Q: Pcm ecu car won't start

asked by on October 10, 2016

Replaced pcm and the car started and worked just fine for about a week, came home and parked the car, the next day the car wouldn't start. Called a mechanic he said the coil ignition wasn't reading from the computer. I called the place I got the pcm from they said it was my ecu, replaced my ecu now my car still will not start. The batteries fine the started good. I don't have much money to get it towed somewhere.

My car has 155000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Check Engine Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Assuming the ECM is still working enough to report problems, getting any problem codes out of the system with a code reader is your best clue at this point - whether the Check Engine Light is illuminated or not.

If the engine will turn over - does it have spark at the spark plugs? If so, does spritzing starter fluid while starting get the engine to start briefly? Simply narrowing your search with codes and fuel/spark information goes a long way to getting you back on the road.

If you need help with this, I would recommend having your no start condition diagnosed by YourMechanic to inspect this problem, get an accurate assessment of damage, and a cost estimate for repairs. YourMechanic.com can dispatch a mobile, professional mechanic to your location for this repair.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Clicking sound when trying to start car
Hello! There are several reasons a new battery will become bad in a short time. A faulty alternator may not be properly charging the battery and will shorten battery life. There could also be a parasitic draw in your system...
Check engine light is on with codes P2063 and P2064
Hello. The codes you are getting are for the exhaust fluid injection system. Most of the time, this is the result of a failure in the fluid sensor. In some cases, the tank and sensor can be cleaned but most...
Oil on spark plug
There can only be two ways the oil is getting on the spark plug. The piston oil control rings are stuck or broken and letting excess oil into the cylinder. The intake valves seals for the cylinder in question are...
Thumping when brakes are applied at high speeds
Hello. This sounds like it could be a couple different issues: warped brake rotors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-rotor-disc-replacement) or worn bushings (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/stabilizer-bar-bushings-replacement) in the suspension. Remove your wheels and take a look at your rotors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-warped-rotors) to see if they have grooves. If...
Can a jumped timing chain cause an oil or coolant leak?
The damage that can be caused by a timing chain jumping on your particular car should be fairly minimal as it is a non-interference motor. It may be possible for it to cause an oil leak potentially if the chain...
what dose it mean when your Mercedes Benz R class 350 is displaying restrained system malfunction and service E. exceeded 141 days
"Service E exceeded by 141 days" indicates your vehicle is overdue for s Service E. Check with your owner's manual or dealership service department as to what is included in a Service E. Once you find out what is included...
Where is the canister purge selinoid located at?
The EVAP system is located in the rear of the vehicle near the fuel tank, which may be part of your problem in the event there is a leak in the EVAP system. Your car has a small purge valve...
Vibration in drive shaft 2011 Mercedes S550
Hi there - there is a flexible coupling in the driveshaft that connects the transmission to the driveshaft called a "flex disk" or "guibo". This disk is essentially a rubber and fiber donut that flexes as it transmits power, and...
My battery saver active message came up on my car does this mean I need a battery or no?
Hi there. On a Hybrid vehicle, The Battery Saver Active message can appear on your driver information center (DIC) from time to time. In most cases, when the DIC displays this alert, that means that your battery has a low...

Related articles

P0069 OBD-II Trouble Code: Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Correlation
P0069 P0069 Code Definition Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Correlation What the P0069 code means What this code means is that the Powertrain Control Module is detecting contradictory readings from the manifold absolute pressure sensor and the barometric pressure sensor. What...
P3443 OBD-11 Trouble Code: Cylinder 6 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Circuit Low
What What the P3443 code means This code indicates that there is a problem with your intake valve on cylinder number 6. Your vehicle’s control module recognizes that the measured values from the throttle position (TP) sensor, the manifold absolute...
P0253 OBD-II Trouble Code: Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "A" Low (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
P0253 means the fuel control actuator and the fuel metering sensor are not communicating well due to a faulty actuator, or a circuit issue.