Keeping your ECU trouble-free

The ECU of your vehicle translates to the engine control unit. It is sometimes more commonly known to people as PCM, or in other words powertrain control module. It plays an important role because it is a ‘car computer’. It has the job of controlling your vehicle’s engine. In more specific terms it controls the input and the output to the system. It also manages the fuel economy and the emissions from the engine as well.

As you can see, the function of the ECU is pivotal. If the ECU of your vehicle is damaged then you will end up having to seek a repair and this can cost you a lot of money. It is important that you avoid this altogether and maintain the quality of your engine control unit.

What not to do

The best way to look after your ECU is to determine what not to do. One thing that will damage the ECU is if there is too much voltage going into the computer unit. For that reason, you should not do anything that will result in high voltage occurring, such as using cheap cables to jump start your vehicle – these usually result in strong and erratic voltage.

Sometimes you can damage your ECU through voltage issues as a result of another issue with your vehicle. Don’t underestimate how one element of your car can influence your ECU. Any electrical fault can end up resulting in damage to the unit.

If you think about it logically, it is quite easy to see how voltage issues would destroy an ECU. After all, if you overheat any computer system, it can frazzle. In the case of the engine control unit, too much voltage can be highly damaging to the EEPROM and the microcontroller specifically.

What else can you do?

Aside from this, there are several other ways you can ensure your ECU is trouble-free. Make sure you are extremely careful regarding the parts you use for the fuel relays and the system. If you use the wrong part, this could result in a failure to either of the components, which will then affect the ECU as a result.

Aside from this, connecting the battery cables incorrectly can also be detrimental, so you should be mindful of this. If you connect the battery cables backwards, then you completely reverse the polarity of the whole electrical system.

You now know what you should avoid doing if you want to keep your ECU healthy and trouble-free. Don’t say that you weren’t warned!

Another important part of your vehicle maintenance schedule is looking after your tyres, and this is something we can help you with. Don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information.

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