what all can go wrong when your ecu is bad?

Asked by shnoogy Mar 08, 2012 at 06:19 PM about the 1990 Chevrolet Chevy Van G30 RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

1 Answer

2,665

The ECU is the Engine Control Unit -- Anything that it controls ( every aspect of the engine operation and driveability of the vehicle ) can be affected depending on what part of the ECU is bad ( think of it as a human brain, of sorts. If the part of the brain that controls speech is damaged, you could still have sight and still live and function but you wouldn't be able to speak. Also, like the brain, if the part that actually controls your heart or breathing, you would not live. Likewise, with the engine ECU, the car would not run ). There are no serviceable parts to the ECU, if it is "bad" it must almost always be replaced.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    John Saffrahn
    Reputation
    510
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    430
  • #3
    Paul
    Reputation
    350
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford E-Series
5 Great Deals out of 136 listings starting at $2,495
Used Ford F-150
321 Great Deals out of 15,103 listings starting at $1,712
Used Chevrolet Astro
3 listings starting at $7,800
Used Chevrolet Corvette
28 Great Deals out of 1,058 listings starting at $15,871

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.