- Also known as Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Engine Control Unit (ECU)
- Monitors sensors in the engine bay that manage fuel-air mixtures and emissions
- Installation is best left to a professional technician
Your Nissan's Engine Control Module can be considered the brainpower behind your whole engine management system. Also called the ECU (Engine Control Unit) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module), this essential component is responsible for monitoring the many sensors within your engine bay that create the energy needed for your car to operate efficiently.
This component controls the fuel mixture, manages ignition timing, oversees fuel pump operation, monitors emissions performance, and much more. In some cars, this component even manages other processes in addition to its primary tasks, including cruise control, ABS, anti-theft systems, and body control module.
The Engine Control Module can weaken or fail for many reasons, including wiring issues. Other potential causes are excessive heat and vibrations, too much or too little voltage, and general wear from age and corrosion. Complete Engine Control Module malfunctions are rare, while system problems within control modules are more common. When these internal issues are neglected for too long, you could wind up needing the entire Engine Control Module replaced.
Since the Engine Control Module manages and supports so many essential systems, detecting a faulty one can be difficult. For instance, your check engine light may illuminate — which could be triggered by many other things that have nothing to do with the control module.
Other indistinct signs of a compromised Engine Control Module include poor engine performance, engine misfires, or starting problems. The main concern when an Engine Control Module fails is that the systems it controls are usually not too far behind.
Is it possible to replace a damaged Engine Control Module on your own? We suggest leaving this job to the professionals. Not only does installation involve various complex steps, but the new Engine Control Module will have to be programmed for your vehicle's specific model and year, VIN, engine, and more. This installation process necessitates special tools, navigation, and expertise so you should not do the replacement on your own.
Installing the wrong module can lead to severe engine issues within your Nissan. Equip your ride with one that's made especially for your Nissan by shopping genuine OEM components at Nissan Parts.
This Engine Control Module, part 237109BD0A, is compatible with Nissan Frontier 2012-2012. See the What This Fits tab for more details.
ENGINE CONTROL MODULE
Fits Frontier, Xterra