but then again, he wasn’t able to correct the issue. What I will do is contact an online mechanic to come check it and do the diagnostic, since it is cheaper that way. And from there, then move on to the next phase.

All in all, I am sensing the ECM is at fault because my car is sucking a lot of gas and my mileage has been reduced insanely. Also, when I try to clear or reset the check engine light, the car vibrates and shuts off completely. Moreover, the transmission kicks in (push back and forward, also known as recoil) after making a turn.

I happen to know a Spanish guy who works with transmission and whatnot, but he said I have to leave the car with him, so he can work on it. I don’t have any other mean of transportation to go by and I don't feel comfortable leaving my car in the shop.

The ECM I plan (maybe) to buy will be programmed using the VIN number and according to the website, it can be returned.
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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
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That is a great idea. If a mobile mechanic is available then even getting another set of eyes on it is never a bad thing.

Also the PCM supplier looks like a great idea.

Please let us know how it turns out.
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Thursday, March 4th, 2021 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
BLESSEDKID
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have an appointment set on Wednesday, so a local mechanic can check it. I have them serviced the car before. Based on his analysis yesterday, he said I had a leaking coming from the engine. He also told me that the relays might be bad and then, processed to advise me to tie the cables because it is not a good idea for them to be touching sharp metal part of the vehicle. So, we will see how things turn out and I will make sure to keep you updated.
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Friday, March 5th, 2021 AT 10:28 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Sounds great. Yes. Please let us know. I am curious on this one. Thanks for the update. We will wait to hear back. Thanks
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Friday, March 5th, 2021 AT 6:56 PM
Tiny
BLESSEDKID
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have great news. After more than two weeks of waiting, I was finally able to get the car fixed. Apparently, there was an issue with the mass air flow sensor. The mechanic put a new oxygen sensor and voilÃ, the check engine light was gone and the car has been running fine, since Monday.

Thank you for all your input and if anything else shows up, I will be more than happy to ask you for any help and tips. God bless you!
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Thursday, March 25th, 2021 AT 7:02 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
That is great news. Thanks for the update that info will surely help others. Please let us know what we can help with in the future. Thanks
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Saturday, March 27th, 2021 AT 5:56 PM

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