possible ECM trouble

2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU
107,000 MILES • 3.5L • V6 • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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COURTNEY DIANNE DILMORE
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I believe my ECM is going bad, but I am not sure. I have multiple things wrong with my car. So to start off my main problem is the fans do not work unless the air conditioner or defrost is on. I can also unplug the coolant temperature sensor and they will come on so we replaced it and they still will not come on without the air conditioner or defrost running. My next problem is when cranking the car it will not crank and stay running unless I pat the gas just a little bit. Sometimes my ABS and brake light will also come on when i crank it but the next time a crank it their off. Sometimes my radio will show "locked" when I crank it and I cannot adjust the volume or channel unless I switch the car off then back on. My mechanic believes it is the computer and I would just like for another opinion.
(Please excuse my rambling post I am no mechanic)
Mar 4, 2017 at 8:46 AM
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HMAC300
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what you are talking about involves a couple of computers so I doubt that is it. check battery for condition including load test most places do for free. make sure terminal ends are clean. try cleaning throttle plate on both sides with choke cleaner and IAC hole. then check fuel pressure. finally check relay for cooling fan it is under hood fuse box. See link.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit
Mar 4, 2017 at 10:07 AM
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COURTNEY DIANNE DILMORE
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Relays have been changed along with other things.
Mar 4, 2017 at 10:25 AM
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HMAC300
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well the relays may have been changed but they may be not making good contact in fuse box. try using dielectric compound grease about $2.00 in auto parts. I have seen them on counter on relay prongs. also, do the other things I have suggested in first reply.
Mar 4, 2017 at 10:32 AM
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STRAILER
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Hey COURTNEY,

Please do a load test on the battery and get back to us, here is a guide so you can test the battery yourself with no equipment.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Also check to make sure the battery cables our tight and clean.

Please let us know what happens.

Best, Ken

Mar 6, 2017 at 10:30 AM