Dealer says ECM needs replaced
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Maysville Kentucky
Dealer says ECM needs replaced
I recently took my 06 Corvette to our local GM dealership of an oil change. My car has almost 26,000 miles on it, it's in presteen condition and runs perfect. A week ago the "check engine" light appeared on the dash (the same time the "change oil" display appeared). My assumption was the check engine light was associated with the needed oil change. The service department manager calls and informs me my car needs a ECM ($500). I realize the car is 11 years old, but at 26,000 miles I wouldn't dream of having to start replacing practically brand new parts! Should I get a second opinion? Is the ECM a known issue with this model? Shouldn't the car run bad if the ECM needs replaced?
I appreciate any recommendations or advice!
I appreciate any recommendations or advice!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 9,813
Likes: 628
From: Texas
It's certainly not common. If your car runs fine other than having the light on I would be extremely suspicious of the diagnosis.
You can stop by a local auto parts store and ask them to pull the codes. That would be my next step.
You can stop by a local auto parts store and ask them to pull the codes. That would be my next step.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 7,252
Likes: 1,546
From: Florida
I'd try a backup diagnosis. Dealers are basically geared up to do very quick diagnostics and operate on a R&R basis. If it turned out that didn't fix the problem, the dealer would rediagnose and quickly conclude another part needs to be replaced.
It could be a frayed wire, but they're not geared to search for problems like that.
It could be a frayed wire, but they're not geared to search for problems like that.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,493
Likes: 809
From: West coast CA
I recently took my 06 Corvette to our local GM dealership of an oil change. My car has almost 26,000 miles on it, it's in presteen condition and runs perfect. A week ago the "check engine" light appeared on the dash (the same time the "change oil" display appeared). My assumption was the check engine light was associated with the needed oil change. The service department manager calls and informs me my car needs a ECM ($500). I realize the car is 11 years old, but at 26,000 miles I wouldn't dream of having to start replacing practically brand new parts! Should I get a second opinion? Is the ECM a known issue with this model? Shouldn't the car run bad if the ECM needs replaced?
I appreciate any recommendations or advice!
I appreciate any recommendations or advice!
Presumably the Check Engine light is still on. Take your car to the auto parts store and borrow a scan tool. Read the code(s) and report back.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 783
Likes: 224
From: Chilliwack BC Canada
I recently took my 06 Corvette to our local GM dealership of an oil change. My car has almost 26,000 miles on it, it's in presteen condition and runs perfect. A week ago the "check engine" light appeared on the dash (the same time the "change oil" display appeared). My assumption was the check engine light was associated with the needed oil change. The service department manager calls and informs me my car needs a ECM ($500). I realize the car is 11 years old, but at 26,000 miles I wouldn't dream of having to start replacing practically brand new parts! Should I get a second opinion? Is the ECM a known issue with this model? Shouldn't the car run bad if the ECM needs replaced?
I appreciate any recommendations or advice!
I appreciate any recommendations or advice!
Invest in one of these Tech2 clones that you can buy for around $250. I bought one after reading about it on one of the forums. I used the same source that a number of us sent for one at the same time. I thought it was a worthwhile investment since there are 3 GM cars in the family fleet.
2 days after mine arrived I had a check engine light come on which I promptly scanned and cleared the code. My check engine light came on immediately after I detailed my engine compartment to get it ready for a car show. I had the air filter assembly out to clean it and it threw an erroneous code "High Intake Air Temperature" when I started the car. I cleared the code and it hasn't come back on since.
That first use was the first installment on the purchase and saved a trip to the dealer. These new cars and their complex CAN bus computerized systems have been known to have electrical gremlins. I have had 2 instances in the 6 months of ownership where the cruise control quit working. To repair it I had to disconnect the battery, let it sit for a while, hook it up again and it was fixed.
Last edited by Icecap; Aug 4, 2017 at 11:22 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 30,427
Likes: 1,609
From: Outside the Quick Stop N.J.
Invest in one of these Tech2 clones that you can buy for around $250. I bought one after reading about it on one of the forums. I used the same source that a number of us sent for one at the same time. I thought it was a worthwhile investment since there are 3 GM cars in the family fleet.
2 days after mine arrived I had a check engine light come on which I promptly scanned and cleared the code. My check engine light came on immediately after I detailed my engine compartment to get it ready for a car show. I had the air filter assembly out to clean it and it threw an erroneous code "High Intake Air Temperature" when I started the car. I cleared the code and it hasn't come back on since.
That first use was the first installment on the purchase and saved a trip to the dealer. These new cars and their complex CAN bus computerized systems have been known to have electrical gremlins. I have had 2 instances in the 6 months of ownership where the cruise control quit working. To repair it I had to disconnect the battery, let it sit for a while, hook it up again and it was fixed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 7,252
Likes: 1,546
From: Florida
The Tech II (or any scanner for that matter) is a powerful tool in the right hands. No offense to the OP, but if he is taking his car to a dealer for an oil change, he would be in way over his head with that level of scanner. He should have had the CEL code read as soon as it came on, not assumed that it was related to the OLM.
I have to
I've tried influencing some to take advantage of the "gifts" given to us in these engine management designs, but some are just not cut out that way and prefer to diagnose using more old fashioned, traditional ways.
I understand that now and I am letting go pushing diagnostic gear.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 962
Likes: 61
From: oswego ny
Would def like to know the code you have.... As im ? about the dealer.. As other's have said stop bye a auto store where they may be able to check it and tell you the code.. Then post back here...