The Importance of a Functional Engine Control Unit (ECU)

Does your vehicle have a bad engine control unit (ECU)? Also known as an engine control module (ECM), the ECU is responsible for controlling the engine. It consists of a series of actuators. Using these actuators, the ECU will analyze the engine's performance while subsequently responding with the appropriate commands. Nearly all modern vehicles require an ECU for the following reasons.

Regulates Fuel-Air Mixture

The ECU will regulate how much fuel and air enters the engine's combustion chamber. To generate combustion, your vehicle's engine must burn both fuel and air. Most vehicles use a 14.7:1 ratio for fuel-air mixture, meaning they burn one part of air for every 14.7 parts of fuel. Regardless, your vehicle's ECU will likely have a built-in fuel map that regulates the engine's fuel-air mixture.

Regulates Idle Speed

In addition to fuel-air mixture, the ECU will regulate idle speed. Idle speed, of course, is the revolutions per minute (RPM) speed at which your vehicle's engine runs while idling. The ECU will attempt to use the lowest idle speed possible that doesn't result in stalling.

A low idle speed will improve your vehicle's fuel economy while also protecting the engine from unnecessary wear and tear. If the idle speed is too low, though, your vehicle may stall. Fortunately, the ECU will work to achieve an ideal idle speed that's both fuel efficient and prevents your vehicle from stalling.

Emissions Requirement

If you live in an area that requires an annual emissions test, you'll need to ensure that your vehicle has a functional ECU. Most emissions tests require the use of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), unmodified ECU. 

Antilock Brakes

Some ECUs work in conjunction with antilock brake systems as well. If your vehicle has an antilock brake system, it may monitor the speed at which the rear wheels turn when you press the brake pedal. To prevent the wheels from locking up, the antilock brake system may send a signal to the ECU if the rear wheels are turning too fast.

Airbags

You might be surprised to learn that ECUs control airbags. Airbags are an important safety feature in modern vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), they save approximately 2,000 to 3,000 lives per year. Many vehicles rely on the ECU to engage the airbags. If the ECU detects a collision, it will engage the airbags to protect the driver and passengers from injury.