Why You Should Leave Engine Control Unit Repairs to the Pros

Engine Control Unit Repair Pros

Modern cars can have over 80 separate computers scattered around the car, but one of the big ones is the engine control unit (ECU). Also known as the engine control module (ECM), this controls most of the key engine functions, including the fuel/air mixture, spark timing, and more.

From the outside, an ECU looks like a box due to the housing that protects the circuitboards. If you have a certain amount of mechanical aptitude, it can seem like all you have to do to repair it, replace it, or tune it is to unplug it and plug a new one in. But this can create some big problems.

Here are some reasons why you should leave this job to the pros.

They Know What to Adjust

Whether you need a complete replacement or just want a chip tuning module added, you need to check all of the variables. Even small changes in the settings or software can have big consequences, including causing the whole engine to break down.

Even if the computer is exactly the same, all of these variables need to be double-checked. If the job is to install an engine remapping chip, then these variables need to be adjusted to make sure that they’re all within the right areas. Plainly put, a pro will make sure everything’s working together nicely.

They Have the Equipment

The best a home mechanic can hope for is to plug a chip tuning unit in and hope everything works out. If there’s anything wrong, then it could seriously damage your engine. There is equipment that can perform a full diagnostic and check all of the above variables, but it’s not exactly in the budget of the average car owner.

Pro shops have the resources needed to buy that equipment. They also have extensive training in how to use that equipment. As a result, you can count on them to make sure everything’s set up correctly down to the last detail.

They Have the Experience

Even if you’re the most avid car enthusiast, odds are good that you’d only own a handful of cars that need ECU work. And if you mess this procedure up, you could be looking at a very expensive repair bill.

But not the pros. Over their years of experience they’ve tuned and remapped hundreds of cars in a wide variety of makes and models. They know the ins and outs to safely make any repairs of modifications. They also know the pitfalls to avoid.

When you come right down to it: doing your own ECU repairs or modifications is taking a big risk with your very expensive car. You’re much safer to spend the extra amount necessary to get it installed by the pros.