Dash ECU - whats it do?

[hab1966]

Given the posts in the thread by bubblebobble about the Dash ECU, can people detail in this thread just what the dash ECU is responsible for?

My understanding is that it reads various engine sensors -
Oil temperature,
Oil Pressue,
Ambient Air temperature,
Coolant temperature,
Fuel Level,
Speed,
Revs.

The readings from the above sensors are purely for the LCD display and revs/speed pointers, they dont affect the running of the engine?

I also believe the dash ECU manages the two radiator fans, turning them on when it senses the coolant temp reaching two temperature points.

In addition there is also the odometer function, the shift lights and the time/date.

Have i missed anything off, or attributed any function to the Dash ECU which it isnt responsible for?

[paul1962]

The rad fans are controlled by the engine ecu and not the dash ecu.
Not sure how the aircon over pressure sensor controls the fan, that bit might be through the dash ecu but then might not.
I *think* the dash ecu controls the side/head lights (not 100% on this).
Also controls the heater flaps and fan and may be the aircon too.

Lots of "may be" and "think" here.
Does the dash ecu have to be fitted for the car to run ?
Might be tricky driving with no speedo though

[KillerJim]

paul1962 said:

Does the dash ecu have to be fitted for the car to run ?

I`ve always been curious about this, does the dash ECU do anything more than report information?

James

[Moulder]

The car will run without the dash ECU in place.

Obviously no speedo, rev counter, etc. And if it is not just passive and control's the fan's, etc then you won't have any of those either.

[hab1966]

Without the dash, I guess you wont have an odometer either?

[KillerJim]

Does everything work 'ok' without the dash ECU - (i.e. lights, wipers, horn, heaters, fan, A/C, etc..)

James