Types of Sensors used in Automobiles

Automobile sensors are intelligent sensors which can be used to control and process the pressure of oil, temperature, level of emission, coolant levels, etc. There are different types of sensors used in automobiles, but knowing the working of these sensors is essential. In order to the function of these sensors, here we have listed some popular sensors used in automobiles which include the following.

• Mass airflow sensor

• Engine Speed Sensor

• Oxygen Sensor

• Spark Knock Sensor

• Coolant Sensor

• Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAF) Sensor

• Fuel Temperature Sensor

• Voltage sensor

• Camshaft Position Sensor

• Throttle Position Sensor

• Vehicle Speed Sensor

Mass Air Flow Sensor

The MAF or Mass airflow sensor is one of the essential sensor used in automobiles. This sensor is used in an engine of the car. This sensor can be controlled by a computer and can calculate the air density in the engine. If the working of this sensor halts, then the running of the vehicle will be stopped. In addition, the usage of petroleum will be high. These sensors are classified into two types namely vane meter & hot wire.

Engine Speed Sensor

The engine speed sensor in the automobile can be connected to the crankshaft. The main purpose of this sensor is to monitor the crankshaft’s rotating speed. So that fuel injection & the engine timing can be controlled. There are different ways for the vehicle engine to stop unexpectedly. So this sensor will stop that for car drivers.

Oxygen Sensor

Located in the exhaust stream, usually near the exhaust manifold and after the catalytic converter, the oxygen sensor (or O2 sensor) monitors the content of exhaust gases for the proportion of oxygen. The information is compared to the oxygen content of ambient air and is used to detect whether the engine is running a rich fuel ratio or a lean one. The engine computer uses this information to determine fuel metering strategy and emission controls.

Spark Knock Sensor

The spark knock sensor is used to ensure whether the fuel is burning smoothly, otherwise, it will cause an unexpected ignition. This ignition is very dangerous which will cause damage in the engine of the car like damage of rings, head gasket, and rod bearings. Fitting these parts can be costly. So this sensor is used to save all the troubles occurred in an engine of the car.

Coolant Sensor

The coolant sensor is the most significant sensor used in automobiles. Because the computer depends on the sensor inputs to control all the functions. For instance, turn ON/OFF the EFE system (Early Fuel Evaporation), retard, spark advance, the flow of EGR, and canister purge.

Generally, this sensor can be connected on the board. If the sensor is failed, then there will be some indications stalling, like poor fuel mileage, etc. So, the status of the sensor should be checked whether it is defective or not. If it is damaged, then it will be a problem.

Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor

The short term of the manifold absolute pressure is MAP. The main function of this sensor in an automobile is to monitor the load of an engine. Mostly, it measures the dissimilarity among manifold pressure. This can be received from the outside pressure by the car to make sure that the car engine is capable to receive petroleum depending on the changes within the pressure.

Fuel Temperature Sensor

The fuel sensor is used to check the temperature of the fuel continually whether the fuel utilization is optimum or not. If the fuel of the engine is cold, then it will take much time to burn due to its high density. Similarly, if the fuel is warm then it will take less time to burn. Here, the main problem is the inflow varying levels. So this can injure other parts of an automobile. This sensor will monitor the petroleum is injected at the right speed and temperature. So that engine of the automobile works properly.

Voltage Sensor

Voltage Sensor is one type of sensor used in automobiles. The main function of this sensor is to manage the car speed and to make sure the speed of is increased (or) decreased as required. So it is essential to have in your car.

Throttle Position Sensor

The throttle position sensor in automobile mainly uses feedback carburetion & electronic fuel injection (EFI). It informs the computer regarding the throttle opening rate as well as the position of the relative throttle. This sensor is a variable resistor, which is used to change the resistance as the throttle opens.

It is not complex to identify the faulty throttle position sensor symptoms. As there is a fall while speeding up, then you can identify the faulty of the sensor. It is the major sign of a faulty throttle position sensor. Whenever you change this sensor, you cannot adjust it properly.

Vehicle Speed Sensor

As the name suggests, this VSS sensor has the capability to verify the speed of the car wheels. It is a type of tachometer. This sensor is arranged within the anti braking system which is known as ABS. Additionally, the output of this sensor is also utilized for the odometer to read the speed of the vehicle to control gears depending on the vehicle speed.

Thus, this is all about the different types of sensors used in automobiles. These sensors are smart systems which are used for controlling different parts like coolant levels, temperature, the pressure of oil, levels of emission, etc. These automobile sensors are complex to allow a variety of values, decide and process the accurate combination. Here is a question for you, what is a parking sensor?