PCM/ECM

RENEE.STURGILL03

MEMBER
2006 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
3.4L
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
117,000 MILES

The car randomly dies, but within 15 seconds will start back up. It is only been happening for about a month and it's starting to happen more frequently and becoming harder to start. I had two codes come up one for shift solenoid the other was for PCM, ECM. I was told that the PCM and ECM were two different things PCM you can replace yourself and ECM dealership had to do because of reprogram the car. With the only symptoms being randomly shutting off and my heat not blowing out hot air all the time. How do I know which to replace without costing an arm and a leg. And how much of it is the ECM should it cost to replace or how many hours of labor should it take?

2 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Pcm and ecm are pretty much the same thing the pcm has to be replaced by a mechanic due to the anti theft feature on it. Auto parts cannot do it because they are vin specific

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Tuesday, March 21st, 2017 AT 12:29 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,419 POSTS

The "usual" difference between a Powertrain Control Module and an Engine Control Module is what they control. The PCM is usually a combined unit with the ECM, TCM, and more inside it. While an ECM may only control the engine.

The Equinox has a PCM. From the factory they are programmed using your VIN number to operate all of the motion related items on the car, engine, transmission, security, ABS, charging system. They are not a plug and play item. None of the modules are any longer. Even the fuel pump requires programming of the module that controls it.

To determine what the problem really is you need to run a series of tests using a factory level scan tool. Then re-flash the PCM with any updates and see if the issue goes away. You may want to call a dealer and have them run your VIN. GM had a problem with 05 and some 06 PCMs acting this way and had a repair. Yours may be covered. If not then you still may be able to have your current PCM updated.