Car shuts off while driving, possible ECM/ PCM issue

Tiny
JIM FARKAS
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 PONTIAC VIBE
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 158,000 MILES
I recently bought the car listed above because all the reviews were great on it and I'm a doordash. I need a reliable car. The first night I was driving about 40 mph and the car just quit. No power, no click or crank when I tried to start. I kinda new it was the computer, so I removed the negative terminal from the battery and pulled out the FI fuse to reset it. It started up but ran real sluggish for a little while then was fine. My question is, there were 5 recalls on that car and the power-train control module was one of the recalls and supposedly fixed, according to Gums records. My question is, would the PCM or the engine control module (ECM) cause a cars electrical to go haywire like that? It's happened 3 more times since and I keep resetting it. I've owned the car 2 weeks now and have called everyone possible about the recall. Please help, this car runs like new when this doesn't happen.
Sunday, April 26th, 2020 AT 9:13 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

Are there any codes set in the ECM? There should be a code stored for the fault.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

All you are doing is making the ECM forget the fault when you remove the cable. It resets nothing. Once the fault happens again, then it goes into that mode.

If you do not have a scan tool, a parts store will read the code for you for free.

Roy
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Sunday, April 26th, 2020 AT 10:30 AM
Tiny
JIM FARKAS
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hi Roy, thanks for the info but the check engine light has never been on and it runs like a dream. I haven't received my code reader yet. I just bought one so I have to see if there are any. So you don't think it's the PCM or ECM?
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Monday, April 27th, 2020 AT 8:41 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
The ECM controls the function of the starter relay based on inputs. If the inputs are not correct, it will not ground the relay for starting.

You need to see what the fault is to narrow the area. I would never assume the ECM until we can prove it. It is an expensive guess.

Roy
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Monday, April 27th, 2020 AT 8:45 AM
Tiny
JIM FARKAS
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
They had 5 recalls on that cat. Mostly related to the passenger air bag but there was one on the PCM. GM told me it was replaced in 2011. The funny thing is, is it was recalled by Toyota, because they have the Corolla and Matrix motors in them! That's the main reason I bought it, when I heard that.
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Monday, April 27th, 2020 AT 8:48 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,764 POSTS
Hello,

If I can give some info. Yes computers do go bad like that and they will not give a code telling you they are bad in most cases but lets run the codes anyway. Here is how you can replace the PCM:

POWER-TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING AND SETUP

The following service procedures require either a programming or a setup event performed for a complete repair.

The power-train control module (PCM) cannot be programmed with updated software. The correct replacement PCM is already programmed. The only required setup procedure to perform after PCM replacement is to program the current vehicle identification number (VIN).

PCM Replacement
If the PCM requires replacement, refer to the following:
1. The VIN must be programmed-Refer to Service Programming System (SPS).
2. 1.8L (LV6)-Refer to Power-train Control Module (PCM) Replacement.
3. 1.8L (LNK)-Refer to Power-train Control Module (PCM) Replacement.

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find.
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Monday, April 27th, 2020 AT 11:38 AM
Tiny
JIM FARKAS
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hi guys, I tried to run the codes today, but the AutoZone guy told me there are not any because the check engine lights not on. But my question is still, would the ECM or the PCM be more likely to kill all the electrical driving down the road at 50 mph? Remember the PCM was replaced in 2011 in the recall. The ECM wasn't one of the recalls on the 5 that car had. It's running good still but it's just a matter of time again. A mechanic didn't check but thinks it's a sensor.
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Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 AT 7:40 PM
Tiny
JIM FARKAS
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
When it goes haywire and I do my batter thing, the car runs and idles very rough. It almost stalls then it like works itself out and runs great again? I've even heard it could be a bearing on the transmission.
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Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, no to the bearing. That is way out there and will not cause the car to stall and not start.

If you got your code reader, keep it with you when you are driving. When it stalls out and will not start, hook it up and check for codes.

When you pull the battery cable, you erase any codes stored and unless you have a full blown scan tool, you will not be able to read long term memory. That is why you need to check for codes when the issue happens. That will help lead me in a direction for you to find the issue.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 AT 3:56 AM
Tiny
JIM FARKAS
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Got it, Thanks!
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Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 AT 5:18 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Keep me updated so we can get to the root cause of the failure.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 AT 5:20 AM
Tiny
JIM FARKAS
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I will. There are a lot of unknowns too. I've only owned this vehicle for 2 weeks. I've noticed some interesting wiring issues left hanging too.(Like literally). There are some cut off wires that were grounded on bolts along the inside in the hatchback area. Prior owner must have had one serious stereo system! Thanks, Jim
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Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 AT 5:32 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
That should have no effect on the engine running condition.

That would effect the body control module and its functions. If there are any body function issue, the body control module would also set codes.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 AT 5:44 AM

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