engine control unit
nounUK /ˈen.dʒɪn kənˈtrəʊl ˈjuː.nɪt/
US /ˈen.dʒɪn kənˈtroʊl ˈjuː.nɪt/
A small computer in a car that tells the engine what to do.
The mechanic checked the engine control unit to find out why the car was not starting.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A device that manages how much fuel and air mix inside an engine.
The engine control unit adjusts the fuel mixture as you press the gas pedal.
3. A computer that watches sensors and fixes problems in the engine automatically.
When a sensor failed, the engine control unit switched to a safe mode.
4. The part of a vehicle's electronics that controls ignition timing.
The engine control unit decides exactly when the spark plugs should fire.