Power Train Control Module

Anyone know anything about these.

The one in SWMBO's Mazda 3 has allegedly gone titsup.com, and the
dealership want the thick end of £1500 to replace it.

The car seems to drive fine, just an annoying light on the dashboard. I
have counselled her to ignore the fucking thing unless it starts to
flash and stick a bit of black tape over the light in the meantime, but
she seems unconvinced.

What say the FOAK

 

Is that "engine management" with a marketing department?

Fault-finding step 1 - read fault codes.
Fault-finding step 2 - if fault codes don't immediately make sense,
replace most expensive bit first.

Umm, it almost certainly won't have two fault indication modes - steady
for a "minor" and flashing for a "major".

She probably would rather not pay for any "hard" damage that may arise
from extended use in limp-home. Dead cat, that kind of stuff.

If it's still under warranty, throw it at the dealer and don't accept it
back until it's fixed.

If it's not under warranty, why on earth go near a dealer? Take it
somewhere competent, intelligent and half the price.

 

I guess so.

Fault code says PTCM is faulty

PTCM is faulty bit, therefore needs replacing

It's not on limp home mode, it's merely that the PTCM reckons it's got
a fault.

4 years old, but only 36k miles, sadly no warranty.

The part itself is over a grand.

 

And they believe it?

Unless these things have a track record of shitting the bed, then it's
almost certainly some kind of wiring or connection fault.

All the more reason not to replace it until you're 110% sure it's fucked,
then.

But they want £500 to swap an ECU?

 

What he says.

 

Have a look/ask at http://www.mazda3forums.co.uk/

I've found them pretty useful and I've certainly read of Mazda making
hefty contributions towards situations like yours.

Rob

 

Wot 'e said.

<digs out old SMMT data>
"93 percent of electrical problems are the result of bad or intermittent
connections. This figure is improving however, and may reach 80 percent
by 2010."[1]

[1] Analysis of elec. components returned under warranty with NFF.
10 manufacturers, 5 year sample.

(throws stuff back in tatty box)

 

You can pick up a Scantool ElmScan5 for £69.99.

http://www.espautomotive.co.uk/trolleyed/10/index.htm#ELMSCAN5PACKAGE

The free software should be enough to read the codes.
http://www.scantool.net/

You might have to search around for software which will clear the log.

http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/mazda/

Unfortunately I've lent mine to someone and I'm unlikely to get it back
anytime soon. Helped me diagnose a faulty sensor on my Dads Rover which
saved it from being scrapped ;-)