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The Engine Computer Isn't the Problem. What Now?

You took your car into the shop because your check engine light was on. After running the On Board Diagnostics (OBD) the auto tech advises that the problem is with your engine computer. He recommends that you purchase a replacement module to correct the problem. After replacing your old part with the new one, the same OBD code shows up.

What do you do if the engine computer is not the issue?

First of all, don't blame the auto tech. He's probably a good guy! He ran the OBD scanner and got back a legitimate code. This happens sometimes. It's not a common problem with ECM repairs, but we do see this happen on average several times a month.

If the ECM replacement doesn't correct the original problem, it's important to see if the issue is somewhere else in the automobile. Perhaps the diagnostics gave a code which made it look like the ECU was defective. This may seem like a mistake on the part of the auto tech, but it's actually good to know that the same issue came up when the replacement was inserted.

By showing the same code, you will know that the problem isn't with the computer.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind at this point:

1) If the computer had the exact same problem, take a good look at other areas of the engine and wiring, etc. It could be something elsewhere that isn't so apparent.

2) Also, ensure that the part number ordered is an exact match or a verified interchange with the part pulled from your car. The interchange will not affect the functionality of the car, and because the same code came up when you inserted the interchange it's definitely not a problem with the interchange.

What now? You're probably thinking you're stuck with the part. If you bought a part from us and there is a misdiagnosis at the repair shop, we accept returns and will issue a refund less a $75 restocking fee.

We always hope that the engine computer is the problem with your car repair so you can get back on the road faster, but in case it's not - we understand. Give us a call if you encounter this issue. We're happy to help. 

If you have any questions about Auto ECMs return policy, feel free to contact us at 800.900.0194. 

Core Returns: What is a Core Charge [?]

A “Core Charge” is very much like a deposit.

You know how there used to be bottle deposits on sodas back in the good ole days? A core charge is the same in practice.

We give you a refund on your purchase when you send us your defective electronic control module back to Auto ECMs. 

If you purchase a part such as a Ford ECM for $475.00, $100 of the cost is a Core Charge. When you receive your purchased part and send us back your used module, you will receive a refund of $100. At the end of the day, you actually paid $375.00 + tax and shipping for the part.

 

Why do we want your defective core back?

What could we possibly use it for other than as a paper-weight? Well, cores are recyclable and can be rebuilt into a functional unit and put back into service in the future. 

 

Here’s how the Core Charge works:

  • The Core Charge is built into your purchase price – usually it’s $100 but that price may vary depending upon the part you purchased from Auto ECMs.
  • When you receive the electronic control module you purchased from Auto ECMs and replace it for the one in your car - send us the part pulled from your car.
  • When your old ECM is returned to us we will refund the core deposit back to you.

When you send us back your core it should be the exact part you pulled from your car and not a substitute part from someone else’s vehicle. This ensures you will receive your core deposit back as expected.

Also, please drain all fluids from your ABS when sending it back. ABS modules are prone to leaking into the boxes when they are shipped.

 

If you have any questions about Core Charges or Auto ECMs return policy, feel free to contact us at 800.900.0194. 

Remanufacturing's Environmental Edge [Infographic]

Remanufacturing History

Every year millions of tons of automotive parts are pulled from cars and cycled back into the supply chain as remanufactured auto parts or sold off as recycled raw materials. This practice has been going on since the 1940's and onset of WWII when automotive suppliers began recycling automotive and truck parts to support the war effort. Natural resources were scarce during wartime, and many of the resources we did have in the U.S.A. were going to the war effort to build planes, ships, tanks, and so on. 

 

Advantages of Remanufacturing

The advantage of remanufacturing is best explained in the book The American Edge: Leveraging Manufacturing's Hidden Assets by Professor Robert T. Lund. Lund says that: "Remanufacturing differs from recycling also, most importantly because it makes a much greater economic contribution per unit of product than does recycling." (1)

Remanufacturing used parts has met the demand for quality replacements for defective auto parts since WWII. Reintroducing used auto parts back into the supply chain has become a global business supporting more than just the military industrial complex. Every-day garages and small shops purchase remanufactured parts from suppliers such as AutoECMs to get their customers back on the road. 

As a remanufacturer AutoECMs finds cores that will be used in the remanufacturing process and assess them as needed for their functionality. Unusable parts and raw materials are collected and transported to recycling centers which specialize in their disposal. Usable parts are remanufactured for consumers such as yourself.

 

The Life Cycle of an Auto Computer

This infographic on the Life Cycle of an Auto Computer shows the path an electronic control module takes before it gets to the consumer as a remanufactured auto part. When a car is ready to be taken off the road its usable parts are recycled either into Raw Materials or Usable Parts. Auto Computers are a highly sought after component and often pulled out of cars to be remanufactured and re-sold.

 

The benefits of remanufacturing create a win/win situation for the environment and the automotive repair industry. Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association outlines the benefits of remanufacturing in 4 key points below:

  1. Energy Conservation: Automotive and truck parts are kept out of the resmelting process longer because of remanufacturing. As a result, millions of barrels of oil or comparable forms of energy are saved.
  2. Raw Material Conservation: Remanufacturing gives a product numerous lives instead of just one, thereby saving on raw materials. Rebuilders annually save millions of tons of natural resources such as iron, aluminum, copper, by warehousing used parts and putting them back into service.
  3. Landfill Space Conservation: Landfills are spared from the dumping of of millions of tons of iron, aluminum, copper, etc., because of the monetary value the industry places on parts. The core charge AutoECMs charges ensures parts are returned to be recycled and reused.
  4. Air Pollution Reduction: Keeping parts out of the resmelting process benefits the environment by reducing the air pollution that is generated by resmelting. (2)

With an aging vehicle, electronic parts become obsolete very quickly. Remanufacturing is often the only way to provide replacement parts for older vehicles thus keeping them on the road longer than would be expected. By selling remanufactured parts, AutoECMs sustains aged vehicles and helps keep them out of landfills.

 

AutoECMs is mindful of the environment by:

  1. Providing consumers the opportunity to purchase remanufactured auto computers.
  2. Recycling the bulk of our paper products with the local waste management facilities.
  3. Re-using viable plastic and paper goods where possible in shipping.
  4. Sizing to fit product packaging to cut down on empty space used during shipping.
  5. Recycling metal components, such as brackets, not needed by the end consumer.

AutoECMs is committed to keeping a small environmental footprint where possible.

Our goal is to tread lightly on the environment while providing a sustainable solution to the automotive industry.

AutoECMs is a proud member of APRA: Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association

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See what customers are saying about AutoECM's products and services.

Read the [Testimonials] today.              

Website: www.autoecmstore.com
Phone: 800.900.0194
Email: info@autoecms.com

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References: 

1) http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/small/Qu-Sm/Remanufacturing.html

2) http://www.apra.org/remanufacturing/

 

Cost: Should I Buy a New, Used or [Reman] ECU?

You climb into your Ford Escape like you would on any ordinary day, but you notice that something is wrong... Your engine light may be on, you get a no start, or your wipers and lights are going crazy so you take your car to the nearest auto repair shop to find out what is wrong with it. 

Why is an ECU Part Number Essential?

For every vehicle an automobile manufacturer sells, there is a specific electronic control unit (ECU) that belongs to that car. The item you seek may have different part numbers within the same make/model/year. Within a particular model there can be multiple options available.