Electronic control units (ECU) are essential features of cars thanks to their role in managing a car’s electronic systems and operating mechanical systems.
Want to find out more about this increasingly important car component? Then read on!
What is the ECU?
A car’s ECU, is one of the most significant technological advances seen in the automotive world thanks to its role in managing most of a car’s automatic mechanisms.
Car manufacturers produce electronic control units so that they comply with the atmospheric conditions in which cars will be operated, as well as the applicable pollution standards.
By doing so, they ensure vehicles can be driven in every country without any problems.
What is the car’s central unit used for?
- To control the fuel injection system
- To control the ABS system
- To control the airbag systems
- To control the safety belt modules
- Checking the wear warning systems (e.g. brake disc sensors)
- Controlling the electrical systems connected to the battery
Where is a car electronic control unit located?
Electronic control units are generally located under car hoods, specifically on the passenger side.
In newer cars, control units are divided into smaller modules scattered around the car to make them easier to repair, should they require repairs.
What are the main problems encountered with electronic control units?
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External Agents
One of the most common problems found in electronic control units is the accumulation of water, as this can lead to circuit breakers tripping, which will then need to be repaired.
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Voltage overload
An overloaded solenoid can lead to electronic control units burning out. If you notice that your vehicle has this problem, you should take it to your trusted mechanic.
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Cracked plates
Vehicle vibrations can cause electronic control units to crack or break, which means they then need to be repaired.
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Programming errors
If your electronic control unit is not programmed or reprogrammed correctly, it can lead to errors in engine operations.
What is electronic control unit reprogramming?
Reprogramming electronic control units means altering the information contained within the control unit, specifically the way the car operates, so that it responds in the way required by the driver.
Some parameters may be changed within the control unit so as to alter the way the engine responds in certain situations.
Which parameters can be altered when reprogramming an electronic control unit?
- Engine temperature
- Accelerator response.
- Revolutions at which the engine acts in each situation.
- Changing the operation of the automatic gearbox.
What are the advantages of reprogramming an electronic control unit?
1. Lower fuel consumption
Electronic control units set at factory specifications may not be as well optimised for fuel consumption as reprogrammed electronic control units.
Reprogramming electronic control units can, for example, programme the turbo so that it “kicks in” later so as to save fuel.
2. More power
Most electronic control unit reprogramming aims to increase power.
When new components are placed in a vehicle, such as a sports air filter and a larger turbo, you’ll almost certainly have to reprogramme your electronic control unit so as to adapt your engine to these higher-performance components.
3. Adapting to driving styles
Reprogramming your electronic control unit allows you to mould a vehicle to your driving style.
For example, drivers with smoother driving styles can programme their cars to respond in the same way.
What are the disadvantages of reprogramming an electronic control unit?
1. Loss of product warranty
When reprogramming electronic control units, vehicle owners should be aware that they are risking voiding their car’s warranty by doing so unless the reprogramming is carried out in a manufacturer-approved garage.
2. It should be reported to inspection centres
MOT centres can easily detect a remapped ECU. You should therefore report it to the authority of the centre in question, specifically to the Institute of Mobility and Transport.
3. Increased fuel consumption
If drivers reprogram their vehicles to gain more power, their vehicles will most likely consume more fuel.
4. Decreased engine life
Car manufacturers programme electronic control units with the specifications they believe will keep their vehicles in good working order for the longest period of time.
If changes are made due to reprogramming, you may be shortening the lifespan of your vehicle.
How much does it cost to reprogramme an electronic control unit?
The price for reprogramming an electronic control unit starts at 250 euros. The price may then increase depending on the vehicle to be reprogrammed.
How much does it cost to repair an electronic control unit?
Repairing an electronic control unit costs around 120 euros.
If poorly done, electronic control unit repairs can damage a vehicle’s engine operations.
As such, a car’s electronic control unit should only be repaired by a trusted mechanic or authorised dealer, as it is a particularly sensitive car component.
Now you know how important it is to repair your car’s electronic control unit.
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