What things does the computer in a car control?

Question

..am wondering if there are any items directly related to the car running (i.e. gas line/injection) etc that are controlled by the onboard micro controllers etc. Am doing research on the subject. Thanks in advance!

Just a little side question. If the computer on a car that was actually driving on the road went bad, what would happen?

Answer 1

Yes, They help keep the car running more efficient, adjusting the mixture to the fuel, and keeping you informed of the engine condition. Today's' light enunciators actually do some work in cars. They will warn you of any possible engine problem such as low oil, high temperature, or simply tell you to service the engine. When you take the car to a modern mechanic's shop they use computers to hook up the cars computer to theirs and diagnose the whole thing in a few seconds. The computer also provides you with calculated fuel economy, which has been available for a few years now. As part of the safety, it controls the anti-lock brakes, and airbag deployment, some cars can even sense proximity to objects and warn you of that, or even parallel park you.
I hope this helps, if not check how stuff works at www.auto.howstuffworks.com
Good luck

Answer 2

OK DUDE. Most cars have a local area network these days and up to 10 separate computers DVD players display screens. Those 10 computers all send information to each other and check functionality with a computer area network. So Data is transmitted between computers when they need it via. LAN and computer checks via CAN. For instance the engine control computer shares information with almost all the other computers like engine speed the Body control module uses engine speed signal (I'm running lock the doors) and a/c control module knows the engine is running so it is OK to turn on the A/C compressor. Engine control module uses imputs and preprogramed knowledge to calculate the best fuel mixture for temp load barometric pressure and double checks this information in the exhaust with O2 sensors. Even the old o2 sensor has evolved into a air fuel ratio sensor that starts reading much faster. In 1996 cars had to be equipt with on board diagnostics to light the check engine light when a malfunction happens that may cause excessive emissions. The generic scan tool only reads the codes the manufacture wants to release to the public. Air bag system Anti Lock Brakes with dynimic control. For instance transmission problems not related to emissions cannot be read unless you work on the shop floor at the car dealership. Reserch today and it will be obslete tomorrow.

Answer 3

Primarily air to fuel ratio, spark and timing advance

Answer 4

amount of O2 entering engine, timing, [fireing of cyl,s] sensors on oil pressure, ,heat, most every thing when the computer goes bad , it wont run,