What is an ECU?
The Engine Control Unit is the brain of the engine. It holds an 'ECU map', a crucial piece of software that tells the physical parts of the car when and how to work: fuel, ignition, boost, idle and more. It also shares data with the immobiliser, gearbox and every other module on the car's network.
Common ECU faults
- No start / no communication with diagnostics
- Immobiliser faults after an ECU swap
- Water intrusion, corroded pins and brittle connections
- Short circuits from jump-starts or wiring faults
- Corrupted software from a failed update or bad tune
- Intermittent limp mode and unexplained fault codes
Vehicles tend to have some common failures that open the door to further damage: water intrusion, short circuits and brittle connections, which can't be seen until wear and tear takes its course. AutoECU offers a mobile service if your vehicle has become immobilised and unable to drive.
Repair, clone or replace?
Repair
Fix the original unit. Priced on the fault once diagnosed.
Clone
Copy your ECU's data onto a replacement so it plugs straight in. From £60.
Replace & code
New or used unit programmed and coded to your car. From £60 plus parts.
ECU cloning starts at £60 but varies massively with the health of the original ECU. Some ECUs can't be cloned and need full programming, which can cost more than people expect. We'll always tell you which route your car needs before we start.
Tuning & remaps
We also offer ECU remapping through our partner tuners, from economy maps to Stage 1 and Stage 2. Read more about tuning.
Questions people ask
How much does ECU repair cost?
It depends entirely on the fault. ECU cloning starts from £60 and replacement ECU coding from £60 plus parts. Repairs are quoted once we've diagnosed the unit.
Can you send an ECU by post?
Yes, mail-in repairs are available for many units. Call first so we can confirm what to send and how to package it.
Will a second-hand ECU work in my car?
Not straight away. It needs cloning or coding and immobiliser matching to your car. That's exactly what we do.