How Much Is a Control Module?

A control module can cost anywhere from about $50 to well over $2,000, depending on the type (automotive, HVAC, industrial, appliance), the brand, and whether it’s new, used, or remanufactured. Labor, programming, and diagnostics can easily double or triple the final bill. Below is a closer look at typical price ranges, what drives those costs up or down, and how consumers and businesses can budget more accurately.

What Is a Control Module and Why Does It Matter?

Control modules are the electronic “brains” that manage and coordinate systems in cars, machinery, appliances, HVAC units, and industrial lines. They take input from sensors, process that data, and send commands to actuators or other components. Because they sit at the center of complex systems, a failure can shut everything down—and replacing them is rarely cheap.

Typical Price Ranges by Category

Automotive Control Modules

In modern vehicles, control modules are everywhere—from the main engine computer to specialized units for transmission, airbags, brakes, and even seats. Prices vary widely by vehicle brand, complexity, and whether the part is original (OEM), aftermarket, or refurbished.

• Engine Control Module (ECM/ECU/PCM): Typically $300–$1,500 for the part alone. High-end European or luxury models can run $1,500–$2,500, especially from dealers.
• Transmission Control Module (TCM): Commonly $400–$1,200. Integrated units within a mechatronic assembly (as in many dual-clutch or modern automatics) can exceed $2,000.
• Body Control Module (BCM): Usually $200–$800, depending on the number of functions it controls (lighting, locks, windows, alarms, etc.).
• ABS/ESP/Brake Control Module: Often $300–$1,200; modules integrated with hydraulic pumps skew to the higher end.
• Airbag/SRS Module: Typically $200–$700, plus additional cost if crash data reset or coding is needed.
• Smaller modules (seat, door, climate, steering angle, etc.): Commonly $100–$500 each.

These figures cover parts only. Once diagnostics, coding, and labor are added, the final invoice can be significantly higher, particularly at dealership service centers.

Home Appliance Control Boards

In home appliances, control boards regulate cycles, temperature, timing, and safety functions. While cheaper than many vehicle modules, they can still represent a large share of an appliance’s value.

• Washing machines & dryers: Main boards often cost $150–$400; smaller interface boards or displays can be $80–$250.
• Dishwashers: Control boards typically run $120–$300, depending on brand and feature set.
• Refrigerators: Main control or inverter boards can range $150–$450, especially on smart or high-capacity units.
• Ovens & ranges: $150–$350 for electronic control boards; touch interfaces can add another $100–$250.
• Smaller appliances (microwaves, specialty devices): Often $80–$200, sometimes cheaper than buying a new unit.

When labor and service call fees are added, a board replacement can approach half the price of a new midrange appliance, making repair-versus-replace decisions especially important.

HVAC and Furnace Control Modules

Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems rely on control boards for ignition sequencing, fan control, compressor management, and fault monitoring. These modules are often sold via trade channels, so retail prices can vary sharply between contractors and online sources.

• Basic furnace control boards: Typically $150–$350 for the part only.
• Advanced HVAC controllers / integrated modules: $300–$800, especially for variable-speed systems or communicating thermostats.
• Heat pump and mini-split control boards: Commonly $200–$600, with some manufacturer-specific “outdoor unit” boards at the higher end.
• Smart thermostat modules and interfaces: $100–$400, depending on brand and connectivity features.

Because HVAC modules interact with safety-critical components like gas valves and ignition systems, professional installation is usually required, pushing total replacement costs well above the part price alone.

Industrial and Machinery Control Modules

In factories and commercial facilities, control modules include PLCs (programmable logic controllers), servo drives, robot controllers, and I/O modules. These devices are engineered for harsh environments, redundancy, and long-term support, which drives prices up.

• Entry-level PLC CPUs: Around $300–$1,000, used for small machines or simple processes.
• Mid- to high-end PLCs & PACs: $1,000–$5,000+ for CPUs, with large systems exceeding $10,000 when fully configured.
• I/O modules (digital/analog): Typically $100–$800 per module, depending on channels, isolation, and safety ratings.
• Servo drives and motor controllers: $500–$4,000+ each, rising with power rating and feedback sophistication.
• Safety controllers (SIL-rated, emergency-stop systems): $500–$3,000+ due to certification and redundancy requirements.

In industrial settings, downtime often costs more than the module itself, so businesses may prioritize fast replacement and vendor support over lowest price.

Key Factors That Affect Control Module Pricing

1. Type and Complexity of the System

The more functions a module handles and the more safety-critical it is, the higher the price tends to be.

• High integration: Modules that combine multiple roles (e.g., a transmission mechatronic unit with integrated control electronics) cost more to manufacture and replace.
• Advanced features: Support for adaptive control, connectivity (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, Wi-Fi), or over-the-air updates adds cost.
• Safety standards: Automotive safety (ISO 26262), industrial safety (SIL, PL) and certifications raise design and testing costs.

In practice, this means that newer, “smarter” systems often carry significantly pricier modules than older, simpler equipment.

2. OEM vs Aftermarket vs Remanufactured

The source of the module is one of the biggest determinants of price, especially in automotive and appliances.

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Generally the most expensive; often preferred for warranty work or when compatibility is critical.
• Aftermarket: Usually 20–50% cheaper than OEM, but quality and longevity can vary significantly by brand.
• Remanufactured or refurbished: Can be 30–70% cheaper than new OEM, often with limited warranties; common in auto ECUs and industrial drives.

