The Basics of the ECU

The ECU is not a jumble of belts and wires at all. This particular part of the car has a high level of sophistication, and makes use of microprocessors and sensor data that can be processed to perform in real time. As a part of modern technical advance, the ECU is not something that is ordinarily fine-tuned with a monkey wrench or pair of pliers. The firmware is something that can be reprogrammed with new computer code, or the replacement of a microchip that is about the size of a small finger. This is something that governs the activity of a car through computer calculation more than pistons pumping up and down.

Managing Speed

The amount of fuel input into the system will determine the acceleration, and the ECU of a fuel injection system will decide how much fuel will be released into the internal combustion. Increase airflow from the throttle will cause the ECU to inject more gasoline. In colder weather when the engine is not sufficiently warm, the ECU will compensate by supplying the engine with a little bit more fuel until the heat has increased. The ignition is influenced by the ECU which will alter the timing slightly to help with the fuel economy of the vehicle. There is an ability to control idle speed with the ECU, and if the engine is equipped with variable valve timing and the driver wishes go a bit faster, the ECU will open the valves a little bit sooner to increase necessary airflow.

The Important Sensors

The internal workings of the ECU are heavily influenced by sensors that provide necessary information to it. Mass airflow sensors will supply air mass information which in turn allows the ECU to deliver the proper amount of fuel to the engine. Other sensors whose data is used by the ECU includes a throttle position sensor, coolant temperature sensor, voltage sensor, manifold absolute pressure sensor, and the engine speed sensor. What these will do is help the ECU better adjust operating temperature and system voltage among other necessary actions.