Method for checking the operating state of a control unit for an electrical component, in particular for a vehicle component

The method involves providing control unit (14) in normal operating state for driving electrical component in intended operating state by a monitoring unit (12) and selectively converting into energy-saving state in which the unit decreases energy intake relative to normal operating condition. The current energy consumption of control unit is checked for compliance with the expected power consumption when control unit for taking power saving state is activated by monitoring unit based on discharge characteristic of a power store (26) described unloading parameter.