AXION AUTOMOTIVE · DIDCOT & UK POSTAL ENQUIRIES
ECU Types & Control Module Identification
Find out which controller you have and what identification to send before an ECU, TCU, body-module or EV electronics enquiry.
Comfort, access, power and network controllers
Many electrical faults involve smaller controllers or sensors beyond the engine ECU. Choose the system below, or search by make, model, year and module. Coverage depends on the exact vehicle equipment and unit identification.
Memory seats and heated-seat modules
Separate seat movement, memory recall and heating or ventilation symptoms. Record which seat and functions are affected, and include the installed equipment specification.
Trailer and towbar electronics
Include the towing-kit manufacturer, socket type, installation history and whether the fault remains when the trailer is disconnected.
Remote keys, passive entry and digital access
Distinguish remote-button operation, door-handle entry and starting. State which original keys or authorised devices still work; never send passwords or access codes.
Battery sensors and energy management
A low-voltage warning, battery drain and a sensor communication code are different observations. Record the battery type, replacement history and complete fault report.
Electric coolant pumps and thermal actuators
Identify the cooling circuit as well as the component: one vehicle can have several pumps serving different systems. Record temperature and charging warnings exactly.
CAN, LIN and vehicle gateways
A missing module on a scan may be part of a wider communication problem. Include every affected controller and the circumstances in which the fault appears.
Identify the job before choosing a replacement
“ECU” is often used for any electronic control unit, but an engine controller, gearbox controller and body module perform different jobs. The correct repair route depends on the exact part, software and reported fault. Keep the original unit and ask before buying a donor.
Engine ECU / ECM / PCM
Engine controllers manage functions such as fuelling, air handling and ignition. A no-start, warning light or running problem still needs diagnosis: a symptom does not establish an internal controller fault.
TCU / TCM and mechatronics
Transmission enquiries need the gearbox identification, controller label and complete fault report. Explain whether the problem is communication, selection, engagement or a warning message. Electronic and mechanical work have different scopes.
BCM / BSI and body modules
For locking, lighting, wiper or other body-function issues, list every affected feature and any water-ingress or battery history. Provide both unit labels if someone has already fitted a replacement.
SRS airbag control modules
An airbag warning requires assessment of the complete restraint system. Discuss the module and vehicle repair history before arranging any supported control-module work.
Keys and immobiliser systems
State how many working keys remain and whether the original modules are available. Key and starting-authorisation enquiries are for authorised owners and garages and depend on vehicle compatibility.
EV and hybrid controllers
Electrified vehicles can use controllers coordinating charging, battery and drivetrain functions. Describe the exact component and warnings first. Do not send a battery or high-voltage assembly without an agreed specialist transport arrangement.
More module and fault-finding routes
FRM and SAM lighting and body electronics · ABS and ESP control modules · Instrument cluster enquiries
For an unidentified BSM, gateway, fuse-box or other controller, send the complete unit label and diagnostic wording. Start with complex electronics diagnostics where several systems are affected.
Browse fault codes and ECU families · Browse vehicle manufacturers · Compare repair, cloning and programming
ECU suppliers and family names
A label may show Bosch, Continental, Siemens VDO, Delphi, Denso, Marelli, Valeo, Hitachi or another supplier alongside the vehicle manufacturer’s number. Copy the wording exactly rather than identifying the unit from an internet photograph. Supplier name and case shape are not sufficient evidence of compatibility.
If you have an ECU-family reference, include it, but also supply the complete part number and hardware/software identifiers. We assess the information for the specific job; this guide is not a complete catalogue of supported units.
Photographs and details to send
- A clear, uncropped photograph of every external identification label.
- Vehicle registration, make, model, year, engine and gearbox.
- The original and donor labels, clearly identified as separate units.
- The complete scan report, including fault suffixes and reporting modules.
- Whether the unit still communicates and what repair or programming has already been attempted.
Repair, cloning, programming or data recovery?
A repair enquiry concerns the condition and operation of the existing unit. A cloning enquiry concerns transferring compatible information to a suitable donor. Programming and adaptation depend on the vehicle’s required procedure. Data recovery is an assessment of information that may be recoverable from a damaged or inaccessible original. None of these routes is interchangeable without checking the unit.
Read about programming and cloning or data recovery. For uncertain causes, start with postal assessment versus workshop diagnosis.
Technical background: Bosch engine control units and vehicle control units. These references explain controller functions, not AXION compatibility or manufacturer affiliation.
Choose your next step
Identify the repair
Send the vehicle, module part number and diagnostic report before ordering or posting a unit.
Postal assessment
Ask whether your unit is suitable for a postal assessment from anywhere in the UK.
Didcot workshop
Vehicle diagnostics and work needing the complete vehicle require an arranged appointment.