With technological developments in the field of automobiles, almost each and every function of a car is based on electronic components. For the car to function effectively, it is essential to know certain vital details about the car while it is in running state. With the recent advancements in technology, manufacturers deploy an array of sensors to aid the driver as well. It is going to be a fun journey to learn a few things about the plethora of sensors present in our cars.
These sensors are essential for the safety and smooth functioning of the engine, which is the heart of the car.
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Located inside the combustion chamber, the air-flow sensor or air-mass sensor measures the density and volume of air entering the combustion chamber. The air-flow sensor ensures that the air-fuel mixture entering the combustion chamber is in the right amount to avoid engine stalling and excessive fuel consumption.
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A part of the engine cooling system, the temperature sensor continuously monitors the temperature of the engine coolant. Its optimum functioning is very essential for the engine to run safely and avoid damage to the engine due to overheating.
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Just like the air-flow sensor monitors the quantity of air in the air-fuel mixture, the Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor monitors the quantity of fuel component of the air-fuel mixture. The sensor does this by calculating the difference between the inlet manifold and the external pressure. ECU algorithms vary the injected amount of fuel based on the changes in this pressure difference.
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Located near the exhaust manifold, the Oxygen sensor measures the oxygen content of the exhaust gases. Based on the readings coming from this sensor, the ECU decides whether the engine is running on a lean or rich air-fuel mixture. Malfunctioning of this sensor may result in increased fuel consumption, unstable idling speed and jerky engine operation.
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Located on the crankshaft, the engine speed sensor provides the driver with the crankshaft rotation speed. This sensor also doubles as a crankshaft positioning sensor. Based on the data received from this sensor, the ECU controls the fuel injection timing and spark plug ignition timing.
Though the car can function and run flawlessly without the functioning of these array of sensors, these sensors provide the driver with essential information facilitating safe driving.
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With the implementation of BS6 norms, speed sensors have become essential sensors. As the name suggests, the speed sensors monitor the speeds of individual wheels and makes sure the Anti-lock Brake System or ABS is working properly. In addition to this, the speed sensor system also displays the vehicle's running speed, making it essential for safe driving on the road.
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Located near the exhaust system, the NOx sensor, as its name suggests, monitors the emission values of hazardous NOx gases in the engine exhaust. Based on the sensor data, ECU calibrates the air-fuel mixture dynamically to keep these hazardous exhaust gases in control. With the increasing level of pollution and the implementation of BS6 norms, these sensors have become essential to keep the air pollution levels under control.
With recent technological advancements, the latest cars come bundled with many sensors to provide convenience to the driver. The array of sensors includes parking sensors, 360o camera system, adaptive cruise control sensor, LDR sensor for automatic headlamps, rain sensor for automatic wipers and many more. These sensors have become a common sight in the recently manufactured cars since the manufacturers have started loading their car models with comfort features.
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While these sensors undoubtedly make our lives easier and driving fun for the non-enthusiasts too, it also makes service and repair a little complicated. It would be worthwhile to note these beforehand the next time you take your car to the service centre or local mechanic for a repair job.
