[1] It is one of the three major components for proper engine operation: the computer, electrically controlled carburetor, and the oxygen sensor in the exhaust system.
[5] The AMC CEC was unique in that almost all of its sensors and actuators were digital; instead of the usual analog throttle position, coolant temperature, intake temperature, and manifold pressure sensors, it used a set of fixed pressure- and temperature-controlled switches (as well as a wide-open throttle switch on the carburetor) to control fuel mixture and ignition timing.
[6] The CEC also controlled ignition timing using information from the fuel-control section and an engine knock sensor on the intake manifold.
[9] American Motors issued a Technical Service Bulletin to diagnose low or inconsistent engine idle speeds on 1980 through 1988 AMC Eagle automobile.
Several vendors (including Chrysler and Edelbrock) offer retrofit kits that replace the CEC and the carburetor with fuel injection.