Replacing an electronic control module

Hi, this is Bo, an auto expert on RepairPal's Car Genius team! Sorry to hear about your trouble! If your vehicle isn't starting and the ECM seems to have wiped itself, losing the VIN and all, it does sound like it could be the culprit. When the ECM fails, it can definitely cause the car not to start. As for the price, $970 might seem high because it often includes not just the part but also labor, programming, and warranty. While you might find ECMs much cheaper, installing and programming them correctly is key. The programming part is crucial and typically requires specialized equipment to ensure everything works properly with your vehicle. If you’re comfortable with some DIY, you could save money by buying the part yourself, but you’d still need someone to program it. Just make sure any ECM you buy is compatible and comes from a reliable source. If you need more advice, have other questions, or need to find a certified repair shop in your area, just let me know! Call us at 877-913-1554! We'll gladly find you a certified RepairPal shop in your area!