Different Types of Car Sensors and Their Functions [PDF]

Sensors have become increasingly important for cars with the rise of electronic components. A car contains many sensors that monitor various characteristics of the vehicle and give data to the driver or ECU (Electronic Control Unit). In this article, we will discuss the different types of car sensors and their functions.

Let’s start with what is a car sensor.

What Is A Car Sensor?

A car sensor is a type of electronic device that analyzes various characteristics of a vehicle and transmits data to the driver or ECU. In some cases, based on the data from the sensor, the ECU makes adjustments to the specific component.

Car sensors also detect and alert the driver to any problems or obstacles in the car. The car becomes wiser than before thanks to sensors whose primary purpose is to detect any risk to the car.

In automobiles, sensors can monitor oil pressure, temperature, emission levels, coolant levels, and other factors. There are various types of car sensors used in autos, but understanding how they function is critical.

Before we move on to the types, let’s first understand how a sensor works in your car.

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How Do Car Sensors Work?

To understand how automotive sensors function in basic terms, consider the human body.

As we all know, the five senses keep us alert to our external surroundings, and sudden changes in our surroundings trigger a response. Similar to this, whether there are sudden internal faults or an outside entry that causes corresponding actions, our body alerts the brain.

Car sensors are similar to these sensory organs but for automobiles. They alert you if there is a problem with its internal components or if there is a barrier nearby. Modern automobiles have more detailed sensing functions thanks to computerization and updated algorithms.

Sensors in the car notice problems as they arise and alert the processor. The processor will also alert the driver via a sound alarm or blinking dashboard or screen LEDs. Also, if a situation calls for immediate assistance, machines can start a reflex action.

For example, the fuel level sensor in your automobile may tell you how much petrol it has left. It will provide you with a reminder to refuel if the fuel level is below the specified limit. You’ll also receive an alert if unnecessary fuel is being drained and the remaining volume is low.

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Types of Car Sensors

Since there are many different types of sensors used in cars, understanding how they operate is crucial. The following are some popular automobile sensors that operate as sensors in automobiles.

1. Air-flow sensor
2. Engine knock sensor
3. Engine speed sensor
4. Crankshaft or Camshaft position sensor
5. Oxygen sensor
6. Manifold absolute pressure sensor (MAP)
7. Throttle position sensor
8. Voltage sensor
9. Coolant sensor
10. NOx sensor
11. Fuel Temperature sensor
12. Vehicle speed sensor
13. Parking sensor
14. Rain sensor
15. Accelerometer

#1 Air-flow Sensor

In autos, one of the most important sensors is the airflow sensor or MAF. This particular kind of sensor detects the amount and density of air that enters the engine.

The airflow sensor is installed within the combustion chamber. It guarantees that the optimal amount of air-fuel combination enters the combustion chamber. A faulty air-flow sensor may cause the engine to stall or use more gasoline (petrol).

#2 Engine Knock Sensor

When the air-fuel mixture ignites before the spark plugs produce a spark, it is known as the “knocking” phenomenon. In the long term, it can lead to damage to engine components and lower engine efficiency.

These types of car sensors keep an eye on the ignition process of the air-fuel combination to identify knocking. If the air-fuel mixture fails to ignite, the sensor can alert the driver. This ignition is extremely risky and could harm the car’s engine, including the rod bearings, head gasket, and rings.

#3 Engine Speed Sensor

The crankshaft’s location and speed are tracked by the engine speed sensor. This sensor is installed on the crankshaft. It transmits data to the ECU after detecting the crankshaft position.

After that, the ECU determines the precise moment to ignite the spark plugs and initiate fuel injection. Inaccurate timing causes the engine to lose efficiency. The engine of a car might suddenly stop in a few distinct ways. To protect drivers, this sensor will block that.

#4 Crankshaft or Camshaft Position Sensor

An engine’s intake and exhaust valves are managed by the camshaft. The camshaft position sensor manages the camshaft’s timing to ensure that burned gases are released from the cylinder and air enters at the appropriate times.

An electrical device called a crankshaft position sensor is used in internal combustion engines, both gasoline and diesel, to track the crankshaft’s location and rotational speed.

Crankshaft and camshaft positions are measured by their respective position sensors, which let the ECM know exactly where each one is. You must inform yourself as quickly as possible if those jobs aren’t in line with acceptable standards.

#5 Oxygen Sensor

The oxygen sensor, often known as the O2 sensor, is a device that detects the amount of oxygen in exhaust gases. It is situated in the exhaust stream, usually next to the catalytic converter and close to the exhaust manifold.

These car sensors assist in identifying the richness or leanness of the air-fuel combination that the engine is burning. This data is used by the engine computer to set the pollution controls and fuel metering system. Faulty oxygen sensors might result in excessive fuel use, jerky behavior, or issues with idle speed.

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#6 Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor (MAP)

The manifold absolute pressure sensor’s primary job in a car is to keep track of the engine’s load. It primarily measures the difference between the manifold and outside pressure.

