ECU - what are they and how do they work?

[Honda Enthusiast]

Hi guys,

I know this is a very noob question, but can't help it hope someone can shed some light on this matter.

I've done a search but nothing's come up so hence this thread.

Does ECU stand for Electronic Computer Unit or something that controls the timing, facilitation and overall running of the car?

For example, I recently changed my Air Filter into a K&N Pod filter and the mechanic that installed it said: "give your car about 2-3 days to adjust to the new setup, and the ECU should pick it up and will adjust accordingly and you will notice a slight gain in performance."

Now all that sounds good but what does he mean? Thanks in advance for helping.

Cheers.

[panda[cRx]]

yes the ecu is the car's computer.

give this a read, it might be an idea to reset your ecu now that you have t he k&n filter. it's quite simple, even a troll like you could do it
http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38742

[Honda Enthusiast]

']yes the ecu is the car's computer.

give this a read, it might be an idea to reset your ecu now that you have t he k&n filter. it's quite simple, even a troll like you could do it
http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38742


Excuse mate, but why are reset?

[dc2dc2dc2]

to put it simply mr. honda enthusiast.

why do u reset ur computer after installing new hardware .

that is all mr. troll.

[Honda Enthusiast]

....... seriously... you are like 30 years old.

must your hand be held to go to the toilet?

Panda did the searching for you and you still ask gay questions.


Hey, listen up man...first things first... I am not 30 - try 25...secondly, this is noob section... I am asking a genuine question so please stop making these smart arse comments... I honestly don't know that's why I am asking or else I wouldn't be asking, would I?

[roar]

btw ecu = engine control unit

please read here

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-computer.htm

[JasonGilholme]

ECU = Engine control unit

It decides how much fuel to put through the injectors and when to put it in because it receives information from the various sensors throughout your engine.

Its not a complex system but it can be confusing.

When you modify your car you are changing the air flow , which in turn will change the amount of fuel that needs to go into your engine. When you reset your ECU you are making your ecu re-calibrate itself to the new airflow. Even a minor change can cause trouble(poor mileage, rough idle etc.)

When something bad/potentialy dangerous happens to your engine it logs a "code" in your ecu. This "code" can be checked to give you an indication as to what the problem might be. This should be your first step in figuring out the problem before you start searching on OH and then, if all else fails, you post a new thread.

Your ECU can be found in the passenger side footwell behind the kick panel. Its not much to look at but you will need to get under here to check for codes. There is a tutorial on OH showing you how to check for codes. you should search and find it.

That is a basic rundown of what an ECU is, what it does and how someone like you and me would be involved with it.

Hope this helps

jase

PS Asking questions is good, researching for yourself is better. :thumbsup:

[panda[cRx]]

PS Asking questions is good, researching for yourself is better. :thumbsup:
you should not be spoon fed at 25yo (-_-)

[CUL8R]

post 96 ecus will be what they call OBD2
obd2 ecus kinda detune themselves to change a cars emissions to given standards. when u change something that involves the breathing of the engine (anything from a pod filter to a highly designed exhaust they will affect how the engine breathes so to meet emissions (dependant on A/F ratio given from the secondary o2 sensor located after ur cat)

resetting the ecu will set it back to its initial learning cycle, it will help ur ecu adapt to ur mod quicker.

[krogoth]

lol

im surprised this thread hasnt been closed or deleted yet

lol

[barefootbonzai]

Good to see you back mang!!! I missed not having you around the place.

[JasonGilholme]

Good to see you back mang!!! I missed not having you around the place.

Now you got something interesting to read during your spare time at work. :P

[aaronng]

I've done a search but nothing's come up so hence this thread.

That's because you searched for ECU. The search function has a minimum of 4 letters. You should search for ECU*.

Anyway, the reason this thread is still open is because no one had previously asked "What is an ECU and what does it do?". Why wasn't it asked before? :zip:

[yourfather]

cuz no-one is f*cken stupid enough

i mean, you dont get pplz asking questions about why the sun comes up do you.

[aaronng]

cuz no-one is f*cken stupid enough

i mean, you dont get pplz asking questions about why the sun comes up do you.
There are people who don't know what an ECU is......

[Muzz]

anyone after a great laugh, just search for more honda enthusiest threads! ozhonda at its funniest....
lol, My favorites the one about his nsx, gold!

[bigjo5]

anyone after a great laugh, just search for more honda enthusiest threads! ozhonda at its funniest....
lol, My favorites the one about his nsx, gold!

lol @ muzz... ooh u crack me up ROFL.... honeslty i think honda enthusiest shoudl open a new account so pplz can stop flamming him ahha

[aaronng]

Stop spamming.

Closed.