Posted on: March 16, 2018 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

All the cars that are manufactured nowadays contain a minimum of one computer. This computer is responsible for keeping track of engine emissions as well as adjusting the engine and keeping emissions low. It receives information from different sensors that include the oxygen, throttle position, engine temperature, air temperature and air pressure sensors.

The information from these sensors is used by the computer to regulate things such as the idle speed, spark plugs and fuel injectors to get the most optimum engine performance possible while emissions are kept low. The computer also senses when things go wrong and informs the driver through a Check Engine light. Mechanics can read the computer’s diagnostic code and deal with the problem.

Different Computers

Depending on the type of car, there may be all types of computers. Examples include automatic transmission control, brakes control, computerized air bag systems, computer for security systems or keyless entry, climate control systems, motorized mirrors and seats, digital CD player or radio and cruise control systems. Modern luxury cars are known for their ongoing computer networks.

Microprocessors

Cars seem to become more complicated each year. They may have several microprocessors and while these may make it harder to DIY or work on your own car, some microprocessors actually make it easier to service your car.

  • Microprocessors have increased in number for various reasons.
  • New convenience and comfort features.
  • New safety features.
  • Minimizing the amount of wiring.
  • Simplifying the design and manufacture of vehicles.
  • Advanced diagnostics.
  • Sophisticated engine controls that fulfill fuel economy and emissions standards. Learn more about Mercedes ECM

Engine Controls

Before the enactment of emissions standards, car engines could be built without microprocessors. As stricter emissions laws were enforced, better control schemes were necessary to control the air and fuel mixture in order for the catalytic convertor to remove most of the pollution that comes from the exhaust.

The most intensive processor job in a car is controlling the engine. In most cars the engine control unit is the most dominant computer. The ECU gathers information from several different sensors and knows everything from how much oxygen is in the exhaust to the coolant temperature. With this information, millions of calculations are performed every second. All this is done to ensure the best mileage and lowest emissions.

Engine Control Module

The parts of the ECM computer are comparable to those that feature in the computers that people have in their homes and offices. It has a microprocessor that works by receiving, interpreting and reacting to sensor parts while they occur. It consists of hardware, which is a standardized circuit board that is programmed to tell the vehicle how to run.

Each type and brand of ECM systems can be customized to suit the specifications of the automotive manufacturer. Manufacturers configure an ECM in order for the car to perform optimally by taking factors such as engine specifications into consideration.

While various engine computer products are offered along with different features and benefits, the system can be adjusted to work with a variety of cars. However, the starting point involves breaking them down in terms of categories such as engine size and fuel type.

 

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