As technology improves, a lot of things change, including automobiles. And this progression has led to the several differences between cars made in the past years and modern cars. . Modern-day cars possess a lot of technological features, artificial intelligent systems, and newer electrical components. One of the electrical components of a car is the sensor.
A car sensor is an intelligent electronic device that observes and monitors a car’s surroundings and signals to the Electronic control unit(ECU) or the driver. In most cases, the ECU acts upon the signal and adjusts if the driver doesn’t take proper action. A car sensor can process information for controlling the engine, coolant system, oil pressure, vehicle’s speed, level of emission, e.t.c. Igniting your vehicle activates its sensor and monitors all aspects of the vehicle till it is brought to a halt.
Types Of Car Sensors and Their Functions
Sensors are everywhere in Modern cars, from the major electrical components to the minor. This article explains the crucial types of car sensors and their functions. Below are the various kinds of sensors, their location, and respective functions;
Air-flow Sensor
An air-flow sensor is a type of sensor that measures the density and volume of air flowing into the engine. And is located in the combustion chamber. This sensor ensures that the fuel mixture flows into the combustion chamber properly. And aids in effective performance. A failed air-flow sensor can cause a miscalculation of injected fuel, resulting in engine damage.
Engine Knock Sensor
Engine knock happens when the mixture of air-fuel ignites before the spark is produced from the plugs. The engine knock sensor monitors the air-fuel mixture ignition process. It then alerts the driver if it detects any fault in the air-fuel mixture ignition. It’s strongly advisable to replace a bad knock sensor, as it can cost unimaginable damage to your engine.
Engine Speed Sensor
The engine speed sensor is one of the critical auto sensor and is located in the crankshaft. It monitors the position and speed of the crankshaft and delivers the information to the electronic control unit(ECU). Also, the ECU gets the message, calculates the correct fuel injection time, and activates the spark plugs. This is imporant because failure to inject the fuel at the right time would make the engine lose its capability.
Camshaft Position Sensor
This type of sensor collects data on the vehicle’s camshaft speed and relays data to the engine control module. It monitors the camshaft’s timing so that there is adequate air entry into the cylinder for burnt gasses to be sent out of it. Otherwise, It might damage the cylinder and power output.
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
The MAP sensor monitors the engine. It operates with the intake air pressure to process sufficient air and fuel quantities needed for the ignition cylinders. It calculates the difference between the manifold and outside pressure and ensures that the engine ingests fuel based on the change in pressure. A faulty MAP sensor will harm the engine’s air-fuel ratio, resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Throttle Position Sensor(TPS)
A throttle position sensor is a type of sensor used to monitor an engine’s air intake. It is located on the butterfly shaft, as it will help direct the position of the throttle. The sensor relays information to the ECU. And the ECU then calculates the amount of air-fuel mixture required for the cylinder. When a throttle position sensor gets damaged, it causes an engine shutdown.
Voltage Sensor
Voltage sensors are wireless tools used to monitor and calculate the vehicle’s idling speed voltage. It ensures that the vehicle’s idling speed is reduced or increased when needed.
Oxygen Sensor
Oxygen sensor cars are effective. The Oxygen sensor, also known as O2, measures the unburned gasses present in the exhaust. The oxygen sensor in automobile is near the exhaust manifold after the catalytic converter. It can affect your engine’s timing, combustion intervals, and vehicle idling speed if it gets faulty.
NO Sensor
This is another crucial sensor in the car. It monitors the amount of nitrogen oxide emitted from the vehicle while following strict laws. The sensor will then send a signal to the electronic control unit, which prepares the air-fuel mixture to attain the right amount of NO levels.
Temperature Sensor
It’s a sensor that monitors the temperature of the engine and the consistent functioning of the car cooling system. It alerts the driver if the radiator isn’t working. And is located behind the front bumper and, sometimes, in the door mirror behind the glass.
Fuel Temperature Sensor
It’s a sensor that consistently monitors the fuel temperature. And then ensures that fuel is ingested into the cylinder at an optimal temperature for the efficient running of the engine. It’s located in the engine’s fuel rail, next to the air intake pipe.
Speed Sensor
The speed sensor, just as it sounds, monitors and tracks the speed of each vehicle wheel. The information is relayed to the ECU. And the ECU works with safety features like traction control and an anti-lock braking system(ABS) for its utilization.
Parking Sensor
The parking sensor works with the autonomous braking system(ABS). For instance, the sensor observes the vehicle’s environment and detects any obstacle(vehicle/pedestrian) in the front or back of the vehicle. It then alerts the autonomous braking system, which sends a beeping sound signal to the driver. If the driver hesitates to apply the brakes, the ABS does this instantly.
Rain Sensor
The rain sensor is a safety device located on the windscreen. This sensor detects rain on the windscreen and alerts the electronic control unit(ECU). The ECU then activates the wipers if the vehicle has an automatic wiper function.
Conclusion
These are the different types of sensors and their functions in the car. However, only some modern advanced cars possess all the sensors. At Yuma Honda, we sell an extensive collection of Honda cars with various sensors. Look through our inventory for your preferred car with sensor. And schedule an appointment with us today.
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