{"id":1469,"date":"2021-07-30T15:14:36","date_gmt":"2021-07-30T19:14:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hometowneautorepairandtireofwoodbridge.com\/blog\/?p=1469"},"modified":"2022-08-26T17:18:32","modified_gmt":"2022-08-26T21:18:32","slug":"role-car-computers-play","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hometowneautorepairandtireofwoodbridge.com\/blog\/role-car-computers-play\/","title":{"rendered":"The role car computers play"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you turn on your car, you\u2019ll notice lots of lights on the dash and it may take a few moments before it stops looking like a Christmas tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason? There are many computers and modules that run various systems, such as the transmission and engine. Giving the car a minute allows these computers \u2013 called Electronic Control Units (ECUs) \u2013 to reset. Together, the ECUs form the Controller Area Network (CAN).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sensors and modules send information to the computers and there are gateway modules that help direct traffic. So not only do you have sensors, you\u2019ve got modules that actually control things, gateway modules that allow access, the CAN network, and the computer.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs of computer problems and how we address them<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If there\u2019s a problem with a computer, the vehicle won\u2019t work the way it should. You may notice a few issues. In addition to triggering the check engine light, a malfunctioning computer can impact the fuel economy and result in a no start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on what it is, there are driver information centers. It can be done through the dashboard lights or small computer screens that explain what\u2019s going on or the system being affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electronic problems can be difficult and time consuming to fix. Our technicians begin addressing the problem by performing a visual inspection. Then, we hook up the computer. We have special scan tools and we even have different ones depending on the type of car we\u2019re working on. The scan tools at the auto parts stores may give you a code, but they don\u2019t allow you to have full access. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reasons car computers fail<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many possible culprits that can lead car computers to fail. It can be as simple as a sensor going bad and needing to be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wiring can also become chafed. We\u2019ve seen everything from too much being crammed under the seats, where a lot of modules are now located. In low end and high end vehicles, we have seen problems that have been the result of people spilling drinks or leaving the windows open. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, water leaks can occur due to windshield seals. The water goes in and it will corrode the connectors. You may not see it, so it could be difficult to diagnose because the water goes in, gets in the connector and starts to corrode it, causing an intermittent problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Water<\/a>
Water collected in the well of a Mercedes, causing a module to corrode.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the case of one Mercedes, water soaked into the carpet and collected in the well, which was below the floor mat level. Overtime, this issue caused the module to corrode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re finding water intrusion problems with all of the electronics in these cars \u2013 not just with the Mercedes. Even with the way the metals are sometimes made, you\u2019re getting corrosion or connection problems, and that\u2019s what\u2019s leading components to fail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some modules are underneath the vehicle or behind bumpers on panels. Even though they aren\u2019t out in the elements, they see a lot of water and salt from the road. We\u2019ve seen modules corrode on the outside and ruin the modules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shortage of car parts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With the parts shortages right now, where we used to be able to get just about any part within 2 to 4 days \u2013 even if it wasn\u2019t as common \u2013 we\u2019re starting to receive them in 2 to 4 weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some of these older vehicles, we\u2019re needing to rely on remanufacturers. You\u2019re not able to get some new old stock from the dealer anymore. There\u2019s even a shortage of used parts for some remanufacturers to rebuild them. So we may have to remove the part, send it off for repairs, and wait for them to send it back. That can take 3 to 6 weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With all that\u2019s going on with the economy, it can delay vehicles getting fixed because we don\u2019t have any other choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When you turn on your car, you\u2019ll notice lots of lights on the dash and it may take a few moments before it stops looking like a Christmas tree. The reason? There are many computers and modules that run various systems, such as the transmission and engine. Giving the car a minute allows these computers \u2013 called Electronic Control Units …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1477,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[701,699,700,704,703,168,225,136],"class_list":["post-1469","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-automotive-diagnostics","tag-can","tag-car-computers","tag-controller-area-network","tag-ecus","tag-electronic-control-units","tag-hometowne-auto-repair-and-tire","tag-prince-william-county","tag-woodbridge"],"yoast_head":"\nThe role car computers play<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Problems with car computers can prevent the vehicle from working the way it should. 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