how do i know if i have an bad PCM

my car is stallign out I have replace the TPS, the throttle body and also the EGR valve. my car hesitates to pick up speed when I press the gas

My car has 159000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
PCM’s are usually replaced at the end of a "process of elimination". That is, with most engine management control failures, there are a whole host of common causes that are evaluated first. Once that long list of most common causes is exhausted, at that late stage (or as a final step) PCM substitution would be considered. I can all but guarantee that you do not have a failed PCM though because such failures are so rare. Indeed, statistics show that of the PCM’s returned for warranty claims, half of those returns are in fact perfectly good (no failure)!

Common causes of engine stalling and rough idle include a faulty mass airflow sensor, faulty engine coolant temperature switch/sensor (typically at cold start only), worn spark plugs, wires or defective ignition coil(s), inadequate fuel delivery or pressure (clogged fuel filter, injectors), contaminated or old gasoline, defective throttle position sensor, faulty idle air control valve, leaks in the EGR system, intake vacuum leaks, and so forth. If you request an engine stalling/rough idle diagnostic the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you promptly. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The PCM should give you a code for P0600 through P0606 indicating that the computer has a processor error. However, if the PCM is corrupt, then just like a desktop computer, there is no accessing anything and no codes are put out for the computer would have no way of sending a signal.
Shifting Problems

Erratic or random stuck shifting is one of the most severe PCM failure symptoms. A faulty sensor or PCM may lead to transmission damage. Whatever the PCM issue, you must take your vehicle for service immediately. These transmission conditions can present safety concerns or even strand you.

The most frequently reported problem is the engine failing before even hitting 100,000 miles on the odometer. The issue mainly concerns the 5.7-liter V8 Hemi powertrain and is typically the result of dropped valve seats. On average, owners have spent $5,570 to replace the entire engine with a new one.
Typically, PCMs are not rebuilt in the same way that alternators and water pumps because there are no mechanical parts that wear out. Remanufacturing a PCM generally means testing the computer, isolating and repairing any faults that may be found, then retesting the computer to make sure everything works correctly.
Modern vehicles contain several sensors, which the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) uses to control critical functions, such as fuel delivery, fuel pressure, spark timing, etc. As such, sensor problems can easily contribute to an engine misfire. Also, a problem with the PCM itself can cause a misfire.
Regardless, I would advise against lengthy PCM usage while engine off. It will drain the battery rather quickly.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I have a bad oxygen sensor, bad power steering sensor, and a bad cam shaft sensor? Should I replace any of them?
ANSWER : When you say you have three bad sensors I can only assume you have had them tested and the end result is three bad sensors. If they tested bad then they should be replaced. The power steering sensor senses the load of the steering on the engine so it can raise the idle during parking maneuvers. The O2 sensor is used for fuel control and it may effect engine power and fuel mileage. The camshaft sensor cay cause no starts, engine running problems and all three will turn on the check engine light.

The front breaks have gone out and I don’t know if the back is bad too. The carb also has several problems including bad needles a
ANSWER : You should have front and rear brakes checked for thickness to see if they are in need of replacement. You should also have an expert check the carburetor as it may have problems with dirt of debris clogging the jets. If you need help with this diagnosis, a certified then diagnose the needed repairs the carburetor needs to repair or replace it. You may have problems with dirt and debris in the carburetor clogging the jets.

Diagnostic code read o2 sensor bad, replaced o2 sensor, cleared code but engine light came back on, is it caused by bad air filter
ANSWER : Hello there. Typically jump starting a vehicle doesn’t trigger an OBD-II error code. However, one of the most common misdiagnosis issues with the P-2270 is replacing the O2 sensor before diagnosing if there are any exhaust leaks. Obviously, you’ll want to check for the exhaust leaks first, repair the damaged component, and then clear the codes before scanning the vehicle again. Sometimes the electrical harness attached to the O2 sensor is damaged or dirty which will also trigger this error code. The noise and vibration may be an indicator of a loose exhaust pipe, which may be the source of the error code staying on. If you need any help, have a technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to diagnose your Check Engine Light and make the necessary repairs.

I recently changed out a bad coil pack that had been bad for a month. Literally today it got changed and shuts down while driving
ANSWER : Hello. The bad coil wouldn’t have caused the crank sensor to fail. Crankshaft sensors are the most common failure on this engine so it should just be a coincidence. I would use a scan tool just to make sure that there is no rpm reading before replacing it though, as there are some other problems that can occur, but are not as likely. If you need help with this, consider having a technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to diagnose this problem with a scan tool and replace the crankshaft sensor if necessary.

Sluggish start. Bad starter or bad battery? Female. Don’t want to get taken by shop.
ANSWER : Hi! That "sluggish starting" (slow cranking speed) is the most common symptom when a battery is at the end of its life. The age of your car is also just about in the normal range for how long batteries last. You are correct that it is very unlikely to be a failing starter. Here’s the good news: many automotive service businesses will test a battery for free (or close to it); it’s one of the least costly things to have wrong with your vehicle; it didn’t leave you stranded. I suggest having it tested today! If you’re trying to avoid having your car in a shop, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can come service your battery at your home or office to fix this issue.

Need to know if i need a new pcm
ANSWER : Without knowing the codes received and the pinpoint test you are doing or the type of chip used I would not be able to say the PCM should be replaced with the information provided. You would not normally see more than battery voltage in any test and some tests may say battery voltage and if you read more than 12 volts would be a good reading. I would recommend doing the pinpoint test again to verify the test and codes received before replacing the PCM.

car wont start dont know if it is the starter or bad wiring, or a bad ignition?
ANSWER : Hi there. If you are working on an older OEM Impala, it’s more likely than not that the wiring is your problem. In some cases, when you try to start the vehicle and you get a single "click", it’s caused by the battery not having enough cranking amps. However, it can also be caused by a faulty ground, a bad starter or ignition relay or the starter itself. If you’re restoring the vehicle, it’s probably a good idea to by a new wiring kit and start from scratch, by also replacing the starter and ignition relay as well. Also, if you’ve recently painted the interior, check the ground connection; as some times fresh paint will cause a bad contact.

Will a bad wheel bearing damage the CV joints, or will bad CV joints damage the wheel bearing? Honda Accord lax 2006
ANSWER : Any bad part in the drive train can put additional stress on other parts. I could probably draw a line from a bad wheel bearing to a bad CV joint. Not so much the other way. However, it might seem that way because the parts have a similar life span. Once one part fails, the others may come soon after. If your car really only has 45000 miles it seems a little soon for either one to be failing unless you are living and driving in bad northern winters. If your car is making sounds in either the CV or the wheel bearings, you can have it checked out at your convenience by contacting Your Mechanic. They can send a technician to your home or office to check out your Honda and tell you what it may need.