From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An ECU from a Geo Storm.

In automotive electronics, electronic control unit (ECU) is a generic term for any embedded system that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in a motor vehicle.

Other terms for ECU include electronic control module (ECM), central control module (CCM), control unit, or control module. Taken together, these systems are sometimes referred to as the car's computer. (Technically there is no single computer but multiple ones.)

Some modern motor vehicles have up to 80 ECU's. Managing the increasing complexity and number of ECU's in a vehicle has become a key challenge for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Types of electronic control units

• Airbag Control Unit (ACU)
• Body Control Module controls door locks, electric windows, courtesy lights, etc.
• Convenience Control Unit (CCU)
• Door Control Unit
• Engine Control Unit (ECU)—not to be confused with electronic control unit, the generic term for all these devices
• Man Machine Interface (MMI)
• On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)
• Powertrain Control Module(PCM): Sometimes the functions of the Engine Control Unit and Transmission Control Unit are combined into a single unit called the Powertrain Control Module.
• Seat Control Unit
• Speed Control Unit
• Telephone Control Unit (TCU) dials the telephone for you.
• Transmission Control Unit (TCU)

External links

• ECU Repair and ECU Help for Porsche DME, BMW ECU, Volvo ECU, Jaguar ECU and Ferrari ECU.