Know How Engine Control Unit of Your Car Works

The engine control unit (ECU) is also known as engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM). The engine control unit is a small computerized unit. The function of this unit is getting information from the sensors and run some automatic tasks accordingly. If there are any errors or problems in the engine control module, it will give signals in the form of light on the dashboard. If you have little knowledge and skill on this you can clean the system for optimization by yourself.

• Time: The engine control unit regulates the spark time to start the engine. If there is any issue, it adjusts the time accordingly.

• Fuel: The engine control unit adjusts the fuel release during acceleration. It will send the signal to inject fuel based on the gas pedal pressing.

• Air: The air sensors control unit makes sure that optimal temperature and flow are maintained. It does as follows:
• The air temperature (IAT) sensor gives the signals of air temperature at which air is going into the engine. When the temperature of the air is low, the car performance is high. Generally located at the pipe going from the air filter box to the throttle body or on the air filter box.
• The mass air flow (MAF) sensor measures the volume of air entering the engine. It contains a heat sensing element. The temperature of this element has to be constant. But because of air inflow the temperature will decrease. The engine control unit uses this information to adjust the spark ignition timing and injector pulse width.
• The bar sensor measures the air pressure. With this signal, the engine control unit recognize the current attitude of the vehicle.
• The RPM of the engine is steadily observed by the idle air control valve.

• Coolant: If the engine is too cool, it will consume excess gasoline. On the other hand, if it is too hot the head gasket leaks. To give good functionality of the engine, the temperature is important. The coolant is a liquid. It is used in vehicle's radiator to maintain the temperature. The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor gives prompts the engine control unit when the heat is high, and will send signal to run the radiator fan to decrease the temperature of the coolant liquid.

• The accelerator pedal is linked with the throttle position sensor (TPS). It gives the signals to the engine control unit about the movements of accelerator pedal.

If any sensor fails or continuously shows the same reading for a long time, the engine control unit ignores the signals of that sensor and get into the safe mode. Sensors are very important they make sure to start the car when needed.