ECM failed

Tiny
HEATHERK618
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
  • 3.6L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 73,000 MILES
I was grocery shopping, went to get in my car and it would not start. Lights, windows, radio all working. The push start button allowed me to go from off to aces and then to start but the vehicle would not start. Had the vehicle towed to the the dealer. It has been there for seven days. Yesterday they called and said they did not have an update. The dealer called today and told me that the ECM is bad and the battery is dead and failure is due to a cross jump. He said that they put an ECM and battery from another Santa Fe and it started. I explained to them that the vehicle just would not start, and I did not attempt to jump as I did not think it was a battery issue as I still had power when it left on the truck. He mentioned that Hyundai said because of the failure reason they will not cover the repairs under warranty. I have an extended warranty too, they said it needed to be handled through Hyundai. I wonder why they did not even ask me if I attempted a jump? And the battery was not dead last time I was in the vehicle. Should there be some sort of evidence that it was cross jumped for them to make that assumption?
Wednesday, August 1st, 2018 AT 5:27 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com.

Wow, that is a tough one. However, I feel the burden of proof lies on them. If they are saying you crossed the jumper cables and you did not, they have to provide sufficient warrant for their accusation. Rather than speaking with the dealership, I would strongly recommend calling a representative from Hyundai. Explain that the vehicle was never jumped started, so what the dealer is saying is the cause is impossible.

Here is Hyundai's customer relations phone number. They offer a great warranty and stand behind their products, so hopefully they will help you. When you call, have your vehicle identification number (VIN) ready.

If you have questions or need help, let me know and I will try to help as much as possible.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, August 1st, 2018 AT 8:40 PM
Tiny
HEATHERK618
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks Joe! Is there a way they would be able to provide evidence to show the vehicle was cross jumped and what might that evidence be? I am not sure what I am even looking for? The service coordinator is supposed to speak with the tech and call me back.
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Thursday, August 2nd, 2018 AT 5:54 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Honestly, the only thing I can think of would be blown fuse, damaged alternator, and yes the ECM. However, that can be caused by other things too. Let me know what they tell you. If you didn't cross the cables, I would be talking directly to a company representative if the dealer refuses to help.

I will keep my eyes open for your reply.

Take care and good luck.

Joe
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Thursday, August 2nd, 2018 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
HEATHERK618
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi Joe! First, I appreciate all you help! I called Hyundai as you suggested and opened a case with them. The dealer called me a few hours later and said my vehicle would be repaired and Hyundai was covering it. I did not ask any questions, I am going to wait until the repair is complete and I pick up my vehicle and then I will ask my questions. I will update this post then. Thank you so much! I never thought to reach out to Hyundai, they were wonderful in helping me relative the issue and you were too!
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Friday, August 3rd, 2018 AT 4:24 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi Heather.

That is really good news. I felt they would step in for you and help. And, I am glad I was able to help, too. However, you did all the work, so good job.

Let me know how things work out for you when you get the car back or if you have any other questions.

Take care and have a good weekend!

Joe
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Friday, August 3rd, 2018 AT 6:21 PM
Tiny
HEATHERK618
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi Joe! Yeah sure, we now have more problems. The dealer called to today to say that now that they have replaced the battery and the ECM, because of the cross jump (Ugh, not sure why they continue to say that) the throttle body and the MAP sensor need to be replaced. Yet again. I am waiting for them to call me back about warranty coverage.
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Tuesday, August 7th, 2018 AT 1:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Welcome back. I have to be honest, I do not understand why the throttle body would need replaced or the MAP sensor. I realize you did not cross the battery, but crossing the battery should not do anything to those components.

Do not let them charge you for any of these repairs. If you question what they are doing, I would then recontact Hyundai and ask, once again, for assistance. Something does not add up with this. We will figure it out, though.

Keep in touch.

Joe
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Tuesday, August 7th, 2018 AT 6:26 PM

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