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How to keep Engine Control Module (ECM) Cooler (self.asklemmy)

submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by Extrasvhx9he to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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Hope this is okay to post here but I noticed some problems coming from what I assume is the ECM of my car overheating, speed gauge going crazy, engine stalling/shutting down but acting normal after a few minutes to cool down and weirder part no error codes. So I looked under the hood and noticed it only relies on a heatsink and the position is close to the engine itself (about 1 foot away), nothing connected to the radiator and I doubt any good airflow is getting to it. Pair that with the 113°F weather I'm experiencing everyday, I can see why it'll overheat and shutdown to protect itself. I never opened one before so I'm a bit worried about doing that but I'm sure there's some kind of thermal interface that can be changed. Doubt that will address the main issue though, so I'm also thinking heat shield and if i can fit it even a PC fan. I'm open to suggestions on other ideas though

So TLDR: I'm wondering if you guys have any ideas on how to improve the temperature of the ECM located near an engine in scorching desert heat?

Edit: Thinking the issue might be a faulty TCM instead (kind of a pain with no error codes) still will improve the thermals of the ECM since its kinda a shit design. The duct and heat shield might be a better long term idea so thank you all who helped.

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[–] safesyrup@lemmy.hogru.ch 5 points 1 month ago

I think a heat shield is a very good start and better airflow would definetly improve things. Watercooling an ECU seems very exessive and overcomplicated however.

[–] interdimensionalmeme@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 month ago

It's probably your BCM But also you really should have included your make and model...

[–] etchinghillside@reddthat.com 3 points 1 month ago

I have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about – but I might check if some harness extension with the same pinout exists and if it could be relocated to the interior.

Throwing a smaller 12v fan or some kind of ducting to direct air across the heatsink would certainly be the cheapest/easiest first pass solution.

[–] Brkdncr@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago

Not normal, probably not related to heat. These are tested to run in hotter temps.

You probably have a bad ground or the ecm has components that have gone bad.

[–] KeenSnappersDontCome@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

I would start with a heat shield and see if that helps. I Had a similar issue where my AC evaporator is 6 inches from an exhaust header. I added a heat shield on the evaporator housing and it helped with AC temp.