The ignition control module is responsible for controlling the frequency and amount of spark getting to the engine. When it goes that, you'll notice check engine light illuminating, engine running rough, engine stalling, and in some scenarios, your vehicle won't start.
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In any combustion system, four important inputs must exist for proper engine function: fuel, exhaust, compression, and spark.
The park must be provided with the right amount at the right frequency to ensure complete engine combustion. Failing to provide this spark can result in many consequences, and some of them might be leaving you without a working vehicle.
To prevent dealing with such situations, it is important for you as a driver to keep an eye and ear for any symptoms of a bad ignition control module which is the main module responsible for monitoring and maintaining the spark.
This article provides you with what you need to know about the ignition control module, along with some of the common symptoms of a bad ignition control module. We will also provide you with a rough estimate about How much it will cost you to replace this module.
What is the ignition control module, and what does it do?
To put it simply, the ignition control module or the ICM is a simple switch in the vehicle responsible for turning the ignition system on and off.
Within the ICM, a small sensor is responsible for firing the ignition coil, resulting in enough energy to trigger the spark plug and ignite the air-fuel mixture. This process must happen with a certain frequency and at the right time. Failing to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders at the right time will affect the vehicle's overall performance.
Over time of use, the ignition control module can go bad due to plenty of reasons. Whatever the reason is, as a driver, you must take care of the problem and replace the faulty components in the ICM immediately to prevent major damages to your engine and also prevent burning your life at risk of accidents, especially when the engine doesn't provide the required energy at the right time.
In some solution areas, countervailing emission control can leave you stranded without a working vehicle because it will not reduce the engine's performance, but all will stop it completely. You will notice that the engine only cranks but does not start, which is a big problem, especially if you drive in areas without any help nearby.
What are the symptoms of a bad ignition control module?
The good news is that when the ignition control module starts to fail, your vehicle will tell you by showing some of the common symptoms of a bad ignition control module.
Let's take a closer look below at some of these symptoms:
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Check engine light illuminating
As you might already know, the check engine light is triggered whenever something is wrong within the vehicle. Since the check engine light illuminates for various reasons, it can be hard to tell whether it's coming from a bad ignition control module.
That's why it's recommended that once you see a check engine light illuminating is to take your vehicle to the nearest repair shop and have a mechanic confirm the main culprit. If you have an OBD 2 scanner, you can simply plug it into your vehicle and scan any errors to give you hints about what's the real culprit.
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Engine running rough
As we indicated before, the ignition control module is responsible for controlling the frequency of ignition spark, which is directly linked to the combustion process. If the vehicle fails to provide the right ignition at the right time, you will be dealing with what's referred to as incomplete combustion.
Incomplete combustion can easily lead to the engine running rough and engine misfiring. Again, these two additional symptoms can also be related to other problems in your vehicle. The best course of action is to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle to confirm the main problem.
Another clearer symptom that can be easily linked to a bad ignition control module is when the vehicle drives OK at lower speeds but does not accelerate.
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Engine stalling
Engine stalling basically means that the vehicle cuts at lower speeds did solve the air-fuel mixture. This problem can be directly linked to a bad ignition control module because once it doesn't provide the right spark at the right time, the vehicle will not be able to burn the air-fuel mixture, and therefore, you will be left off with some unburnt fuel. As a result, the air-fuel mixture can get disturbed, causing engine stalling in some scenarios.
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Difficulty starting
As a rule of thumb, any combustion vehicle requires four main inputs to start and drive properly: exhaust, compression, spark, and fuel. When the ignition control module fails, it will mess up with one of the main inputs, and therefore, you can easily deal with vehicles not starting or at least have difficulty starting.
A completely failed ignition control module can simply prevent your vehicle from starting, which is a critical problem that no one would like to deal with, especially if you're driving in colder environments with little help nearby.
How much does it cost to replace an ignition control module?
Luckily, replacing the ignition control module is not a big deal and is not one of those expensive repairs. It usually costs between $50 in $250, which is not too bad. However, you have to be careful about where you're getting the job done because labor costs can be a major component. In most scenarios, labor cost ranges between $70.00 and $90.00.
