How Your ECU Uses Sensor Data

Today’s modern vehicles are made up of anywhere from one to seven computers that assist with the car’s day to day functions. An engine control unit (ECU), is a computer that similar to that of a laptop or smartphone in terms of responsibility. The ECU has the important job of processing all of the data that is sent by the sensors throughout the vehicle. It “uses” the sensor data that is being sent to help read the messages revealed by the vehicle on its current status. Different sensors perform different operations, therefore the software in the ECU has to be able to process all of the different information from the variety of sensors and not only determine what each sensor is doing but also respond accordingly.

One such sensor that the ECU helps to monitor is the Mass Air Flow sensor. While the engine is running, the ECU uses this sensor to read how much air is entering the engine. At the same time the ECU is also reading the position of the gas pedal through the throttle position sensor. While this is going on, the oxygen sensor takes readings from the exhaust gases to determine how much fuel to add with the fuel injectors into the combustion chamber. The ECU uses the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors to determine where the pistons and valves in the engine are at any given time.

The ECU uses all of this information to start and keep the engine running. Quite a task for these computers to handle. It is important to keep up with routine maintenance to ensure that all of the ECUs and the sensors continue to work in harmony together and keep the vehicle running efficiently and safely.


The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Need Help With Your Car?

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

GET A QUOTE

Related articles

How Long Does a Catalytic Converter Last?
The catalytic converter converts pollutants in the exhaust system into less toxic pollutants by using a redox reduction method. The catalytic converter...
P2197 OBD-II Trouble Code: O2 Sensor Signal Stuck Lean Bank 2 Sensor 1
P2197 code definition O2 Sensor Signal Stuck Lean Bank 2 Sensor 1 What the P2197 code means This code is usually an...
How to Replace a Mass Airflow Sensor
The mass airflow sensor (MAF) helps the engine's computer maintain optimal combustion. Signs of failure include a rough idle and the car running rich.

Related questions

Does the OBD System Measure Gases in the Car's Exhaust?
The onboard diagnostic (OBD) system utilizes sensors mounted in the engine exhaust stream to measure the amount of oxygen that comes out of the engine after the combustion process. When an engine intakes a certain amount of air into the...
ECU disconnected
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. First, remove the ground cable from the battery and let it stay off for 12 minutes. Then hook up the battery cable and retry the key. If your vehicle still gives you the same...
Why does my oxygen sensor heater stay in not ready mode on my 2002 Cadillac Escalade
Hello. If you have performed the necessary driver cycles and have not lost battery voltage or reset the computer at any time then you either have a problem with the heater circuit of the sensor or the computer is failing....

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com