Technological advancements and adaptation have revolutionised the automobile industry. The prime example of this revolution is the presence of car computers in modern vehicles. The car computer or Engine Control Unit (ECU) is a smart electronic device that controls multiple car functions. Ranging from fuel injection to safety systems, the car computer coordinates and controls all.
Let’s take a look at the car computer working and elaborate on the functions it controls.
What Is a Car Computer?
The car computer system is a combination of different control units. Each control unit caters to a different subsystem, receiving data from the sensors and control actuators ensuring optimum performance.
The system usually consists of a processor, voltage regulators, input/output devices, engine and power control module and others. All of these combines are responsible for collecting and processing real-time data from the sensors and instructing subsystems to make necessary changes as required.
What the Car Computer Controls
Car computers are designed to control and regulate different subsystems present in vehicles. Following are some of the core systems controlled by car computers.
- Safety System: Safety features use real-time information from sensors to prevent accidents. The computer is responsible for processing the information and instructing the safety feature accordingly.
- Engine Control: Functions like fuel injection, throttle and ignition timings are controlled by the car computer.
- Infotainment System: Infotainment screen, voice control and connectivity all are monitored by the car computer.
- Autonomous Driving: In self-driving cars, all the functions including acceleration and braking are catered by its computer.
- Navigation: A car computer provides real-time and accurate information regarding the road, saving time and effort for a driver.
How Does a Car Computer Work?
The first step in the car’s computer function is collecting information through different sensors. The computer uses temperature, pressure, parking, air flow, position, engine speed and oxygen sensors. The information collected from these sensors is as follows.
- Air Temperature
- Coolant Temperature
- Throttle Position
- Manifold Pressure
- Engine Speed
Once the information is collected by the system, it is processed by the computer. On the basis of processed information, car computers instruct subsystems to customise their functioning, ensuring optimum performance.
FAQs
How to reset the car computer?
Unplug the car battery terminals and wait for electricity to be excluded from the system (approximately 1 hour). Rejoin the terminal and the car computer will be reset.
How to check car problems with a computer?
OBD scanner can be used to diagnose car problems through the computer.
how much does it cost to reprogram a car computer
How long does it take for a car computer to reset?
It can take anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour to reset the car computer.
This was all about the car computer working and its components. The car computer is an ideal blend of mechanical and digital innovation, offering convenience to the drivers. Alongside safety features, the car computer can also aid in autonomous driving. In fact, a number of new cars for sale in the UAE are equipped with autonomous driving features supported by advanced car computers.
Besides, here are some signs of car computer damage that you must cater to to avoid hefty repairs.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for more information on digital innovation in the automobile industry.
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