An engine control unit (ECU), also called an engine control module (ECM), is a device which controls multiple systems of an internal combustion engine in a single unit. Systems commonly controlled by an ECU include the fuel injection and ignition systems.
A bad ECM may lead to a vehicle that won't or is difficult to start. If the ECM fails completely, it will leave the vehicle without engine management control, and will not start or run as a result.
One of the main jobs the ECU does is control the fueling and ignition of the engine. On fuel-injected cars, this means the ECU can increase or decrease the amount of fuel injected, and on turbocharged cars, the amount of turbo pressure is permitted.
Lastly, the ECM controls the ignition timing, this is the position at which the spark plug is fired within the combustion cycle. Precise control of this timing allows for more power and/or better fuel economy. The ECM also controls multiple other systems on top of these main tasks.
The engine control module (ECM), also referred to as the engine control unit (ECU), is the engine's computer that controls engine performance. It also collects information from the other sensors in your vehicle and monitors the fuel-to-air ratio and engine timing.
The ignition control module is usually mounted on the top of the engine and is heavily insulated to protect it from the heat. When the engine turns on, the engine control unit (ECU) sends a signal to the ignition control module. The ignition control module then continues to interact with the ECU signals.
The Electronic Control Unit (ECU, an early ECM) handles coil control via the ignition module. Coil output is routed via a conventional ignition wire to the distributor, where it is fed to the six individual plugs on this early 4.0 liter in-line engine.
the ignition module uses input from the crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor to determine when to fire the spark plugs. this is referred to as the vehicle's base ignition timing. on most vehicles built within the last few decades, the sensor's signal is sent first to the ecm.
Engine Control Units
Modern automotive engines use an Engine Control Unit, which is a single device that controls various engine functions including the ignition system and the fuel injection. This contrasts earlier engines, where the fuel injection and ignition were operated as separate systems.
The ignition control module (ICM) gathers information from a triggering device (usually the crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor) to determine your vehicle's base ignition timing. Correct ignition timing is crucial because it plays a major role in your engine's performance and health.
The engine management system or ECU of the car tells the spark plugs to actuate when required. The timing of the sparks is varied because of some factors like temperature of the engine and speed of the engine. ECU measures these factors through various sensors and accordingly tells the spark plugs when to actuate.
Because ECMs are electrical systems, they're subject to short-circuits, power surges, and other failures that plague electronics. The most common source of ECM failure is in one of the wiring harnesses.
What Do ECM and ECU Stand For? ECM stands for Engine Control Module, and ECU is short for Engine Control Unit. These two acronyms represent the same component and are used interchangeably.
It is extremely rare for a no spark condition to be the result of a faulty coil or ECM.
Engine Control Module: The ECM may or may not contain the ignition control module. It receives input from sensors like the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors and calculates ignition timing by comparing the inputs to preset tables. It then sends this signal to each coil in the correct firing order.
This circuit operates only on battery current and is controlled by the breaker points and the ignition switch. When the ignition key is turned on, a low voltage current from the battery flows through the primary windings of the ignition coil, through the breaker points and back to the battery.
To check if the ignition module is getting voltage, set the multimeter to AC voltage (VAC) reading and check for voltage at the thermostat input or 24VAC input to the Ignition Control Module. You should get a reading of 24VAC with respect to common or ground.
The number one reason that ignition modules go bad is because of heat. On most of the cars that have a recurring problem with this, they have the original distributor in the car. As the distributor ages and wears, the bushing in the shaft goes goes bad and starts to cause excessive heat.
Short answer: Yes! Buy a replacement ECM for your vehicle from our site and get it delivered to your door. It'll be delivered with the latest and greatest software from your car's manufacturer. It's relatively easy to install!
Symptoms you might be experiencing are a no start, loss of acceleration, engine stalling, shifting problems, and a check engine light. Some of the codes you might experience are P0600, P0601, P0602, P0603, P0604, and P0605.
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.