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Car care tips & guides by our certified technicians

ECU & Electronics

ABS / ESC Module Replacement, Coding and Calibration

The ABS/ESC module keeps wheels from locking and the car stable. Here is how ABS faults are diagnosed, and the coding, calibration and bleeding a replacement unit usually needs.

27 Sept 20264 min
ECU & Electronics

Airbag (SRS) Module Replacement After a Crash: What to Know

After airbags deploy, the airbag control module usually stores crash data and needs attention. Here is what the SRS module does, what manufacturers typically require, and why this is a job to do by the book.

27 Sept 20264 min
ECU & Electronics

Battery Registration: Why Some Cars Need It After a New Battery

On cars with intelligent battery management, a new battery has to be registered so the charging system treats it correctly. Here is what registration does and which cars typically need it.

27 Sept 20264 min
ECU & Electronics

Car Cranks but Won't Start After a Module Replacement

A car that cranks but won't start after a module was replaced usually hasn't completed its security matching. Here is why, what else can cause it, and how it is resolved properly.

27 Sept 20264 min
ECU & Electronics

What Is an Immobilizer, and Why Does a Replacement ECU Need Matching?

The immobilizer only lets the engine run with an authorised key. Here is how it works, which modules are involved, and why replacement modules and keys must be matched through authorised procedures.

27 Sept 20264 min
ECU & Electronics

KESSY and PEPS Keyless Entry Systems Explained

Keyless entry and push-button start systems, known as KESSY in VW-group cars and PEPS generally, detect your key as you approach. Here is how they work, what goes wrong, and what repairs involve.

27 Sept 20264 min
ECU & Electronics

EV Control Modules Explained: BMS, VCU, Inverter, OBC and DC/DC

Electric cars add a set of high-voltage control modules. Here is what each one does — the BMS, VCU, inverter, on-board charger and DC/DC converter — and how they work together.

27 Sept 20264 min
ECU & Electronics

EV and Hybrid Fault Diagnostics: What Owners Should Know

Electric and hybrid cars have their own set of faults, from charging issues to high-voltage warnings, and a surprising number start with the 12-volt battery. Here is what owners should know.

27 Sept 20264 min
ECU & Electronics

What Does an EV Battery Management System (BMS) Do?

The battery management system is the EV module that protects the most expensive part of the car. Here is what it monitors, how balancing works, and what BMS diagnostics can tell you.

27 Sept 20264 min
ECU & Electronics

BMW Coding and Programming: What Owners Should Know

BMWs are built around a digital record of how each car was equipped, which makes coding central to many repairs. Here is what owners should know about coding, programming and battery registration.

27 Sept 20264 min