How to tell if your ECU is faulty
The engine control unit, or ECU, is a key component of your vehicle’s on-board computer. It is used to control many subsystems and systems in your car’s engine, drive train and other components. There are many signs that can be associated with a faulty engine control unit. Below are a few ways to tell if yours is faulty or damaged.
Is the Engine light on?
If your car’s engine light is constantly on, and never goes off, there is a possible chance your vehicle has a faulty ECU. There are a number of reasons why your vehicle’s engine light is always on. The most usual reason is a problem with the ECU. If you have noticed that your engine light remains on, take your vehicle in for a service and request to have the engine control unit checked.
Does your Car start?
If you find that your car fails to start for no reason, this is also an indicator that there is a possible problem with your ECU. If you examine your vehicle’s battery, starter and other electrical components, and your car is still not starting, a faulty ECU should be the next thing to consider.
Other common symptoms
A few other symptoms can be related with a faulty engine control unit. For example, unexplained drops of fuel, poor performance or other related car problems, is then a faulty ECU.
A spoiled ECU can also cause problems when shifting gears in an automatic, or cause sudden stopping that’s similar to transmission issues. If you are experiencing sudden stopping or jerking, you maintain your vehicle regularly, and the vehicle has sufficient levels of fluid, then a faulty engine control unit should be suspect.
Engine Control Unit computer diagnostics
If you think that the electronic control unit in your car is damaged, or is becoming unpleasant, you should take your vehicle to the nearest service centre immediately. When selecting a service station to check for a faulty ECU, ensure that you are visiting one that uses the latest computer diagnostic equipment for checking the on-board computer of your car.
As there are many great repair shops and service centres that own the right equipment to diagnose a faulty engine control unit. If you would like to make sure that your vehicle is correctly diagnosed, contemplate taking your car to a dealership that sells your particular vehicle.
If you are not sure about your engine control unit, visit Drews Auto Spares. We offer a highly skilled team that will carry out all engine diagnostics services including ECU coding, gearbox ECU coding, fault finding and more. Contact us for more information today!
