What Should You Know When Purchasing An Engine Control Module?

 

An engine part may need a replacement for several reasons. Replacing engine parts like an Engine Control Module with a new one is expensive; a used part could help you save on the cost. Selecting a used ECM is not a bad idea if you buy from the right place. Salvage yards or junkyards may store used car engines and their parts, but you cannot be too sure about the part's history. The part's condition too would be unknown to you if you are not an expert. Buying used engines or engine parts come with some undeniable risks, but you can reduce the risk if you know what to check when buying the used engine parts. 

What is an Engine Control Module?

• It is a component of any automotive mechatronic system.
• This unit controls both engine and transmission.
• Also called the Engine Control Unit ECU, it controls the injection of the fuel.
• The engine's crankshaft position sensor determines the position of the engine observing if the injectors and ignition system are activated at the exact time.
• The ECU keeps the mixture of air and gas tightly controlled in modern cars, replacing the earlier carburetor, more intelligently.
• The ECU controls the fuel injection, ignition and ancillaries of the engine.
• It uses digitally stored equations and numeric tables doing away with analogue means. 
  

What variables does the ECU deal with within the perfect ratio?

• The engine's demand.
• The coolant and engine temperature.
• The air temperature.
• The temperature of the fuel. 
• The quality of the fuel.
• Varying filter restriction.
• Meeting the air pressure.
• Observing the engine's pumping efficiency.

The working of the ECU

• The ECU is the brain of the engine., a computer that is responsible for power management on a limited scale. 
• It comprises temperature and pressure sensors, on/off signals, and data from other modules within the vehicle. 
• It collects the information and makes decisions. 
• Once the data is collected by the ECU from the software stored in its unit, it processes depending on output specifications like the fuel injector pulse width.
• The processor leads the software to decide on the appropriate output and records specifications like mixture adjustment and mileage.
• These help the ECU to perform the necessary action on the engine by dispensing the precise power to control the actuators.
• It includes the control of fuel injector pulse width, the exact timing of the ignition system, opening of an electronic throttle body or the activation of a radiator cooling fan.
• The ECU, to function properly, needs internal power and many internal components. 

ECU basic function

• ECU need sophisticated power management.
• It has a variety of components.
• The ECU regulates 1.8V, 2.6V, 3.3V, 5V, 30V and up to 250V of cars from the 10-15V supply.
• The ECU has full control over its power management till the ignition is on.
• When it receives the correct voltage, the microprocessor boots up and reads software from memory doing a self-check.
• Reading data from several sensors in the engine converts them into useful information.
• The CANbus, an internal computer car network that transmits information to other electronic modules. 
• Once the information has been interpreted by the microprocessor, it activates the output based on the numeric tables and formulae within the software.
  

The ECU is monitored individually by its microprocessor that determines the readings within the tolerance level. If the sensor readings fail and fall out of the tolerance level beyond the predetermined time, a fault is registered, and the fault code is retrieved by a technician.

What are fault codes?

Logic within the software is skipped or bypassed with a fluctuation in the engine efficiency when the engine is still working at a basic level. Sometimes the fault is determined at the self-diagnosis level and the engine automatically shuts down for safety.

Technicians access the fault codes after a diagnosis into the ECU memory. The fault code is a 5-digit alphanumeric code that starts with P, B, C or a U followed by 4 digits. The technician can ascertain the exact nature of the problem from the code.

When should you replace your ECU?

• Repairing an ECU can be tricky.
• It involves a complete disassembly and is an extremely precise and detailed electronic operation, just like repairing a computer or smartphone. 
• They are highly advanced pieces of technology that affects every component of the engine. 
• Replacement of a damaged ECU is a better alternative. 
• A trusted online used engine store will reprogram and ship and undamaged originally retrieved ECU from an undamaged vehicle. 
• The old data from the ECM will be cleared and newly programmed for you. 
• A trusted online store like Big Mouth Direct will match the ECU with your car model and year. You may also get an updated version. 
• You will save thousands of dollars when compared to an OEM Engine Control Unit. 
• Repairing the engine computer can get complicated and you can run into various problems ending up spending more than purchasing a used engine control unit.
  

What to check when buying a used ECU?

• Run a scan via the OBD2 port if you can.
• That could show a recently cleared fault code.
• Ask the dealer what codes were cleared and why. 
• Check the unit for an external chip. 
• Check the number on the label (by all the bar codes) and match yours, the last three digits are important.

Why trust Big Mouth Direct?

• Warranty offered for 30 days. 
• They have a thorough understanding of the part and each part is fully checked before delivery.  
• Trust a company that cares and values a customer’s requirement. 

Visit https://bigmouthdirect.com/ to place your order.