Possible ECM failure?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 44
Likes: 29
From: Anna, Texas
Possible ECM failure?
Ok, I have a 2014 Corvette, Z51 package with about 87k miles. I have had absolutely zero problems. I bought it with about 20k on the clock. On Saturday, I took her out for a nice drive and while cruising, all of a sudden she starts to shudder and misfire. Then I got a "Service Axle" message so I pulled over and checked basic stuff, nothing I could see. Got her started back up and limped back home. On the way back, check engine light started flashing and more codes: "stabilitrak" more "axle service" and running like crap. Used my scan tool when I got home and immediately got a "replace Engine Control Module". Tried to start her back up, just spinning. The next morning, disconnected the battery and left it for a few mins. I reconnected and she started up but running very rough.
My question here is does that sound like it could be the ECM? If so, any idea the cost range at the Stealership? I'm going to have to get it towed so where I take it is where is will be getting fixed. Any help on things to check would be great.
My question here is does that sound like it could be the ECM? If so, any idea the cost range at the Stealership? I'm going to have to get it towed so where I take it is where is will be getting fixed. Any help on things to check would be great.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 829
Likes: 293
From: Loveland Ohio
Ok, I have a 2014 Corvette, Z51 package with about 87k miles. I have had absolutely zero problems. I bought it with about 20k on the clock. On Saturday, I took her out for a nice drive and while cruising, all of a sudden she starts to shudder and misfire. Then I got a "Service Axle" message so I pulled over and checked basic stuff, nothing I could see. Got her started back up and limped back home. On the way back, check engine light started flashing and more codes: "stabilitrak" more "axle service" and running like crap. Used my scan tool when I got home and immediately got a "replace Engine Control Module". Tried to start her back up, just spinning. The next morning, disconnected the battery and left it for a few mins. I reconnected and she started up but running very rough.
My question here is does that sound like it could be the ECM? If so, any idea the cost range at the Stealership? I'm going to have to get it towed so where I take it is where is will be getting fixed. Any help on things to check would be great.
My question here is does that sound like it could be the ECM? If so, any idea the cost range at the Stealership? I'm going to have to get it towed so where I take it is where is will be getting fixed. Any help on things to check would be great.
had the exact same thing happen to me a while back. because of the flashing check engine light, took it to the dealer (still under warranty). turned out to be a misfire and they replaced all the spark plugs and it has been fine ever since.
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,435
Likes: 3,982
From: Cape Coral, Florida
Ok, I have a 2014 Corvette, Z51 package with about 87k miles. I have had absolutely zero problems. I bought it with about 20k on the clock. On Saturday, I took her out for a nice drive and while cruising, all of a sudden she starts to shudder and misfire. Then I got a "Service Axle" message so I pulled over and checked basic stuff, nothing I could see. Got her started back up and limped back home. On the way back, check engine light started flashing and more codes: "stabilitrak" more "axle service" and running like crap. Used my scan tool when I got home and immediately got a "replace Engine Control Module". Tried to start her back up, just spinning. The next morning, disconnected the battery and left it for a few mins. I reconnected and she started up but running very rough.
My question here is does that sound like it could be the ECM? If so, any idea the cost range at the Stealership? I'm going to have to get it towed so where I take it is where is will be getting fixed. Any help on things to check would be great.
My question here is does that sound like it could be the ECM? If so, any idea the cost range at the Stealership? I'm going to have to get it towed so where I take it is where is will be getting fixed. Any help on things to check would be great.
When you have a misfire those messages will pop up...there is nothing in a scan tool that will tell you " to replace the ECM"...do you have a P0300 random misfire or cylinder specific misfire ??...a flashing MIL isa "catalytic converter damaging" misfire...a dealership should be the LAST place to take your car to and have it diagnosed...they're idiots and will only replace parts !!...if you have any mechanical ability changing plugs and wires are all I would recommend any DIY'er to do....you don't have the knowledge or equipment to continue diagnosing this.
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Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,435
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From: Cape Coral, Florida
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 1,024
From: North Texas
ECM failure, I highly doubt it. (I have seen a few, very few).
Put a GOOD scanner on the car and read the codes. It may give you a better idea of what's going on.
If not conclusive, then shoot the parts cannon at it with plugs and wires.
If that does not solve the problem, then you will need to hook up a scope.
Good luck lets us know what you found out.
Put a GOOD scanner on the car and read the codes. It may give you a better idea of what's going on.
If not conclusive, then shoot the parts cannon at it with plugs and wires.
If that does not solve the problem, then you will need to hook up a scope.
Good luck lets us know what you found out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 829
Likes: 293
From: Loveland Ohio
When you have a misfire those messages will pop up...there is nothing in a scan tool that will tell you " to replace the ECM"...do you have a P0300 random misfire or cylinder specific misfire ??...a flashing MIL isa "catalytic converter damaging" misfire...a dealership should be the LAST place to take your car to and have it diagnosed...they're idiots and will only replace parts !!...if you have any mechanical ability changing plugs and wires are all I would recommend any DIY'er to do....you don't have the knowledge or equipment to continue diagnosing this.
so, ALL dealerships have idiots working on cars? that's a pretty big brush you are painting with.
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,435
Likes: 3,982
From: Cape Coral, Florida
As “diagnosticians”….yes !!…watch the video…dealership changed 2 engines and a BUNCH of parts…still misfiring…they’re idiots and just “parts changers” as 99.99% of them…are you a dealer tech ??
Last edited by C5 Diag; Nov 11, 2025 at 10:20 AM.
Advanced
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 94
Likes: 59
From: Harrison TN
New plugs and wires all perfect now.
2016 z51 M7 had 40K miles at the time.
Hope yours is an easy fix as well.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 44
Likes: 29
From: Anna, Texas
I hope so too! Got the plugs, grabbing a flex head rachet from Harbor Freight and gonna get on it!
Advanced
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 94
Likes: 59
From: Harrison TN