Look for These Signs for Engine Control Module Failure in Your Porsche
by schearerswpadmin January 25, 2021The engine control module is basically a computer that controls the engine in your Porsche. This includes letting your engine know how much fuel to use, how much power to generate, when to turn on, etc. As it controls many essential functions that make your vehicle drivable, it is one of the most important components of your vehicle and is crucial for your car’s continued proper functioning.
The Engine Control Module (ECM) is especially important in newer vehicles, as many of the car’s essential drivability functions are completely controlled by it. If your engine control unit is having problems, it can cause major malfunctions in your Porsche, and can even make it so your automobile is completely unable to drive.
So obviously, a malfunctioning engine control module is a big problem. So how do you know when yours isn’t working the way it should be? Pay attention to the following symptoms to see if your car’s engine control module is working as intended.
Check Engine Light is On
If your check engine light is on, it could be the result of a malfunctioning engine control unit. Usually, the check engine light turning on is a result of your engine control unit sensing that something isn’t working properly within your engine. However, it can also be from a broken or malfunctioning engine control unit itself. If your check engine light is on, you should be on alert looking for other symptoms and take it to a mechanic to be checked out at your earliest convenience.
Remember, your check engine light can be a symptom of many different automotive repair issues, so pay attention to other symptoms to narrow down what might be wrong.
Stalling or Misfiring Engine
If your Porsche’s engine is stalling or misfiring, it could be because your engine control module isn’t functioning as intended. This could take the form of your engine not starting properly, stalling out while you’re driving, misfiring, or any other erratic engine behavior. Pay attention to how your engine feels and sounds, as this is one of the most common signs of an engine control module that needs to be fixed.
Poor Performance
If your car’s engine isn’t performing well, it could be because your engine control module needs repair. This can take the form of poor acceleration, low fuel economy, or any other engine performance issues. This is because if the engine control module is throwing off the fuel settings or timing of your engine, causing it to perform poorly as compared to how it would perform with a working computer. This is a hard thing to notice sometimes, so pay close attention to your car’s performance, especially if you notice your check engine light on.
No-Start Condition
If your Porsche simply won’t start, this could also very well be a problem with your engine control module. This could take the form of a car that won’t start at all or in less serious cases a car that has a lot of difficulties starting up.
Without important input from your ECM, your Porsche’s engine will not run. In this situation, you won’t be able to drive it. If your car is having trouble starting or won’t start at all, it goes without saying it needs to be looked at.
Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc.: Your Porsche Experts
The engine control module is one of if not the most crucial components of your vehicle and is a huge part of what makes your 
car drive. If it is malfunctioning or broken, it is absolutely imperative it be replaced as soon as possible. Without it, you won’t be able to drive your car at all, or at the very least, driving your car will become extremely unsafe.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, bring your car to a mechanic that can help you repair or replace your engine control module as soon as possible. If you live in or around Allentown, Bethlehem, and Macungie, PA, bring your Porsche to us at Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. We’ll inspect your Porsche, diagnose the problem, repair or replace your engine control module, and have you back on the road quickly. So if you think your engine control module is having problems, call us today. We look forward to earning your patronage.