The engine control module controls operations and it relies on the car sensors to determine which components aren’t working well. Without the engine, the car cannot fulfill its purpose. With that said, the engine’s components require close monitoring in order to keep the engine operating normally.
Hence the reason for having sensors through out the engine’s essential components. The sensors communicate to the engine control module if something is wrong. Afterwards the engine control module, communicates that problem to the driver through dashboard warning lights.
The lights vary from one type of car model to another. This is based on the fact that each one of the car manufacturers installs different types of car sensors and engine control modules.
Now, don’t panic because in today’s list, we will look at the common types of car Sensors. Further, their warning lights are found on every type of engine control module. The car’s sensors play an important role in communicating between the machine and the driver.
1. Throttle position sensor.
In the past the throttle body was connecting to the accelerator pedal using cables. However, this has changed in recent cars because the connection is now fully electric. The throttle body has a throttle flap that influences the engine’s performance during acceleration.
The throttle position sensor, measures the position of this throttle flap. This measurement tells the engine control module how open the throttle is. The computer uses this information to regulate the fuel being pumped into the engine. This reduces the chances of excess fuel consumption and hence it influences the car’s fuel economy.
2. Oxygen sensor.
This sensor usually measures the air and fuel mixture of the exhaust fumes. This sensor communicates if the catalytic converter is working effectively or not. Further, it’s measurement determines whether the fuel is being burnt effectively.
The oxygen sensors are two in number. They are located at different positions within the system. One is located before the catalytic converter while the other is found after the catalytic converter. This makes their measurement very accurate. And incase there is an issue with the air fuel combination, the oxygen sensor sends this alert to the engine control module. In turn, the module communicates with the driver through a check engine light.
3. Mass Airflow sensor.
This sensor measures the amount of air going into the engine. Because the engine control module needs to know if there is sufficient amounts of air for the process of combustion. Combustion leads to the production of energy that is necessary to power the car’s movement.
The amount of air going into the engine determines the car’s fuel economy. In fact an air intake engine modification improves performance very much. Because it ensures that sufficient amounts of air go into the engine for performance.
4. Intake air temperature sensor.
Air temperature is very important for efficient fuel combustion. The engine control module must be sure of the amount of air as well as it’s temperature. This helps the engine control module to regulate the amount of fuel being released for combustion.
Air temperature is essential because it helps the engine control module to know the amount of oxygen present in that air. The amount of oxygen in hot air is less than the one found in cold air. Now, if the engine control module senses that the air doesn’t have sufficient oxygen (it’s hot air) it reduces the amount of fuel being released. This largely affects the fuel economy of the car. So, if the mass air flow sensor is bad there will be a check engine dashboard warning light.
5. Engine oil level sensor.
This is another common car sensor that is found in every car. At the oil pan, you will find this sensor that tells the engine control module weather there’s sufficient amounts of oil.
The different types of engine oil play a big role when it comes to protection, lubrication and cleaning of the engine. If there is an oil leakage within the engine, this sensor will alert the driver through a dashboard warning light. The light is in the shape of a kettle that has a drop of oil.
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