THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT
The Engine Control Unit also referred to as a pcm (Power-train Control Module), ecm (Engine Control Module) a DME (Digital Motor Electronics) or the DDE (Digital Diesel Electronics) is a device that manage the fuel volume, ignition timing and various other elements that are necessary to keep a modern day engine running. The Engine Control Unit reads the values from multidimensional performance maps using input values such as engine speed that are calculated with reading from a varieties of sensor devices monitoring the engine activity as in the past, air-fuel mixture, ignition timing and the idle speed were regulated directly by the mechanical sensors and actuators but unlike today’s engines which have entirely computer controlled system.
Air-Fuel Mixture
In the engines utilizing fuel injection systems the Engine Control Unit (ECU) calculates the quantity of fuel to inject based on different parameters. When the throttle is pressed down the throttle body is opening to allow more air to flow in the engine that results in the ECU reacting by injecting more fuel based upon the increasing airflow. In the case of an engine which hadn’t been warmed up the ECU will inject slightly more fuel cause the engine to run rich until and unless it has properly warmed up.
The Ignition Timing
Engines require a spark to carry on the combustion process within the same combustion chamber and the ECU can minutely adjust the timing of the spark to optimize both the power output and fuel economy as it detects any engine knock and decides it is a symptom of the ignition timing settings, it would adjust automatically to prevent it.