Here’s an example of how computers in your car communicate with each other.  When you press the “lock” button on the outside door handle, the Vehicle Door Module sends a signal to the Body Control Module to “ask permission” for this task to be done. 

The BCM asks the Remote Keyless Entry Module if the keys are outside.  The RKE Module says no, they’re inside the car.  The BCM says to the VDM:  sorry, don’t allow the human to lock the door.

Another example of the interaction among various modules:  Your car has a push button starter.  You push the button to start it and before the starter engages, the Engine Control Module receives signals that a start is about to happen.  The ECM sends signals back asking:

• Is the person’s foot on the brake?
• Is the car in park or neutral?
• Is there enough battery power to start the engine?
• Is the fuel pressure adequate?
• Does it pass anti-theft system requirements?
• Does the crank sensor have a signal?

If all these conditions pass, the car’s starter will be allowed to engage.

All the above happened in milliseconds!  There are countless examples of how these connections between computer modules work together to operate your vehicle.

Today’s vehicles are made extremely efficient, but when a car’s electrical problem develops, it takes very skilled technicians to work on them. 

Here’s a real world example:  

You find your car’s driver power window control will roll down the driver’s side window.  However, it will not roll down the other windows as it should.  Yet, your passenger can roll down their own window with their control.  

A mechanic not familiar with how these complicated automotive electrical systems work might assume the master window switch on the driver’s side is bad and replace it.

However, when that doesn’t fix the problem, a trained technician uses his skills with computers, wiring, and networks to determine the true source of the issue.

In this example, the certified mechanic finds that the command from the driver’s side switch makes it to the Door Control Module.  From there, he does a system check to confirm that it also travels to the Body Control Module.  He then discovers the signal leaving the BCM, but not reaching the other doors.

By tracing wiring diagrams of the entire vehicle, he then pinpoints the problem inside of a small wiring connector under the passenger seat.  Three days prior, water had spilled under the seat from a child in the back, creating an electrical short. Someone without proper training and real-world experience like this will never discover the true problem.

Seeburg’s expert technicians diagnose and fix complex auto electronic issues on a daily basis.   Finding and correcting electrical problems require patience, skill, training, and high-tech equipment.   They can be the most challenging components of auto repair.