Most motorists know that car engines are
controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU), but how many realise that a
modern car has more computing capability than the Apollo spacecraft that
travelled to the moon. In fact, many cars have up to fifty
microprocessors, which control the different electrical systems in the car
linked together by a CANbus communication protocol.
In many cars, almost every electrical
piece of equipment is controlled by an ECU, even interior lights and headlamps.
When a component malfunctions, it is no longer a case of tracing the wiring
back through the switch to the fuse and to the battery. Sadly, all the average
motorist can do is to replace a burnt bulb and check the oil.
Despite this, advances in automotive
engineering mean that cars are more reliable as their electronic systems are
robust and self diagnostic capabilities alert drivers to potential problems so
that they can be repaired before a breakdown occurs. Engine ECUs are so clever
that when they detect an unsafe condition they will cut engine power and allow
the motorist to get home safely without ruining the engine.
Does this level of technology mean that
motorists have to have their cars serviced and repaired by appointed dealers?
Manufacturers would like them to believe that.
But the truth is that, thanks to the
American EPA, nearly all vehicles have standard OBD-II ECU connectors and
manufacturers have defined protocols for their cars. This allows local auto
repair centres to use universal diagnostic equipment to perform vehicle
diagnostics on all makes of vehicle.
Steve Sorensen Mechanical,
an award winning local car care centre in Brown Plains specialises in vehicle
diagnostics, car service, log book service, and other repairs. Their highly
trained staff excels in the diagnosis and repair of electrical faults on all
makes of cars, while their first class auto mechanic service professionally
carries out all other car repairs.
Contact Steve Sorensen Mechanical now.
They are located in Unit #1, 7 St Jude Court, Browns Plains, QLD 4118 or make a
booking by phoning on (07) 3809 2711 or through their website.