Questionis the ecu unit over exposed in recent models to powerwashing of the engine compartment
AnswerHi Ann,
To address your question, here's what LR has to say:
The ECM is located in the Environmental (E) box, in the front left corner of the engine compartment. The E-box provides a protective environment for the ECM and is cooled by an electric fan. The main relay for the ECM is also located in the E-box.
A separate temperature sensor is used to monitor E-box temperature and provides a path to earth to control the electric fan. The sensor turns the fan on when the E-box temperature reaches 35C and turns the fan off when the temperature drops below 35C. The E-box fan draws air in from the passenger compartment, into the E-box and vents back into the passenger compartment. The fan is also driven for a short period on engine crank, independently of temperature. This is done to ensure the correct function of the fan.
That being said....any time water and electronics meet, there is a risk. To date, I've had loads of trouble with corroded wiring, connectors, harnesses. Would I powerwash my engine? Only if I had to and then, not without covering up every electronic the best way I can.
So to answer your question directly, I would say yes to overexposed WHEN powerwashing and NO to normal operation and moisture ingress. I'm not confident that ALL electronics are water tight AND that high pressure spray would NOT cause problems.
Regards,
JohnMc
