I've read a number of posts on various forums that state that the ECM (ECU?) can learn and make changes resulting from driver inputs.

Some of the changes are throttle responsiveness, automatic trans shifting, idle mode, A/F ratio, and what else?

I'm just wondering what's fact and what's fiction.

If you drive aggressively, will the car "learn" to respond in kind?

Conversely, do conservative driving habits (read fuel conservation) result in a kinder, gentler Mustang?

Just what changes is the ECU capable of making on it's own, without a tune?

I'd like the facts, from people who really know.

Best wishes,
Dave

 

As to what the parameters are of "learnable behavior" I dont know. I posted recently how the transmission shifting changed in my seldom driven base auto V6 when I was confronted with a situation where I had to suddenly floor it in order to avoid an accident while merging unto a high speed ( 75 mph posted with normal flow going 80-85 mph ) congested highway. After a couple weeks of "granny driving" the car returned to normal shifting vs thinking every time it started going down the road that it should be in 0-60 take off mode.

 

Transmission computer I believe learns in auto tranny cars. Engine ECU for manual tranny cars should not learn from my understanding.

 

Ford nomenclature is "PCM" Powertrain Control Module. It does have the ability to adjust certain parameters based on how the car is driven, auto trans shifting and response, it also adapts to the grade of fuel used. It doesn't change A/F ratios due to driver inputs though.



Transmission control is in the same PCM as the engine, not a separate unit.

 

OK - some cars have a separate tranny control unit. Wasn't sure about the auto tranny mustangs.

 

i have been driving mine in diff situations, mine never has any change noticeable... looks like my PCM is a slow learner or it might have the "whatever" add on in the module.

 

I suspect the PCM's ability to learn from the driver's style of driving has been exaggerated, but I'm hoping somebody in the know will respond.

Based on my driving habits, my PCM should have an aggressive attitude.

Bad Boy Dave