The engine control unit is also called the ECU. This unit is the main computer chip in your automobile’s computer system. Today’s automobiles are incredibly technical and rely on their computer systems in order to operate safely and efficiently. If something goes wrong with the engine control unit or elsewhere in the automobile, you will receive a dashboard warning light.
The Things It Does
The engine control unit works tirelessly well your engine is running to control things such as the spark plugs and combustion chamber. For example, the unit makes sure that the balance of air and fuel is correct in the chamber. If either is off, the unit will add the necessary air or fuel. It also controls when the spark plugs fire in each cylinder to ensure that the engine is running as efficiently as possible.
The ECU also communicates with all of the computer sensors that are located throughout your vehicle. This includes system sensors in your brake system, your exhaust system, and the fuel system. When you first turn on your automobile, you may have noticed that all of the dashboard lights illuminate. This happens because the system sensors are testing their systems and reporting back to the ECU.
If a sensor reports that everything is okay, the ECU turns off that system’s specific light. You can actually witness the communication between the system sensors and the engine control unit by watching your dashboard lights when you first start your automobile. Once everything turns off, you know you are good to go and you can start driving your vehicle.
The sensors also monitor the systems while you are driving. This is to make sure that everything remains safe and reliable. If something goes wrong, the associated sensor will send an error code to the engine control unit. This error code identifies the problem. The unit will try to fix the problem itself, but if it can’t, it will turn on a dashboard warning light. You now know there is something wrong with your car.
Engine Diagnostics
Head straight to our shop if you end up with a dashboard warning light. We will run a diagnostic test to download the error code that was sent to the engine control unit. This will tell us what we need to do, exactly, to repair the problem. This is the beauty of a diagnostic test.
In fact, this will save you money in the end because we won’t waste time diagnosing your vehicle’s problem. Call us today to schedule an appointment.