While we recommend that you shop for the best and probably the lowest offer for replacing your ignition control module, we also advise you to be careful about the repair shop and ensure that you're dealing with experienced mechanics. Otherwise, you could introduce major problems to the engine, costing you thousands of dollars down the road.
If you're planning to replace your vehicle's ignition control module by yourself, you also need to make sure that you have the required level of mechanical skill sets, allowing you to do the job properly without introducing any other problems. Keep in mind that most experts say that most DIYs do not work the first time, and therefore, there's a high chance that you might fail to replace the part properly.
Can I drive with a bad ignition control module?
With all the consequences that might happen due to a bad ignition control module, it is never a good idea to keep driving your vehicle with a bad ignition control module.
In some scenarios, you won't even have a choice because your vehicle will not even start here at first; whenever you're dealing with symptoms of a bad control module, you must take your vehicle to the nearest repair shop and have it inspected and repaired.
Engine stalling, misfiring, and running rough are very complicated situations that can be very dangerous, especially if you're driving on the highway. Thus, to prevent putting your life in the passenger's life at risk, never continue driving a vehicle with a bad control module.
How to fix a bad ignition control module?
Luckily, the ignition control module is one of those easy to access components in your vehicle that you can replace easily. You don't have to take apart any other components to get to the ignition control module, and thus, the problem should not take time and effort to get resolved.
As we indicated before, most symptoms of a bad ignition control module can be linked to other problems. Therefore, before attempting to replace the ignition control module, we recommend performing a thorough diagnostics to ensure that the problem comes from this module, not from something else.
To diagnose a bad ignition control module, you can simply use an OBD 2 scanner that reads the errors in your computer and translates them into messages you can read. These messages usually display some error codes, and you can simply Google what this error code means to get a better idea. If you don't have an OBD 2 scanner, you can definitely reach out to your professional mechanic and have him perform the inspection for you.
Once you perform the diagnostics, the next step for you is to replace the faulty component. Of course, you need to revisit your vehicles and confirm the type of ignition control module to avoid purchasing the wrong part.
How to locate the ignition control module?
The location of the ignition control module differs from vehicle to vehicle. The best thing to do is to look through your vehicle’s owner’s manual to get a better idea.
Another thing you can do is to search through the internet for videos or pictures for similar vehicles. There are plenty of tutorials out there focused on certain vehicles and you shouldn’t have any problem finding something corresponding to your car.
Is it worth replacing my vehicle's ignition control module?
As we indicated before, the ignition control module is not super expensive, and, in most scenarios, it's definitely worth fixing it. However, if your vehicle suffers from other major problems, you need to step back and evaluate the situation.
So good the first step is to calculate the total repair costs. Sum up anything that needs to be repaired. For example, if you need to replace the thermostat, the ignition control module, etc. Also, consider adding up any maintenance costs like changing oil, rotating tires, etc.
Once you have a total repair cost, the next step is to compare it to your vehicle's overall value. If you notice that your vehicle's required repair costs are getting close to 75% of your vehicle's value, it is never recommended to continue fixing this car, and instead, you should sell it.
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Conclusion
The ignition control module is one of the most sensitive components in your engine block. It is responsible for monitoring cans ensuring that the spark happens simultaneously with the right frequency. Without the right frequency, your combustion system will not work properly, and you might end up dealing with difficulty starting if not engine misfire.
As a driver, you must keep an eye on any symptom of a bad ignition control module. These symptoms include engine stalling, engine misfiring, engine running rough, and difficulty starting. Keep in mind that most of these symptoms can be linked to other faulty components, and therefore, your best course of action is to inspect the vehicle and perform thorough diagnostics to confirm the real culprit.
As we always say, you must evaluate the situation and see when repair costs are worth it. If you notice that repair costs are piling up and you can't afford them, it might be worth selling your car to Cash Cars Buyer instead. Once you sell the car, you can use the money towards a better vehicle that doesn't have any problems with the ignition control module.
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