Like most first-time buyers, you’re not sure how much an ECM should cost and if you should invest in a new, used or remanufactured ECM. You want a Caterpillar ECM that not only meets your engine’s needs, but also capable of harsh road conditions and extreme heat. You want one that is made to last and is not going to leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere. Which option is the best?
The answer is simple. A remanufactured Caterpillar ECM. Here is why.
Best Bang for your Buck ECM
A brand new Caterpillar ECM can be very expensive and will ruin your already shrinking budget for your truck or equipment. For example, a brand new Caterpillar C15 ECM is a little over $3,000.00! Odds are you’ve spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars replacing other components or in troubleshooting costs to determine that your ECM is the culprit. Brand new Caterpillar ECM modules are also “blank” meaning programming and calibrating costs are not included in the hefty price tag.
A remanufactured Caterpillar ECM cost 25% to 50% less than a new unit. A GoECM remanufactured ECM also includes programming and calibrating for plug and play installations and no hidden taxes or fees. What you see is what you get. We believe honesty and transparency goes a long way and want our customers to feel that they are in good hands.
Used or second-hand ECMs cost less than remanufactured ones but is it worth saving a few hundred dollars? Our answer is no.
Used Caterpillar ECM modules are exposed to the same extreme conditions that your defective control module was exposed to. The common reasons for failure lie within any used ECM. A used ECM will fail, and you’ll be forced to spend even more than just buying a remanufactured ECM in the first place. Not to say remanufactured Caterpillar ECM control modules won’t fail, however with GoECM, you’ll receive a lifetime warranty and won’t have to spend more than the initial purchase if the unexpected happens.
Caterpillar ECM Availability
A brand-new Caterpillar ECM that matches your engines specific code and calibration can be hard to find, especially if your engine is more than 10 years old. Most manufacturers stop production on new parts 6-10 years after they are manufactured. We all know, new laws and regulations are restricting engines and making them harder and more expensive to maintain. Remanufacturing older engine components keep the more powerful, less restrictive engines on the road. For example, the Caterpillar 3406E ECM module and engine is a favorite of mine. The engine can handle power of upwards 500 HP+ and the engine reliability is one of the best in it's class.
At GoECM, remanufactured Caterpillar ECMs like the 3406E are always available. ECM modules are a niche market so good remanufacturing companies will have some readily available for applications dating as far back as the early 90s. The remanufacturing process creates opportunities to get older engines that are no longer on the market, back on the road quickly and efficiently.
Remanufactured Caterpillar ECM Quality
The remanufacturing process is very similar to that of the original unit.
A quality remanufacturing process is a very complex procedure. The technical specifications and standards that must be followed are pivotal to the longevity and reliability of the control module. The process is tedious, but the components used for the remanufacturing process are just as important. A quality remanufacturer uses brand new components that will meet and exceed OEM specifications. GoECM ensures that the component can withstand the treacherous conditions of a heavy duty truck or equipment. A remanufactured Caterpillar ECM from GoECM is built on quality, reliability and safety.
Final Thoughts
We here at GoECM understand the importance of your truck and your dollar. Where should you spend your hard-earned money? Used, new or remanufactured? With a lifetime warranty on every single remanufactured exchange ECM, the choice is simple. GoECM has been leading the industry in remanufacturing engine control modules for decades. We have spent hundreds of thousands of hours researching control modules and perfecting our craft. We have engineered design improvements and developed proprietary vehicle simulators to functionally test every input and output signal on specific ECMs. A dedicated representative is standing by to assist you if you have any questions or concerns. We encourage you to just reach out and let us help you make the right decision. Thank you for reading.
