Jeep company has continuously improved on manufacturing of all its vehicles. To fully meet their customer’s taste and specifications in the modern era, one of the significant improvements made on its Jeep wrangler 2010 model is fixing it with a modern computer system. The powertrain control model is responsible for the overall control of the vehicle functionality to achieve optimum performance. The PCM fixed in the 2010 model performs by receiving input from various vehicle sensors, like fuel sensors and ABS brake sensors, then it relays out the exact faulty part of the engine in the form of an error code. It operates in a controlled, unique way using a special vehicle identification number VIN, which records everything in your car.
1. Random shifting
The 2010 jeep wrangler owners have reported poor shifting o gears especially when accelerating on a hilly drive. Damaged PCM has been the center of all the shifting malfunction attributed to the 2010 models. Faulty sensors that relay information to the powertrain control module stop working, hence leading to failure of the whole automatic transmission in your vehicle. Indeed, the vehicle’s whole automatic transmission failed on some occasions, and the gears got stuck. The occurrences can lead to acute safety issues.
Therefore, you can immediately take your vehicle to the nearest qualified local mechanic for a professional diagnosis to establish the exact PCM damaged sensor. It is recommended that you take your vehicle to the diagnostic center to avoid further damage to the automatic transmission system. Forcing the drive when erratic shifting occurs can lead to costly repair costs since you may need to overhaul the whole gearbox system. It could just be some faulty wiring harness to the PCM, which can be corrected quickly.
2. Failed emission test
The powertrain control model is the central processing system for all the sensors that control the vehicle oxygen and the fuel sensors. A faulty PCM cannot detect any malfunction within the spark plugs, faulty injector, and defective oxygen sensors. PCM controls the fuel to air ratio by ensuring that the correct amount of air is absorbed in the combustion chamber to burn the fuel. When there is more fuel than air, the catalytic converter fails to filter the emissions. Therefore, more carbon monoxide is released in the air from your vehicle compared to a well-serviced engine.
Releasing significantly more unburnt fuel particles in the air can cause the automatic failure of the state emission tests. Ensure you check your PCM for any malfunction before jumping to any other conclusion. Several other reasons may cause emissions; for example, vehicles’ air filters may be dirty, or even worn-out spark plugs. You must ensure that you are not past the due date for the change of your jeep wrangler. Failure to change the oil at the appropriate time will cause your oil to increase hydrocarbons, leading to poor emission outputs compared to clean oil.
3. Engine stalling
Engine stalling in jeep models is mainly caused by various faulty parts within the engine system. Over the years, jeep company has aggressively tried to improve on significant cases of their 2010 jeep wrangler cause for stalling a reported by jeep owners across the globe. One of the most significant reasons for engine stuttering is failed computer system transmission, which houses the PCM. When PCM gets damaged, no output is relayed to the significant sensors responsible for the smooth running of the engine. Faulty PCM in the jeep wrangler will automatically send incomplete and incorrect data to the inner engine control unit.
Most of the Jeeps sensors responsible for the top engine performance, like mass airflow sensor and throttle position sensor, require correct information from PCM to fully control the engine functionality. Therefore, faulty PCM will lead to engine stalling. Jeep company has also identified challenges with fuel consumption with its 2010 wrangler model. Jeep holders of this model have complained about a vacuum leak caused by uncontrolled air in the engine. When the fuel to air ratio is insufficient in the engine of the jeep, stalling will be inevitable, which occasionally happens in intervals while driving.
4. Poor engine performance
Poor engine performance is the other major problem directly linked to a faulty PCM. Like how the human body works, brains are the central processing point for the whole body; the same is the PCM in a Jeep wrangler. The damaged powertrain control model sends and controls the innermost parts of the engine, which comprise the engine control unit and the transmission control unit, with wrong induced information. Indeed, wrong input to the PCM will automatically lead to poor engine performance. For example, when PCM sends troubled code to the ECM, these errors lead to inappropriate fuel to air mix. Poor fuel to air mix in the jeeps combustion chamber leads to an increase in carbon monoxide and a decrease in fuel economy. The acceleration power reduces hence leading to poor engine performance.
5. Failed diagnostics
The diagnostic cycle in the jeeps powertrain control unit informs the overall problem arising from the vehicle. The PCM will perform the overall diagnosis on the whole of the engine and the transmission system. Indeed, if there is a PCM malfunction, it will be displayed in the car’s dashboard whereby the jeeps wrangler checks the engine lights on. Error codes will be displayed, which can be used to determine the exact internal problem issue. When the PCM is damaged, it can display error codes that do not necessarily lead to the exact engine or the faulty transmission system. Therefore, you should visit a professionally qualified mechanic with the correct code reader devices to unlock the problem. Faulty PCM in the jeep 2010 model can be updated to the latest software version and reprogrammed to avoid failed diagnostic cycles that will not unmask the real problem issue with the vehicle.
6. Failure to start
Failed engine start in the 2010 Jeep wrangler is another major problem that many reported cases, especially in Tj forums, have been attributed to the failed PCM. When the PCM fails, it sends incorrect signals to the internal signal, which eventually leads to failed starts since there is no proper coordination. When timings are not coordinated, the spark plugs responsible for ignition will malfunction, leading complete failed start.
In addition, the powertrain control model is responsible for coordinating the camshaft sensors and the crankshaft sensors by ensuring that the two are correctly positioned. Apart from damaged PCM, it is also worth noting that other factors, not necessarily a faulty PCM, can lead to a jeep’s failure to start. Ensuring that the wiring harness is done correctly and the fuel filters are not clogged is essential. Keeping regular checks on the Jeeps diagnostic procedure will ensure that the exact problem arising from the displayed code error is also attended to.
Conclusion
The powertrain control module is the general processing unit of the jeep wrangler model. It hosts the central command center via a computer system that sends the correct output of the inner engine control unit for optimum engine performance. When the PCM fails, it can lead to a total or partial vehicle breakdown. Therefore, regular checkups are always necessary, and being aware of major PCM failures symptoms in the jeep model will keep your vehicle running and performing well. Ensure you visit a qualified mechanic once one of the above symptoms shows in your vehicle. Take the necessary precautions to avoid accidents and safety issues. Visit us and we will rectify all those problems.
How do you reset a PCM on a Jeep Wrangler?
When resetting the PCM, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery and wait for about 45 seconds so that it can lose the stored charges; reconnect back the battery terminals, turn the ignition on position, and turn the headlights on and off when you turn the ignition to the off position your PCM will reset.
How do I test my PCM on a Jeep Wrangler?
You need to perform a visual inspection by ensuring that your PCM is appropriately connected to the battery fully charged to avoid some of the sensors failing. Connect your PCM to the code scanner to check for the OBD error codes to establish the faulty part.
Are there any recalls on a 2010 Jeep Wrangler?
Yes. Chrysler has recalled models of jeep wrangler manufactured between the years 2007-2010
How much does it cost to replace a PCM in a Jeep Wrangler?
It will cost a jeep wrangler holder an estimate of between USD 669-and 720 for complete replacement of PCM. These approximate costs do not include taxes and facilitation fees for your specific jeep model.
