Compare Alfa Romeo 159 ECU repair quotes from specialist garages

Alfa Romeo is a quintessentially Italian carmaker known for the style and elegance of its sporty vehicles. In a 2008 episode of Top Gear, Hammond, Clarkson and May set out to prove that you can't be a proper petrolhead until you've owned an Alfa. The brand's iconic status also stretches beyond the small screen, with its cars appearing in a slew of blockbusters, including The Godfather, The Graduate, Octopussy and The Talented Mr Ripley.

At the 2022 Autocar Awards, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio was named a future classic, earning praise for being "sublime to drive and beautiful to look at" - a statement that perfectly captures the spirit of the brand.

ECU stands for engine control unit, sometimes referred to as the engine control module (ECM). This component ensures your car's engine runs smoothly by, for example, determining the amount of fuel that goes into the cylinders. You can find out more about how it works here.

Signs of a faulty ECU include misfires, the check engine light, starting problems, and engine surges or lags. ECU testing and repairs can help you work out the cause of the problem, such as faulty wiring or a bad sensor.

ECU testing uses a diagnostic tool known as an OBD scanner, which extracts information from the car's computer and allows the technician to check fault codes.

Can an ECU be repaired? Most of the time, the answer is yes; the ECU can be reprogrammed or repaired. The same applies to water damaged ECUs, as long as the damage is minimal. Some technicians may offer mobile ECU repairs at a location that's convenient for you.