For many buyers, the trade-off is between upfront savings and the risk of compatibility issues or shorter lifespan from non-OEM or remanufactured units.

3. Brand, Model, and Age of the Equipment

The make and model of the underlying system heavily shape module pricing.

• Premium brands: Luxury automotive marques and top-tier industrial vendors typically charge more for parts and support.
• Obsolete or legacy equipment: Modules may be scarce, leading to high prices on remaining stock or specialized refurbishment services.
• Very new models: Early in a product’s life cycle, modules may be available only through official channels at premium pricing.

In some cases, the cost and availability of a replacement module can influence whether it is economically sensible to repair a system at all.

4. Programming, Coding, and Calibration

Many modern control modules require more than just plug-and-play installation; software setup and calibration can be essential.

• Automotive coding and programming: ECUs, TCMs, and BCMs often need VIN coding, immobilizer pairing, and software updates—typically $100–$400 in service fees.
• Industrial configuration: PLCs and drives must be configured with application-specific programs and parameters; engineering time can rival or exceed hardware cost.
• HVAC and appliances: Some modules need configuration for specific models, options, or sensor sets, usually done by technicians.

This “invisible” software layer means that the true cost of a control module often includes specialized tools and expertise, not just the hardware.

5. Labor and Diagnostic Costs

Identifying a failed control module and replacing it safely can be more complex than swapping a part.

• Diagnostics: Shops may charge a flat fee of $80–$200+ for electronic diagnostics in vehicles, appliances, or HVAC systems.
• Labor: Installation time varies—from under an hour for accessible modules to several hours for units buried deep in dashboards, engine bays, or enclosures.
• Verification and testing: After replacement, systems must be tested under normal operating conditions, adding billable time.

Consumers often focus on the part price, but in many cases, labor and diagnostics represent a substantial portion of the final repair bill.

What a Real-World Bill Often Looks Like

Example: Car Engine Control Module Replacement

For a mainstream car with a failing engine control module, an owner might encounter the following cost breakdown at a dealership or reputable shop.

• ECM part cost: $600–$1,200 (OEM, depending on brand and model).
• Diagnostics: $120–$200 to confirm the module is at fault and rule out wiring or sensor issues.
• Labor: 1–3 hours at $100–$200 per hour, adding $100–$600.
• Programming/coding: $100–$300 for software loading, immobilizer pairing, and updates.
• Total typical range: Approximately $900–$2,300.

The same job with a remanufactured module at an independent shop could lower the total by several hundred dollars, but may come with different warranty and support conditions.

Example: Appliance Control Board Replacement

For a midrange washing machine with a failed main control board, homeowners usually see a smaller, but still significant, bill.

• Control board part cost: $180–$300, brand and model dependent.
• Service call/diagnostics: $80–$150, sometimes applied toward the repair if approved.
• Labor: $80–$200, depending on access and local rates.
• Total typical range: Roughly $300–$600.

Because this can be close to the price of a new machine—especially if the appliance is older—many consumers weigh repair against replacement at this stage.

How to Estimate the Cost of Your Specific Control Module

Information You Need Before Getting Quotes

Accurate pricing requires specific details about your system and the part in question.

• Make, model, and year: For vehicles and appliances, this is the starting point for any price lookup.
• Exact part number: Found on the existing module’s label or in service documentation; vital to avoid compatibility issues.
• Symptoms and error codes: Diagnostic codes (e.g., OBD-II codes for cars, error codes on appliances) help confirm the module is actually at fault.
• Warranty status: Some modules may still be covered under manufacturer warranties, recalls, or extended service plans.

With these details, repair shops, dealers, or parts suppliers can quote realistic prices and advise whether a new, refurbished, or aftermarket module is appropriate.

Shopping and Negotiating Options

Prices for control modules can differ sharply between sources and service providers.

• Compare multiple quotes: Ask at least two or three shops or service companies, especially for higher-ticket automotive and HVAC modules.
• Check reputable online suppliers: For some automotive and appliance parts, online retailers can be substantially cheaper than local outlets.
• Ask about refurbished options: For older vehicles or machinery, remanufactured modules can offer meaningful savings.
• Clarify what’s included: Confirm whether the quoted price covers diagnostics, parts, labor, programming, and follow-up testing.

This approach helps avoid surprise add-ons and gives you a clearer picture of the true, all-in cost of replacing the module.

Is It Worth Replacing the Control Module?

Cost–Benefit Considerations

Deciding whether to replace a control module often comes down to age, overall condition, and the value of the system.

• Age and mileage/usage: On older cars and appliances, investing heavily in electronics may not pay off if other major components are near end-of-life.
• Total repair cost vs replacement cost: A common rule of thumb: if the repair exceeds 50% of the cost of a new product and the item is old, replacement may be wiser.
• Safety and compliance: For brakes, airbags, furnaces, and industrial safety systems, delaying or avoiding repair can create serious risks.
• Downtime cost: In business and industrial settings, production loss or service interruption can justify a premium for fast, reliable module replacement.

In many situations, the decision is as much economic and strategic as it is technical, particularly where safety or business continuity is at stake.

Summary

A control module’s price can range from under $100 for a simple appliance board to several thousand dollars for high-end automotive, HVAC, or industrial systems. The true cost includes not only the part but also diagnostics, labor, and software programming or configuration. Type of system, brand, age, and whether the part is OEM, aftermarket, or remanufactured all play significant roles in determining the final bill. To get an accurate figure for your situation, you’ll need specific model and part numbers, a professional diagnosis, and quotes from multiple reputable sources.