Computerized Engine Analysis

The engine control module might betray a few hints, even in name alone. Sometimes, the names of automotive components are so bizarre that we forget that some terms are completely intuitive and logical. "Engine control" is a no-brainer; "module" implies it's electrical in nature. And if that's not enough to enlighten you, well, at least you weren't the first to ask those questions.

So if you or your mechanic is going crazy trying to figure out why your car won't run, it might be because your car's ECM is just tired from doing it all, and needs some attention. Chances are, if you have relatively basic questions about your car's electrical functions, it's running a common system or program that's been in place since your car was built. (We'll assume, for example, you didn't buy a second-or third-hand tuned sport compact running MegaSquirt custom injection to keep an oversized turbocharger in line -- or that your car can perform everyday driving functions without constant attention to a laptop perched in the passenger seat.)

The engine control module basically controls the intersection of the engine's necessary ingredients to make energy -- fuel, air and spark. That sounds simple, kind of in the same way an engine itself sounds simple if you break it down into really basic terms. But the ECM accomplishes its considerable chore by constantly monitoring a vast network of sensors around the car to ensure conditions are within normal operating range.

When something goes wrong, the ECM adjusts conditions or, if it can't, the car won't run properly or at all. When there's a problem, the ECM stores a trouble code so it can be diagnosed by a mechanic (with a scanner specifically designed for that purpose) and triggers the check engine light so the driver knows something's wrong.

Newer engine computer systems also feature lightweight, low-cost memory systems that can be easily accessed by a technician to fix programming issues and update specifications (kind of like running a system or software update on your computer).

One of the most recent tasks (in the last decade or so, anyway) delegated to the engine computer came about only as automotive companies switched from mechanical throttle control to electronic throttle control. Previously, when your foot made contact with the gas pedal, it was connected to a cable that went directly to the engine so the engine could decide how much fuel to inject, based on whether you caressed the pedal, mashed it to the floor, or most likely, somewhere in between.

Now, an electronic sensor at or near the gas pedal sends a signal via electrical wire to the engine management system, which evaluates your throttle contact and then sends a signal to the engine to adjust fuel dosage.

Part of the ECM's start-up procedure is to calibrate the position of the throttle at idle -- in other words, remind itself, and the throttle, how the engine should run when it's not being given any gas. This helps control and prevent an uneven idle. If all the sensors involved don't agree on the right position, the computer will send a signal to the engine and transmission to run in Limp Mode (preventing the driver from achieving high speeds that could get out of hand) and also sends an alert to the instrument cluster. The idea is to allow it to run well enough to get to a repair shop, but not strand you on the side of the road.

The ECM also makes sure the car meets emissions standards, by monitoring and regulating the fuel mixture to ensure the engine isn't running too rich and emitting pollutants beyond the established parameters. And with all those sensors already in place, the ECM is often responsible for managing features like anti-skid brakes, cruise control and theft protection.

That sounds like a lot to keep straight, doesn't it? So, on top of it all, the engine control module, unit, or what have you, runs through a recalibration test every time you turn on the car, just to make sure signals don't get crossed.

Engine Control Module Technology The ECM is a computer, and features many of the same parts as the computer you have at home or at work. There's a microprocessor that receives, interprets and reacts to sensor inputs as fast as they occur. And it's composed of hardware (a pretty standard circuit board) that's encoded with software (a program that tells the car how to run).

The engine control systems aren't really designed by the auto manufacturer -- they're one of the components that's sourced and then customized. Only a handful of OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) make ECM systems for cars. Each brand and type can be customized to fit the automotive manufacturer's specifications.

However, an ECM must be configured by the manufacturers so a car can perform optimally, taking engine specs and other factors into consideration. Even though OEM suppliers offer a variety of engine computer products with different benefits and features, the same system can be tuned to work with a range of different cars. However, as a starting point, they're broken down into categories like fuel type (gasoline or diesel), engine size and so on.

An ECM is a pretty basic car part -- not to diminish its importance, but it's not the kind of feature that a car shopper would use to decide between different models. It's just there. An exception to this rule is modified cars that need to run a programmable ECM. We already mentioned MegaSquirt as one such example (because it has the most memorable name) -- that system is designed specifically to run custom fuel injection management.

There are numerous others with less colorful monikers that can assist you if your custom engine management needs are, for example, due to a really high-end exhaust system (regulating oxygen and emissions) or aftermarket turbochargers (to keep tabs on the engine's air intake). Some of these take the place of the regular ECM, while others need to be constantly babied and nurtured with additional accoutrements, like extra gauges or even extra computers. (Remember Paul Walker racing in "The Fast and the Furious," yelling at the laptop monitoring his nitrous injectors instead of actually watching the street?)

The good news is, unless you're doing research for a custom ECU or ECM for a specific purpose, like a weekend track toy or a trail bike, you don't need to concern yourself too much with the differences amongst OEM engine computers. They're all designed to perform the same basic functions and you don't have a choice about what originally came in your car, anyway.

Regardless of the differences between different car models and different ECMs, the inputs in each system remain pretty much the same. The ECM is tasked with providing fuel and regulating emissions, but there's a lot that needs to happen for that to work. We already talked about the ECM's specific tasks, but that simplifies the process a bit too much.

The ECM usually monitors and regulates the throttle position sensor, which tells the engine how much air and fuel to mix to make power; the coolant temperature sensor, which lets the engine know if it's running too hot (and alerts the driver, via the instrument panel light); the voltage regulator, which tracks and adjusts how much power is being sent throughout the car; the fuel injectors, which provide fuel at precisely the right moment for optimum power delivery; the position sensors for the camshaft and crankshaft, which identifies the engine's cycles; the mass airflow sensor and MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor, which monitor different ways air affects the engine; the oxygen sensor, which measures exhaust quality; idle control; the EGR valve sensor, which also helps with emissions and the ignition control, which regulates the spark plugs.

And all of this is going on all at once, as the car moves -- and reactions must be immediate. So it's a little nerve-wracking to think that the ECM can go bad just like any other car part. The consequences might be more dire than, say, the processor on your laptop crapping out.