Making Sense of Sensors: Part 1
Making Sense of Sensors: Part 1
Now not all engines have all of these sensors. And there are other inputs other then the ones I've described here. The ECU gets input signals from the A/T Control unit, Ignition Switch and Air Conditioning Switch.
The ones I have listed here are the most directly responsible for proper fuel management. If you have a drivability problem, rough idle or starting problem, these are the most likely to be the cause.
Understanding them will go a long way in helping you figure out what's wrong with your car.
While these sensors can, and do, go bad it's important to always check the basics before condemning a sensor. You have to look at the connectors and make sure they are clean and tight. A loose or dirty connector can cause the same symptoms as a bad sensor. Check the wiring as well. Make sure there are no broken or chafed wires. Make sure any vacuum lines that may be connected to a sensor are in good shape. In short, check everything else before you check the sensors. About 75% of the time it is not a bad sensor, just a bad connection.
Well, that just about covers the inputs. Next time we'll discuss what happens when the ECU digests this information and what outputs it controls.
Copyright © 2001 - 2003 Vincent T. Ciulla All Rights Reserved
Now not all engines have all of these sensors. And there are other inputs other then the ones I've described here. The ECU gets input signals from the A/T Control unit, Ignition Switch and Air Conditioning Switch.
The ones I have listed here are the most directly responsible for proper fuel management. If you have a drivability problem, rough idle or starting problem, these are the most likely to be the cause.
Understanding them will go a long way in helping you figure out what's wrong with your car.
While these sensors can, and do, go bad it's important to always check the basics before condemning a sensor. You have to look at the connectors and make sure they are clean and tight. A loose or dirty connector can cause the same symptoms as a bad sensor. Check the wiring as well. Make sure there are no broken or chafed wires. Make sure any vacuum lines that may be connected to a sensor are in good shape. In short, check everything else before you check the sensors. About 75% of the time it is not a bad sensor, just a bad connection.
Well, that just about covers the inputs. Next time we'll discuss what happens when the ECU digests this information and what outputs it controls.
Copyright © 2001 - 2003 Vincent T. Ciulla All Rights Reserved
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