- Also known as Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Engine Control Unit (ECU)
- Monitors sensors in the engine bay that manage fuel-air mixtures and emissions
- Installation is best left to a professional technician
Your Nissan's Engine Control Module is in a lot of ways the brains of your entire engine management system. Also called the ECU (Engine Control Unit) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module), this essential component is responsible for monitoring the many sensors inside your engine bay that produce the energy your car needs to operate properly.
The module controls the fuel mixture, manages both ignition timing and fuel pump operation, evaluates emissions performance, and much more. In some vehicles, the module even manages other features in addition to its main tasks, including the cruise control functions, anti-theft systems, ABS, and body control module.
An Engine Control Module can fail for a number of reasons, including short-circuiting. Other reasons may include extreme heat, excessive vibrations, too much or too little voltage, and general wear from corrosion and age over time. Full-blown Engine Control Module failures are rare, while system issues within control modules are more commonplace. And when these internal problems are overlooked for too long, you might need to get a full Engine Control Module replacement.
Because engine control modules support and maintain so many systems, pinpointing a failing one can be tricky. For example, the check engine light on your dashboard could become illuminated— which could be the result of other components that have no relation to the control module.
Other obscure signs of a failing Engine Control Module include poor engine performance, engine misfires, or your Nissan may not start at all. The main concern when an Engine Control Module stops working is that the systems and sensors it maintains are often not too far behind.
Are you able to replace a faulty Engine Control Module yourself? We recommend leaving this repair to the professionals. Not only does installation consist of several challenging steps. but the module will have to be programmed for your vehicle's specific year, model, engine, VIN, etc. Doing this install necessitates specific tools, a certain level of expertise, and intricate maneuvering, so it should not be done by anyone other than a professional.
Purchasing the wrong Engine Control Module can lead to severe engine problems. Make sure you get one made specifically for your vehicle by ordering OEM components at Nissan Parts & Accessories.
This Engine Control Module, part 237039HS0A, is compatible with Nissan Altima 2016-2018. See the What This Fits tab for more details.
BLANK ENGINE CONTROL MODULE
Fits Altima