Your car’s computer system is complex and one of its safety mechanisms. The computer system keeps track of how your vehicle is performing to make sure you stay safe on the road. It also ensures that the engine is running as efficiently as possible and that your automobile remains reliable every time that you use it. It can warn you of a problem or remind you that a service is due. Let’s break down the computer system in general terms and discuss it below.
Engine Control Unit
The system has a main computer chip that is called the engine control unit. You may see this unit abbreviated as the ECU. This chip helps to run certain systems in your automobile. One of the things that it does is fire the spark plugs in the cylinders in the correct order. This ensures the burn inside each cylinder is as efficient as possible, which can save you money on gasoline or diesel fuel.
The ECU also keeps an open line of communication with the computerized sensors that are located throughout your car, truck, or utility vehicle. These sensors are designed to monitor the systems while they operate. For example, the ABS sensor monitors the anti-lock brake system. It reports to the ECU that everything is okay or that there is a problem. The ECU responds accordingly.
Computerized Sensors
For example, when you first start your automobile, the sensors test their systems to make sure everything is ready to go. While the test is going on, you will see an illuminated light on the dashboard. Once the sensor tells the ECU that the system is okay, the ECU will turn off that light. Once all the dashboard lights turn off, you know it is safe to drive your automobile.
The computerized sensors also monitor their systems while you are operating your vehicle. If something goes wrong, they will alert the ECU by sending it an error code. This code is what we use to determine the problem with your automobile. The ECU will attempt to resolve the issue on its own. If it can’t, such as a problem with the anti-lock brake system, it will turn on the ABS light.
As we mentioned above, we need the error code, as well. To retrieve it from the ECU, we run a diagnostic check on your automobile’s engine. This downloads the data received by the ECU. Once we have the error code, we know what is wrong with your vehicle and how to fix it. Bring your automobile to our shop if you have an illuminated dashboard warning light.