What are the symptoms of a faulty onboard computer?
4 Answers
The symptoms of a faulty onboard computer are as follows: Dashboard: The dashboard displays incorrectly or appears dim. Computer screen: The onboard computer screen goes black. Ignition: The dashboard does not display or the car fails to start even when there is power. Doors won't open: The onboard computer is typically used to calculate instantaneous consumption, mileage, temperature, average speed, average consumption, or to set maintenance reminders and alert the driver to take breaks. The causes of a faulty onboard computer are as follows: Components: In water-damaged vehicles, the computer board may corrode, leading to broken or shorted component pins or damaged components. Burnout: Overvoltage from the charger during charging, reverse polarity, turning the key while charging, or loose battery connections can cause the alternator to directly power the computer board, resulting in burnout.
My car once experienced an ECU (Engine Control Unit) failure. At that time, the engine suddenly stalled during traffic congestion, and after restarting, the malfunction indicator light kept flashing. Fuel consumption significantly increased—it used to be 8 liters per 100 kilometers, but during the malfunction, it rose to over 10 liters. The engine sound also became strange, stuttering like sneezing. The air conditioning was intermittent, with poor cooling performance. The whole car felt sluggish, with slow acceleration. Later, at the repair shop, the technician said unstable voltage had burned out the circuits. Since then, I’ve been particularly careful to regularly check the battery and clean the connectors. Avoiding repeated ignition attempts in rainy weather can also reduce risks. Don’t ignore an ECU failure—it poses significant safety hazards, especially if control is lost during high-speed driving, which can be very dangerous.
I always enjoy tinkering with car electrical issues, as the symptoms of ECU (Engine Control Unit) malfunctions can be diverse. For example, the engine may have difficulty starting, where the starter motor turns but the car fails to ignite. The dashboard might display error messages, commonly with the ABS light or brake system warning light illuminated. There could also be a decline in vehicle performance, such as rough shifting or sudden loss of power. Some hidden symptoms include erratic oil pressure gauge readings or unstable RPM at idle. Diagnosing these issues is often as simple as plugging in an OBD scanner to read trouble codes like P0601 (internal control module error). From my experience, most problems stem from corroded wiring or abnormal battery conditions, so checking the fuse box first is advisable. Regular maintenance to keep the environment dry can prevent such issues, and avoid unnecessary modifications that increase electrical load.
The most direct symptom of a faulty onboard computer is the vehicle suddenly failing to start, with no response when turning the key. While driving, the engine may stall abruptly, which is especially dangerous on highways. Warning lights may stay illuminated or dashboard needles may behave erratically, displaying issues like transmission failure. The air conditioning system may malfunction, with fans failing to operate, causing frustration. A sudden spike in fuel consumption is another indicator, burning several liters more than usual. These problems stem from control chip failures or voltage surges. Safety first—if this occurs, immediately pull over safely, call for assistance, and avoid forcing the vehicle to prevent accidents. A simple check involves inspecting fuses and ensuring battery connections are secure.
