ECU what is it? Electronic control unit of the car engine

ECU is an electronic control unit for a car engine, its other name is a controller. It receives information from numerous sensors, processes it according to special algorithms and, based on the received data, gives commands to the actuators of the system.

The electronic control unit is an integral part of the vehicle's on-board network, it constantly exchanges data with other components of the system: anti-lock braking system, automatic transmission, vehicle stabilization and safety systems, cruise control, climate control.

The exchange of information is carried out via the CAN bus, which combines all the electronic and digital systems of a modern car into one network.

Thanks to this approach, it is possible to optimize the operation of the engine: fuel consumption, air supply, power, torque, etc.

The main functions of the ECU are:

• management and control of fuel injection in injection engines;
• ignition control;
• valve timing control;
• regulation and maintenance of temperature in the engine cooling system;
• throttle position control;
• analysis of the composition of exhaust gases;
• monitoring the operation of the exhaust gas recirculation system.

In addition, the controller receives information about the position and speed of the crankshaft, the current speed of the vehicle, and the voltage in the vehicle's on-board network. Also, the ECU is equipped with a diagnostic system and, in case of detection of any malfunctions or failures, informs the owner about them using the Check-Engine button.

Each error has its own code and these codes are stored in a memory device.

When carrying out diagnostics, specialists connect a scanning device to the controller through a connector, on the screen of which all error codes are displayed, as well as information about the state of the engine.

Electronic engine control unit.

The controller is an electronic board with a microprocessor and a memory device enclosed in a plastic or metal case. On the case there are connectors for connecting to the vehicle's on-board network and a scanning device. The ECU is usually installed either in the engine compartment or in the front dashboard on the passenger side, behind the glove compartment. The instructions must indicate the location of the controller.

For normal operation, several types of memory are used in the control unit:

• PROM - programmable read-only memory - it contains the main programs and parameters of the engine;
• RAM - random access memory, used to process the entire array of data, save intermediate results;
• EEPROM - an electrically reprogrammable memory device - is used to store various temporary information: access codes and locks, and also reads information about mileage, engine operating time, fuel consumption.

The ECU software consists of two modules: functional and control. The first is responsible for receiving data and processing it, sends pulses to the executing devices. The control module is responsible for the correctness of the incoming signals from the sensors and, in case of detection of any discrepancies with the specified parameters, takes corrective actions or completely blocks the engine.

Changes to the ECU software can only be made at authorized service centers.

The need for reprogramming may arise when chip tuning an engine to increase its power and improve technical characteristics. This operation can be carried out only with certified software. However, car manufacturers are very reluctant to share this information, because it is not in their interest for users to change the settings themselves.

ECU repair and replacement.

If the controller fails or does not work correctly, then first of all it is displayed in failures in the operation of the engine, and sometimes in its complete blocking. Check Engine may constantly display an error that cannot be removed. The main reasons for the failure of the ECU are:

• overload, short circuit impact;
• the influence of external factors - moisture, corrosion, shock, vibration.

In addition, any microprocessor overheats if the cooling system fails.

Repair, as well as replacement of the control unit will not be cheap. The best option would be to purchase a new unit. To pick it up, you need to know all the parameters of the machine. It is also important to make the right settings. The computer will function normally provided that it receives signals from all sensors and maintains a normal voltage level in the network.

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