I need to replace my ECM, where is it located?

Tiny
JESGRIZZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT
  • 85,000 MILES
My car keeps reading a general misfire, and check engine light comes on. I've changed everything except the ecm which can cause this.
Tuesday, May 1st, 2012 AT 10:55 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
DJCL
  • MECHANIC
  • 767 POSTS
It is located left side engine compartment (see attached photo)
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Tuesday, May 1st, 2012 AT 11:08 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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It is highly unlikely that a new PCM will help in any way. You also can't simply replace it. The new unit has to be programmed by the dealer before it can be started.
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Tuesday, May 1st, 2012 AT 11:37 PM
Tiny
JESGRIZZ
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Maybe I have the part name wrong, cause the replacement looks nothing like it. How about the location of the ignition control module. Sorry for the confusion.
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 AT 12:50 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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I think you need to start from scratch with a compression test, fuel pressure test and spark test. Make sure there are no vacuum leaks and that the injectors are not causing this issue.

Roy
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 AT 12:52 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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Big difference. Which engine does it have?
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 AT 12:53 AM
Tiny
JESGRIZZ
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  • 7 POSTS
Did all that. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt 2.2L SFI DOHC 4cyl
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 AT 1:10 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
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It's #2 in the picture. As ASEMaster6371 stated, unless you have lost 2 cylinders entirely, it's pretty unlikely that this is your problem and you probably should be doing more testing. Simply throwing parts at it will get very expensive
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 AT 1:15 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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What were the results and how did you check the injectors?

Roy
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 AT 1:16 AM
Tiny
JESGRIZZ
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  • 7 POSTS
The problem is electrical. It starts before it reaches the coils. Not the injectors! Gas mileage sucks and acceleration also effected.
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
An ignition module is simply a switching device that operates 3 separate coils. It either works or it doesn't so if it's the problem, you will lose the effected cylinders (pair) permanently.
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 AT 8:00 PM
Tiny
JESGRIZZ
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Where about is it located. Somewhere inside the car
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 AT 8:14 PM
Tiny
JESGRIZZ
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Could it possibly be a relay?
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
DJCL
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A relay will not do that. You need to find out which cylinders are miss fireing. Then check compression spark pulse
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Thursday, May 3rd, 2012 AT 2:11 AM

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