Where does the ECU get data information from?
The engine control unit (ECU) is responsible for a number of functions within your vehicle. In fact, modern cars couldn’t run without it. It uses information it gathers from sensors located throughout the vehicle to ensure everything stays in optimal running condition and alerts you when it’s not.
What causes ECU damage?
The ECU has seals around it which are supposed to prevent moisture from entering inside. Moisture is a bad thing to have in an ECU because corrosion will form on its components. If the corrosion is not cleaned away quickly, it will cause these components to get damaged. Then you will have a malfunctioning ECU.
Where are the values stored in the ECU?
Two examples of these values are the position of the idle-air bypass valve (automatic choke) at idle with the A/C on, and the trim gain on the injectors. The ECU stores these “learned” values in battery backed-up RAM so that it doesn’t have to start from scratch the next time you turn your engine over.
What to do when your ECU has lost its memory?
Pull this fuse with the key out and wait for about 15 seconds, then put the fuse back in. Your ECU has now lost all of its long term memory values and will “reset” them all to defaults when it next powers on. By the way, the factory radio’s memory lasts for a minute or two, so you probably will not lose your saved stations.
Why is ECU important in performance tuning process?
When it comes to optimizing the performance of your engine, the ECU is one of the most important elements in the performance tuning process. And for that, upgrading the tuning file to the right data ensures that your engine gives you the maximum possible performance.
Why does the ECU have default numbers in trim memory?
The ECU now has default numbers in its trim memory – it has to adjust them to match the tune of your engine and its sensors and actuators. It might take a day or two of driving in traffic before the engine will settle down again. Now you know why the ECU remembers these values in the first place!