Q: What is ECU in car?
A: ECU stands for Engine Control Unit. An ECU, which is sometimes referred to as an engine management system (ECM) or the engine control module or even electronic control unit, is an engine computer which ensures a combustion engine runs effectively and efficiently.
Think of an ECU as a combustion engine’s brain. This small computer receives information from sensors and then makes decisions ranging from adjusting the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders to idle speed.
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What to do when your check engine light comes on
All modern cars with combustion engines have an ECU and they’re vital to the engine functioning properly. While a new consumption engine can’t operate without an ECU it’s possible to drive a car with a faulty ECU. However, the engine is not likely to be given the right instructions to run efficiently or offer optimal performance.
If there is a fault with your vehicle’s ECU an orange 'check engine' icon will illuminate in your instrument cluster. Driving with a faulty ECU is not recommended as further engine damage may occur.
The location of an ECU varies depending on the make and model of the car but they are commonly found in the engine bay, inside the dashboard or under the front passenger seat. The car’s manual should be able to indicate where the ECU is located.