A powertrain control module replacement costs $585 to $1,606 in 2026
A powertrain control module replacement costs $585 to $1,606 in 2026 for common cars, per RepairPal. Its national average is $1,126 to $1,196. Labor is about $110 to $162 and parts are about $1,015 to $1,034. MechanicBase says the average PCM replacement cost is anywhere between $800 and $1,500, and a reprogram often costs $75 to $150. Jerry says a car computer replacement costs $900 to $1,300, with a new computer at $850 to $1,000 and labor near $100.
Powertrain control module replacement cost by car
RepairPal lists these ranges for the most common cars. Your year and engine move the price inside each range.
| Car | Price, parts and labor |
|---|---|
| Nissan Altima | $1,517 to $1,606 |
| Honda Accord | $1,157 to $1,202 |
| Toyota Camry | $1,138 to $1,182 |
| Honda Civic | $1,075 to $1,130 |
| Ford F-150 | $937 to $1,031 |
| Honda CR-V | $981 to $1,017 |
| Toyota Corolla | $960 to $1,012 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $585 to $676 |
How common cars compare
Against the middle of the RepairPal national average, $1,161, the Nissan Altima runs about 34 percent more; the Honda Accord is about the national middle; the Toyota Camry is about the national middle; the Honda Civic runs about 5 percent less; the Ford F-150 runs about 15 percent less; the Honda CR-V runs about 14 percent less; the Toyota Corolla runs about 15 percent less; the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 runs about 46 percent less. The gap comes from where the part sits, how long it takes to reach, and the price of the part for that car.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| RepairPal | National average $1,126 to $1,196. Labor is about $110 to $162 and parts are about $1,015 to $1,034. |
| MechanicBase | MechanicBase says the average PCM replacement cost is anywhere between $800 and $1,500, and a reprogram often costs $75 to $150. |
| Jerry | Jerry says a car computer replacement costs $900 to $1,300, with a new computer at $850 to $1,000 and labor near $100. |
What pushes the quote up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Module type | New original brand modules cost much more than remanufactured ones. RepairPal shows parts at $1,015 to $1,034 for the national average. |
| Programming | A new module must be set up for your car. This needs special tools and software, and shops charge for it. |
| Anti theft setup | Many cars need the key codes matched to the new module. That adds time. |
| Root cause | A PCM often fails because of water, a short, or a bad sensor. The shop may need to fix that too, or the new one fails again. |
| Car brand | Dealers may be the only place that can program some cars. Labor runs $110 to $162 on average before programming. |
How to tell you need it
- The check engine light is on, and the car stalls, runs rough, or will not start.
- The car shifts hard or will not shift, and a scan shows many unrelated codes.
- A shop tests power, ground, and wiring first. Only then do they say the PCM is bad.
What the price includes
The price covers a replacement module, the labor to fit it, and usually the programming. Ask if key matching is in the quote. It does not include tax, shop supply fees, or other repairs the shop finds while the car is in.
How to judge your quote
- Ask what tests were done to prove the PCM is bad.
- Ask if the module is new, used, or remanufactured, and the warranty.
- Ask if programming and key matching are in the price.
- Ask if a repair or reflash could fix it for less.
- Compare the total with the range above: $585 to $1,606 for most cars.
Ways to pay less
- Ask if a remanufactured module is a good fit. It often costs far less.
- Ask about a PCM repair service. Some firms fix your own module for less than a new one.
- Do not buy a used module without checking that it can be coded to your car.
- Pay for good tests first. A wrong diagnosis is the most costly mistake.
Dealer or independent shop
RepairPal puts labor for a powertrain control module replacement at $110 to $162. At the typical independent shop rate of about $140 an hour, that is about 1 hour of work. A dealer charging $200 an hour would bill about $194 for the same labor, and a $100 an hour shop about $97. Parts cost about the same anywhere, so the shop rate is where you can save. See what mechanics charge an hour.
Why this costs more in 2026
Shop labor now runs about $100 to $250 an hour. Many car parts are imported, and freight costs went up after the oil shock that began with the Iran war in February 2026. Steel, copper, aluminum and resin prices are up too, and they go into almost every part. A PCM is a small computer built with chips, circuit boards, and memory, and the cost of these electronic parts has climbed.
How we got these numbers
The national range, the labor and parts split and the prices by car come from RepairPal's powertrain control module replacement estimate, last updated August 7, 2026. We checked them against MechanicBase and Jerry, and read every number on the source page on October 7, 2026. These are planning ranges, not quotes. Your shop's written estimate is the real price.
Common questions
How much does a PCM replacement cost?
RepairPal shows $1,126 to $1,196. MechanicBase says $800 to $1,500. A reprogram can cost much less.
Can I drive with a bad PCM?
It is not safe to count on it. The car may stall or shift hard. Get it checked soon.
How long does it take?
Many shops finish in one to three hours. Programming can add more time.
Can I do it myself?
Fitting the module is easy on many cars. The setup needs special tools, so most people use a shop or dealer.