By receiving this from outside pressure, the car can ensure that its engine is capable of receiving petroleum depending on changes in pressure. A MAP sensor failure could result in excessive fuel use.

#7 Throttle Position Sensor

When you push the accelerator pedal, these types of car sensors detect the position of the throttle valve. The sensor transmits the data to the ECU, which determines how much air-fuel mixture should be delivered to the cylinder.

In automobiles, this sensor mostly uses feedback carburetion and electronic fuel injection (EFI). The sensor operates as a variable resistor, which changes resistance as the throttle is opened. A malfunctioning throttle position sensor restricts the transmission of power.

Finding the signs of a malfunctioning throttle position sensor is not difficult. When there is a speed reduction, the sensor’s malfunction can be determined.

#8 Voltage Sensor

The voltage sensor controls the speed at which the car idles. Voltage sensors can instead be referred to as voltmeters or voltage detectors. Additionally, the sensor makes sure that the idle speed is adjusted when needed.

#9 Coolant Sensor

Since the computer relies on sensor inputs to operate every function, the coolant sensor is the most important sensor found in automobiles. For example, you can adjust the EGR flow, canister purge, retard, spark advance, and EFE system (early fuel evaporation) ON and OFF.

This sensor can often be linked to the board. If the sensor fails, there will be some symptoms of stalling, such as bad fuel mileage. Thus, it is important to assess the sensor’s condition to determine whether it is broken or not. It will be an issue if it is damaged.

#10 NOx Sensor

Cars also have NOx sensors, which detect the Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) in exhaust gases. Vehicles are subject to strict regulations regarding their NOx emissions.

For this reason, the NOx sensor is necessary to track the release of dangerous gasses. The ECU will receive the data from the sensor and use it to modify the air-fuel mixture to attain the necessary NOx levels.

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#11 Fuel Temperature Sensor

This sensor continuously measures the temperature of the fuel to determine if fuel utilization is optimal. For a car to operate smoothly, thermal management is essential. It is therefore one of the most important sensors in a car.

The engine petrol has a high density, it will take a long time to burn if it is cold. Likewise, warm fuel will burn more quickly. Here, the fluctuating volumes of the inflow are the primary issue. As a result, this may harm other car components.

In addition, the sensor can alert the diver if the engine is running out of coolant or if the radiator is not working properly.

#12 Vehicle Speed Sensor

As the name suggests, these types of car sensors track the wheel speed of the vehicle. This is usually a tachometer. This sensor is positioned inside the ABS, or anti-braking system.

The car wheels can move at various speeds during cornering or off-roading. Thus, the speed sensor helps in monitoring the speed of each wheel. The information is transferred to the ECU and can be used by safety systems like traction control and ABS.

#13 Parking Sensor

A parking sensor is used to detect any obstacles in the front or rear of the vehicle. The sensor makes a beeping sound to inform the driver. It facilitates safe parking for the driver of the car. High-end luxury vehicles use this sensor data for automatic emergency braking.

This sensor consists of a circuit that is divided into two parts. The transmitter is one part of the system, while the receiver is the other. This sensor sends ultrasonic waves to the car’s surroundings when they are reflected from the objects.

#14 Rain Sensor

As the name implies, the rain sensor detects rain. Usually, it can be seen on the windshield. This sensor significantly boosts car comfort and safety.

When it notices raindrops on the windscreen, it sends a signal to the ECU. As soon as the ECU receives the command, automatic wipers are activated. The rain sensor serves as a safety device by activating the windscreen wipers automatically.

Also, this sensor provides automatic control over a range of vehicle functions in response to the outside environment.

#15 Accelerometer

An accelerometer measures the acceleration of a vehicle, which is, in practical terms, a change in speed or direction. It can include vibrations, bumps, sudden acceleration or braking, forces that may indicate a fast turn, or strong impacts.

Advantages of Car Sensors

Following are some of the advantages of car sensors.

1. Driving can be made easier by the car sensors.
2. The sensors in a car can quickly identify malfunctioning parts.
3. The sensors can alert the driver to any problems or malfunctions with the vehicle’s parts.
4. Also, sensors allow for the automatic functioning of particular features like headlights and windshield wipers.
5. The proper maintenance of the engine is guaranteed by sensors.
6. The data obtained from sensors enables the ECU to make precise adjustments.

Disadvantages of Car Sensors

The following are a few disadvantages of car sensors.

1. Sensors that are installed on board can fail over time, which is one of the major disadvantages.
2. If a sensor fails, vital components of the vehicle can be damaged.
3. Repairing or replacing them might be an expensive task.

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Final Thought

That’s it. Thanks for reading. I hope I have covered everything about the “Types of Car Sensors.” It would be helpful if you could let me know if there was anything I missed or if you have any doubts about anything I wrote.

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External Links:

1. https://www.acko.com/car-guide/
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sensors