ECU / ECM Repair
Also called computer repair
The engine control unit is the computer that runs fuelling and ignition. Genuine ECU failure is far less common than it is blamed for: most faults that look like an ECU problem are corroded connectors, poor earths, water ingress or a failed sensor. When the unit itself has failed, usually from water damage or a failed output driver, repair can mean board level work or a replacement unit coded to your car. We prove the fault before touching the unit.
What the job includes
- Full circuit testing of power supplies, earths and communication lines first
- Connector pins inspected for corrosion, water and pin tension
- Output driver testing to confirm an internal failure rather than a wiring fault
- Board inspection for water damage, burnt tracks and failed components
- Repair or replacement unit programmed and coded to your vehicle
- Immobiliser and adaptation functions verified after the work
Signs you need this
- The car will not start and there is no communication with the scan tool
- Multiple unrelated fault codes appearing at the same time
- Water damage found in the ECU location after flooding or a leak
- A component does not operate even though its wiring tests good
- Faults began immediately after a jump start or a welding repair
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
How we do it
Rule out the wiring
Power supplies, earths and communication lines are tested thoroughly, because these cause most suspected ECU faults.
Inspect the connectors
Pins are checked for corrosion, water and spread terminals, which cause faults that look exactly like unit failure.
Test the outputs
Each suspect output is tested at the unit to confirm the driver inside has actually failed before opening anything.
Repair or replace
Board level repair is attempted where viable, otherwise a replacement unit is sourced and coded to your car.
Code and verify
Immobiliser matching and adaptations are completed, codes cleared, and the car road tested with live data.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book ecu / ecm repair
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
Before you book
Questions we get asked
If your question is not here, ask it. We would rather answer honestly now than have you find out after booking.