One of the ways to repair an ECU is by rectifying any shorts or bad connections if the problem is with the power supply. This kind of ECU repair can be done by a mechanic or an electrician. There are also times where the ECU repair is done by completely disassembling the ECU unit since it will need some precise and detailed electronic works to fix.
Full Answer
How can I repair an ECU in a car?
No way you can repair an ECU, most of the chips inside are proprietary chips and can’t be sourced in the open market. ECUs are custom designed by automotive tech companies like Bosch, Nippon Denso, Delphi to work on a particular model of vehicle, with specifications drawn from the vehicle manufacturers. In modern cars, ECU is the brain of the car.
What are the problems with a used car ECU?
Car ECU can be regarded as a car computer, most engine systems of the car are controled with built-in ECU. Therefore, if there are some problems caused on ECU, it will get the issues like the engine cannot work effectively, the doors failing to open. Sometimes the ECU faults are inavoidable which make your car become near impossible to use.
What is an ECU and how does it work?
ECUs are custom designed by automotive tech companies like Bosch, Nippon Denso, Delphi to work on a particular model of vehicle, with specifications drawn from the vehicle manufacturers. In modern cars, ECU is the brain of the car. Rarely we find a defective ECU, unless there’s power spike or in water damaged cars.
What to do if your ECU is not connecting to YouTube?
Connection error issue - YouTube How to repair car computer ECU. Connection error issue If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer. I am the Professional Machine Engineer.
Can a ECU be repaired?
Fortunately, an ECU can be repaired or reprogrammed in many cases—thus preventing the need to actually replace an ECU.
What causes an ECU to fail?
1) Dead Battery Car batteries have electronic cells which need to function in order for the ECU to function. If any of the cells in your car battery are dead, then your ECU is going to fail soon afterward. Once all the cells are dead, the battery is considered dead and your entire vehicle won't be able to function.
How do you fix an ECM failure?
The most common source of ECM failure is in one of the wiring harnesses. If the wires to the transmission or fuel injectors become corroded, they can lose conductivity, leading to a failure. Fortunately, these issues can usually be resolved by replacing the corroded wires.
How do I know if my ECU is blown?
Here are the most common symptoms of a bad ECU:Check Engine Light stays on after resetting.Car was jump started on reverse polarity.Engine turning off for no reason.Water Damage or Fire Damage on the ECU.Apparent loss of spark.Apparent loss of injection pulse or fuel pump.Intermittent starting problems.Overheating ECU.More items...
How do I reset my ECU?
0:141:33How to reset your ECU in less than 1 minute - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen once you've opened the hood you need to find on the fuse box the fuse that says ECU. Which isMoreThen once you've opened the hood you need to find on the fuse box the fuse that says ECU. Which is this one. And now that you found it the only thing you need to do is remove.
How much is a new ECU?
On average, you can expect the parts cost to be anywhere from $400 to $1,400 while the labor costs are roughly from $100 to $200 for reprogramming and installation.
What happens if the ECU fails?
For example, if your engine isn't getting enough fuel because the faulty ECU has thrown off the air/fuel mixture, your vehicle will lag or stutter when you step on the accelerator. Too much fuel can make your engine surge and reduce your fuel economy. The ECU can throw off your engine's timing, as well.
Will disconnecting battery reset ECU?
A. It depends on the car's age and type of ECU used. On some older cars, disconnecting the battery will reset the system but in most new cars it does nothing, except potentially reset the clock and radio station presets.
Is there a fuse for the ECM?
0:061:27Engine Control Module (ECM) Battery Fuse Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOur next step is going to locate the ECM fuse by using the fuse diagram located on the backside ofMoreOur next step is going to locate the ECM fuse by using the fuse diagram located on the backside of the lid or by doing a simple google search with. The key in the on position.
How do I test my ECU?
1:046:50How To Diagnose A Faulty ECU With No Communication - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEcu. This voltage can be tested directly at the engine. Ecu. Again using a multimeter refer to theMoreEcu. This voltage can be tested directly at the engine. Ecu. Again using a multimeter refer to the vehicle manufacturer's technical information for connector and pin designations.
Does a new ECU need to be programmed?
In case it does need to be replaced, know that a new ECM comes with a standard set of programs with pre-determined efficiency. Even if you're installing a new ECM in your old vehicle, it doesn't have to be reprogrammed to match its specifications.
What blows the ECM fuse?
ECM functions by getting energy from the battery. If an electrical wire gets burned or damaged, the cables pointing to the ECM is going to short-circuit. Once that happens, a power surge can result, and if it the exceeds the fuse's limitations, the fuse is going to blow.
How long should an ECU last?
An ECU is meant to last the lifespan of the vehicle, or at least 100,000 with proper maintenance. The electric control unit works with the currents in the engine to balance fuel and air intake for maximum performance of the engine.
How do I know if my ECU is working?
1:096:50How To Diagnose A Faulty ECU With No Communication - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEcu. This voltage can be tested directly at the engine. Ecu. Again using a multimeter refer to theMoreEcu. This voltage can be tested directly at the engine. Ecu. Again using a multimeter refer to the vehicle manufacturer's technical information for connector and pin designations.
How do I test my ECU ground?
7:419:27ECU Grounding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhere you can use your voltmeter. Between sensor ground and high power ground. And make sure thatMoreWhere you can use your voltmeter. Between sensor ground and high power ground. And make sure that there is no continuity through there whatsoever. If there is you have wiring issues.
Can a car run without a computer box?
Yes it controls the spark and fuel injection and without either or both the car will not run.
How to tell if your ECU is faulty?
How to Diagnose Car Faulty ECU? Here are some ways to tell if yours car ECU is faulty, each of them may be a good indicator to diagnose a problem with the ECU, Poor performance or unexplained drops in fuel economy or efficiency; Check whether the engine light is on; vehicle fails to start for no apparent reason;
What is an ECU in a car?
Car ECU can be regarded as a car computer, most engine systems of the car are controled with built-in ECU. Therefore, if there are some problems caused on ECU, it will get the issues like the engine cannot work effectively, the doors failing to open. Sometimes the ECU faults are inavoidable which make your car become near impossible to use.
What causes a short circuit in an ECM?
Acid or water corrosion can enter the ECM through the wiring harness, which can cause a short circuit in the ECM. Fire or water damage may also cause a faulty ECM, and there is another issue that can cause failure in the ECM is poor grounding. Of course, there are many other symptoms like a control moduel memory checksum error, ...
Symptoms Of A Bad ECU
Whether your ECU is bad or it’s not working, a Check Engine warning always helps you. You also notice poor engine performance if your car ECU is bad because the ECU computer is steering the car engine. Both of the signs are the most common symptoms when you have a faulty ECU in your car.
How To Repair A Faulty ECU
Repairing or fixing a faulty engine control unit (ECU) can be very hard for you if you don’t have previous experience and not enough knowledge about the ECU. And repairing a defective ECU is not that easy. Without proper knowledge regarding the engine control module (ECM), you should not try to fix or repair the ECU by yourself.
ECU Replacement Cost
If your car ECU goes bad, then it will need to be replaced or reprogrammed. The replacement or reprogramming of the ECU is not cheap; it’s way more expensive. A faulty ECU repair can cost you about $1500 to $2500, and the ECU repairing cost depends on the car’s model.
Final Thought
There can be many symptoms of a bad ECU. But we shared the most common symptoms of a bad engine control module. If you notice these signs in your car, you should check the ECU properly. Waiting for the ECU to be fixed automatically can be a foolish thing to do because a faulty ECU will bring more issues in your car that put your car in real danger.
