Is Your 2013 Avenger or 200 Running Rough? The ECM Might Be the Culprit.
If your 2013 Dodge Avenger or Chrysler 200 is experiencing perplexing issues like random stalling, erratic shifting, a persistent check engine light, or a complete no-start condition, the root cause might lie deep within its electronic nervous system: the Engine Control Module (ECM). The ECM is the master computer responsible for managing everything from fuel injection and ignition timing to transmission shifts and emissions control. When it begins to fail, it can create a cascade of problems that are often difficult to diagnose, leading to frustrating and expensive repairs that don’t solve the core issue.
Don’t let a faulty computer keep your vehicle sidelined. This replacement Engine Control Module is the definitive solution, engineered to restore your vehicle’s performance and reliability. What sets this module apart is our proprietary programming service. We flash the unit with your vehicle’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and current mileage before it ever leaves our facility. This means it arrives at your door ready for a true plug-and-play installation, completely bypassing the need for a costly trip to the dealership for programming.
From the Diagnostic Bay
We once had a 2013 Avenger in the shop that was driving its owner crazy. The car would stall intermittently at stoplights and had a check engine light for an oxygen sensor circuit. The owner had already replaced both O2 sensors twice, the spark plugs, and the ignition coils, but the problem persisted. After hooking up our advanced scanner, we noticed the live data stream from the ECM was erratic. The voltage readings for the O2 sensor heaters were fluctuating wildly, even when they shouldn’t have been. This pointed not to the sensors themselves, but to the computer controlling them. We installed one of our pre-programmed ECMs, and the car ran perfectly. It was a classic case of a failing driver circuit inside the ECM, a problem no amount of new sensors could ever fix. This highlights the importance of looking at the entire system, not just the fault codes.
Signs of a Failing 2013 Avenger ECM
A failing engine computer can manifest in numerous ways, often mimicking other component failures. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s time to consider your ECM as the potential source of the problem.
- ✔ Persistent Check Engine Light: The light stays on even after clearing codes, or new, unrelated codes appear frequently.
- ✔ Engine Performance Issues: Noticeable loss of power, poor acceleration, stumbling, or engine misfires that aren’t resolved by new plugs or coils.
- ✔ Poor Fuel Economy: A sudden and unexplained drop in your vehicle’s gas mileage can indicate the ECM is not managing the fuel mixture correctly.
- ✔ Intermittent Stalling: The engine cuts out unexpectedly while driving or idling, often without a clear pattern.
- ✔ Transmission Problems: Harsh shifting, getting stuck in gear, or other erratic automatic transmission behavior, as the ECM works in tandem with the transmission controller.
- ✔ No-Start Condition: The engine cranks but refuses to start, and you’ve already ruled out common culprits like the battery, starter, and fuel pump.
- ✔ Communication Errors: Your mechanic’s diagnostic scanner is unable to communicate with the engine computer.
The Plug-and-Play Advantage
The primary hurdle in replacing a modern vehicle’s computer is the complex programming required to sync it with the rest of the car’s electronics, especially the anti-theft immobilizer system. Our solution eliminates this entirely. By providing us with your VIN during checkout, you receive a module that is a direct, one-for-one replacement. The process is simple:
- Disconnect the Battery: This is a critical safety step to prevent electrical damage.
- Locate and Remove the Old ECM: On the 2013 Avenger/200, the ECM is typically found in the engine bay, near the firewall or inner fender.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new computer in place and carefully reconnect the wiring harnesses.
- Reconnect the Battery: Once everything is secure, reconnect the battery terminals.
- Start the Vehicle: Your car will start and run with the new computer, with all systems functioning as they should. No dealer intervention required.
Compatibility Information
This module is a direct fit for the following vehicles equipped with the 2.4L engine and 6-speed automatic transmission:
- 2013 Dodge Avenger
- 2013 Chrysler 200
It is a compatible replacement for a wide range of original part numbers, ensuring broad coverage. Please verify your part number against the list below:
Compatible Part Numbers: 04606838AB, 04606838AC, 05094956AA, 05094956AB, 05094956AC, 05094956AE, 68164368AA, 68164368AB, 68164368AC, 68164368AD, 68164368AE, 68164367, 68164366, 68164365, 68164364
Frequently Asked Questions
What information do you need to program the ECM?
We require your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the current mileage. You can provide this information during the checkout process. This ensures the computer is perfectly matched to your car’s factory settings and security system.
Is this ECM really “Plug & Play”?
Yes, absolutely. Because we pre-program the module to your specific VIN, it will not require any additional programming or key relearning procedures. Simply install it, and your vehicle is ready to go. It’s the most straightforward way to replace a failed computer.
Where is the ECM located on a 2013 Dodge Avenger?
On the 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200 with the 2.4L engine, the ECM is typically located in the engine compartment, mounted to the driver’s side inner fender well, near the strut tower.
Will this fix my check engine light?
If the check engine light and its associated fault codes are being caused by a faulty ECM, then yes, this replacement will resolve the issue. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the codes are not being caused by other failing sensors or components. This ECM will fix the problem if the computer itself is the source.
Do I need any special tools for installation?
No special tools are required. Basic hand tools, such as a socket set and ratchet, are all that’s needed to unbolt the old module and install the new one. The most important step is to disconnect the vehicle’s battery before you begin.