25/12/2022
The Engine depends on various Sensors for it's optimum performance.
When these sensors fail, Engine performance will be affected, Check Engine Light will be illuminated and the engine might fail to start.
Some of them include;
1. Mass Air Flow Sensor(MAF)
It is located before the intake manifold and after the air cleaner compartment on the intake hose.
It measures the amount of air coming through the intake.
2.Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor(MAP)
It measures the pressure inside the manifold.
It works the same as boost pressure found in turbo charged engines.
3. Intake Air Temperature Sensor.
It monitors air intake temperature.
It can either be located separately on the intake hose or integrated into the Mass Airflow Sensor.
4. Oxygen Sensor/Lambda Sensor.
It measures the air fuel mixture from the exhaust.
It also measures the effectiveness of the catalytic converter.
5. Engine oil Level sensor.
Most modern cars are equipped with this sensor to measure the amount of engine oil in the sump before the engine is started.
If they detect low oil level, they illuminate a warning on the dashboard and the engine will not start.
6. Engine oil pressure sensor.
They are located either on the engine block or near the oil filter and are used to measure oil pressure.
7. Coolant Temperature Sensor.
It monitors coolant temperature and control the electric cooling fan.
8. Coolant level sensor.
It is mostly found in modern vehicles to monitor coolant levels. If the levels are low, it will illuminate a warning light and the engine might fail to start.
9. Fuel pressure sensor.
It is located on the fuel line/rail and is used to monitor fuel pressure. Too much fuel pressure will cause rich mixture while low fuel pressure will result to lean mixture.
10. Throttle Position Sensor.
In modern vehicles, the accelerator pedal and the throttle body are electronically connected.
The Throttle Position Sensor tells the ECU the exact angle of the valve's flap.
11. Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Sensor.
For perfect engine timing these sensors have to work in sync.
They monitor the position of the crank and the opening/closing of valves.
12. Knock Sensor.
It monitors when the engine starts to detonate/knock and alters the ignition timing to prevent damage.
An OBD-II scan tool is required to identify/clear the fault code.
Proper diagnosis is key to any repair or replacement.
...let's keep on the fast lane.
