What type of sensors on a car

In autonomous vehicles, these sensors detect objects to avoid collisions. Automotive Lidar sensors use a rotating beam of laser light. Among the different types of sensors used in cars is the oxygen sensor. Apart from ensuring proper engine performance, the oxygen sensor also ensures the catalytic converter is working optimally, thereby controlling emissions.

The oxygen sensor outputs a voltage that depends on the difference in the amount if oxygen in the exhaust gases and the atmosphere. A low voltage of about millivolts indicates a lean mixture , while a voltage spike to about millivolts shows the fuel is burning rich. A voltage midway between the high and low values means optimal fuel-air ratios. These sensors measure pressure and convert it into a voltage signal. The electrical voltage then changes according to pressure variations.

Using the electric signals, the computer works actuators and other systems. Car pressure sensor applications range from braking, window and door closing systems, exhaust to engine and steering systems.

Other applications of the pressure sensors used in cars include detecting pedal pressure to amplify braking force, at the exhaust to ensure clean exhaust filter and optimally performing catalytic converter , and in electric doors to detect obstruction such as a hand caught in a closing door.

The sensors are also used to detect impacts in airbag deployment systems. Pressure sensors check the pressures of critical liquids and gases.

These include engine oil, transmission and hydraulic oil, coolant, and fuel line pressures. But one of the most important applications of these sensors is in optimising the fuel mixture to be in line with the air pressure. The sensor for this purpose is called the manifold absolute pressure, MAP, sensor. It helps determine that right amount of air for optimal and smooth running of the engine. These are mostly used as parking assists, helping to park a vehicle safely and conveniently.

Ultrasonic sensors work by emitting high-frequency sound pulses. These are reflected by the objects near the car. The computer uses the time it takes for the pulses to bounce back to compute the distance between the car and the object. This helps to determine the safest parking distance.

The frequency levels of the sound produced by ultrasonic automotive sensors is way above the hearing range of the human ear. That means the sound remains inaudible, and can only be picked by the sensor and its computer. The history of these sensors is a long one. Initially used to help the driver park safely, the ultrasonic sensor in the modern vehicle has advanced to help cars park automatically. Motor vehicles come with different types of temperature sensors. These can be contact or non-contact depending on the application.

Although temperature sensors in automobiles are many and varied, two types stand out from the rest for being essential to engine performance. Is it recommended to clean the sensors In a diesel car in regular intervals for precautionary measures?

If so, what should be the intervals? What are the sensors that we need to clean as must do activity? The most common types of car engine sensors are the following: Contents show. Engine Oil Level Sensor. Engine Oil Pressure Sensor. Coolant Temperature Sensors. Mass Airflow Sensor. Intake Air Temperature Sensor.

Oxygen Sensors. Knock Sensors. Throttle Position Sensor. Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor. Fuel Pressure Sensor. Coolant Level Sensor. Nox Sensor. Exhaust temperature sensor. Boost pressure sensor How many sensors are in a car engine? How many sensors are in a car engine? Still have questions? Thank You very much. This is really usefull. Thanks, Magnus. Thanks for your help , I have got new ideas about different types of sensors. Am Raphael diesel technician, what causes knock sounds in MAN engines?

Where is available second sencer? Most of the time, the processor will relay the messages to the dashboard to notify you of the anomaly. The camshaft and crankshaft sensors are essential for maintenance as they prevent further strain on a poorly positioned crankshaft. A problem of either the camshaft or crankshaft sensor may present itself through the emission of white smoke from the engine.

Several sensors are dedicated to fuel injection in internal combustion engines, one of them being the fuel temperature sensor. The fuel temperature sensor detects the temperature of fuel just as its name hints. The main point of focus lies in the fuel density as hot fuel is less dense than cold fuel. The difference in density values affects the amount of fuel injected.

