If the ECU or engine control unit in a vehicle is malfunctioning, there will be multiple difficulties. Some of them can be simple enough to ignore, but others will be bad enough to render the car immobile. Even if you can drive the car around for some time, eventually the problem will turn big enough to cost a lot of money. The solution to this issue is ECU repair, but you should be sure that your vehicle is having a problem before hiring the service.
The signs to point out that the ECU is malfunctioning
It can be tough to tell whether the ECU in a vehicle is malfunctioning or not. You can keep an eye out for some signs, and they will help you find out if there are any issues with the ECU. The signs that you need to beware of are:
The check engine light is on
If any vehicle’s check engine light is on, you can be sure most of the time that something is wrong with the ECU. Yes, various other reasons can result in the light on the dashboard to go on, but ECU will be related in most cases. As you cannot be entirely sure about the reason behind this development, it will be better to take the vehicle to an expert.
Poor fuel economy
If your car isn’t giving as much mileage as before and struggling for no apparent reason, then your vehicle’s engine control unit may be malfunctioning. In most cases, any issue with the ECU will result in a noticeable drop in the fuel economy, which is not only bad for the vehicle but your wallet as well.
The engine misfires
Among the various tasks the ECU does, one of the most prominent ones is maintaining your engine’s timing. If the ECU starts to malfunction, then the engine’s timing will go haywire, and it will begin firing at the wrong moments. This will result in a considerable dip in the vehicle’s performance and sounds that are hard to miss. Another function of the ECU is spark timing. When everything is working fine, your car engine functions smoothly, but in the case of a malfunction or misalignment, the outcome can be quite destructive.
The engine is stalling
If your vehicle’s engine is stalling and that too intermittently, while you are trying to start the car or idling at red lights, it is a sure sign that the ECU is not functioning as intended.
The vehicle is not starting
Your vehicle not starting at all is a sign of the ECU failing, and that is a good time to call an expert. If the engine control unite isn’t functioning, then the vehicle won’t too.
The engine has flooded
There are situations where your car can get flooded. For instance, if you are trying to cross a flooded road, there is a high chance that the vehicle will get submerged, and the engine will get flooded. Once your car is out of the water, the engine may start stalling. If this is happening, then it is terrible news for the ECU because being submerged results in the engine control unit stopping altogether. The only solution to this particular complication is to get the unit replaced because repairing won’t work.
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