Another sensor that focuses on fuel is the fuel tank pressure sensor. It is part of the fuel tank assembly, and you will find it embedded on the top or sides of the fuel tank. It is a crucial component of the evaporative emission control system, which prevents vapors from the gas tank from escaping to the atmosphere. Should there be a leak, there will be changes in the pressure, and the sensor relays signals to the main processing unit in the engine.

This action turns on the check engine light for you to make the necessary checks to get to the root of the problem. The voltage sensor is another common sensor that you will find in vehicles. This component manages car speed, especially the idling speed. It is helpful in the increase or decrease of speed and ensures the change of this variable takes place as required.

Nox sensors are important sensors when it comes to controlling emissions and conserving the environment. The sensors are high-temperature application electric devices that help to detect the many forms of nitrogen oxides. A lot of research is still ongoing in the development of Nox sensors to help curb the emissions of nitrogen oxides to the environment. These compounds have a lot of negative effects, such as smog, acid rain, as well as health complications.

The sensors detect the amount of the compounds passing out through the exhaust fumes. If the levels are high, the management system will initiate processes to reduce these gases.

The exhaust temperature sensor features both petrol and diesel-run engines and performs a different function in either of them. The technology of exhaust sensors is some of the most advanced when it comes to controlling emissions, and most new-age automobiles feature these components.

If the sensor notes high temperatures in these components, it relays an electric signal to the engine control unit to lower the heat, mostly by reducing pressure. In diesel engines, the exhaust temperature sensor reads the heat of the diesel particulate filter.

In this case, it helps in establishing if the conditions are ideal for self-cleaning of the filter. They also control the boost level in the intake chamber of supercharged engines, or those with a turbocharger. This part measures the absolute pressure and air density before the throttle valve and sends the signals to the control system. Usually mounted on the throttle body is the throttle position sensor.

It oversees how far the throttle blade opens, a phenomenon determined by how far you step on the accelerator pedal. Another one of the many types of sensors used in automobiles is the vehicle speed sensor. The variables include ignition timing, air intake, and the air to fuel ratio among others. One of the problems you may encounter with your car is contaminated fuel.

There are several contaminants, and the common one is water. Your vehicle cannot run on water as fuel, and you may notice telltale signs such as poor acceleration, ignition problems, and knocking. The water in the fuel sensor WiF is the device that detects the presence of water in the fuel tank.

The sensor detects the water levels in the tank through the electrical conductivity difference of either petrol or diesel and water. If there is excess water, the sensor transmits the data to the ECU and then to the dashboard, which is noticeable by the check light on the notification. Tire pressure is an essential element when it comes to having a smooth and safe ride. In helping to keep tabs on this variable affecting the tires, we have the tire pressure sensors positioned in the pocket created by the wheel and tire.

The destination of the signals is either the ECU or the dashboard, where the readings are in pounds per square inch psi. The torque sensor, also known as the torque transducer, measures, and records dynamic torque.

Measuring dynamic torque is difficult, and this sensor overcomes the challenges by using a magnetic domain to condition the rotating shaft. The magnetic properties of the domain vary depending on the torque, and non-contact sensors can measure the variable. These are magnetoelastic sensors and are standard in racecars, typical automobiles, and aircraft. Car Review. Car Comparison. Industry knowledge. Last updated Dec 22, The Engine Speed Sensor The Engine Speed Sensor will help car owners control their cars better photo source: VW Mechanic Engine Speed Sensor is attached to the crankshaft and monitors the spinning speed of the crankshaft, which controls the fuel injection and timing of the engine.

Oxygen Sensor Oxygen sensors are also used in gasmasks photo source: My Car Dictionary The Oxygen sensor measures the amount of unburden oxygen that is present in the exhaust pipe and will indicate if the fuel is burning rich or lean. Fuel Temperature Sensor Overheat fuel and engine can be very dangerous photo source: Jaguar Forums The Fuel Temperature Sensor is another sensor that ensures your cars fuel consumption is at its most efficient.

Car Sensors List As car owners, knowing the function of these equipment is very important. Facts and Fallacies! Calculates the density and the volume of the air taken in by the engine.