Cruising around an auto show this past weekend, I was reminded of how simple cars were several decades ago. Cars were long on style and short on systems and components. They had simple ways to make cars go and technology was more mechanical than computer-driven.
Oh, how times have changed.
Today’s modern vehicles are filled with sensors that help your car run better. They work in conjunction with the computer to make small adjustments as you drive, creating more optimal performance.
If your vehicle is not running well? It might be a sensor. This is the guide you need to understanding and fixing common car sensor issues.
Why Car Sensors
It was only a matter of time before sensors became commonplace in a vehicle. Why? Because it’s the easiest way to ensure your vehicle is doing what it’s supposed to do.
Car designers originally added sensors to reduce emissions and meet stricter environmental laws. Early sensors helped manage fuel combustion more efficiently, directly impacting emission levels. Alongside emissions, improving fuel efficiency became a priority, especially after the oil crises of the 1970s. Sensors allowed for more precise control of the engine, optimizing fuel usage and reducing waste.
Efficiency was only part of the equation. The more we headed out onto the open road, the more accidents started occurring. The development of safety features such as ABS, airbags, and traction control required sensors to monitor vehicle conditions and respond in real-time to potential hazards, greatly enhancing vehicle safety.
This all came as advances in electronics and computing made it feasible to integrate sensors into cars at a reasonable cost. This led to the development of more complex vehicle systems that could use sensor data to enhance performance and safety. Cars became more sophisticated.
That also made it harder to maintain. With fine-tuned componentes impacting every drive, it became necessary for sensors to monitor vehicle systems continuously, providing diagnostic information to detect problems early. This helped in preventive maintenance and reduced the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.
All of this was in response to what consumers wanted from a vehicle. Consumers expect more comfort and convenience features, such as automatic climate control, parking assistance, and adaptive cruise control. They expect it; auto manufacturers delivered. To the modern marvels we drive today.
Car Sensor Development
Like any technology, car sensors didn’t happen overnight. Instead, individual sensors were introduced as we learned and grew.
In the 1960s and 1970s, it was all about emission control. Oxygen Sensors (O2 Sensors) were developed to monitor the oxygen levels in the exhaust gasses, allowing the engine control unit (ECU) to adjust the air-fuel mixture. This was crucial for reducing harmful emissions and complying with new environmental regulations, particularly in the United States with the Clean Air Act of 1970.
The 1980s saw growth in engine management. Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensors and Throttle Position Sensors (TPS) were introduced as part of the evolution of electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems. Sensors like the MAF and TPS were used to improve engine performance and fuel efficiency. The integration of these sensors allowed for more precise control of the engine’s air-fuel mixture and ignition timing, which was crucial for meeting stricter fuel economy and emission standards.
The 1990s put the emphasis on safety. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Sensors became the norm to prevent wheel lock-up during braking, significantly improving vehicle safety. Additionally, onboard diagnostic systems (OBD-II) were standardized, which required more sensors to monitor vehicle performance and detect malfunctions, providing valuable diagnostic information to mechanics and drivers.
The 2000s continued tweaking safety and driver assistance. Parking Sensors, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) became increasingly common in safety and convenience features. TPMS became mandatory in the United States starting in 2007 to prevent accidents caused by under-inflated tires. The last two decades have also seen the rise of ADAS technologies, such as lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking, all of which rely heavily on advanced sensors like cameras, radar, and lidar.
Fixing Common Car Sensors
Sensors are an important part of your ride. Car sensors are crucial for the proper functioning of modern vehicles, as they monitor various systems and provide data to the vehicle’s computer for adjustments. Imagine going back to the days where you had to recognize everything yourself – you see that when you step into the world of decades-old cars. We’ve come to rely on sensors for just about everything we do inside our vehicles. That means you’ll have to pay attention and get sensors fixed if they start misbehaving.
What are some of the most common car sensors you might have to troubleshoot from time to time?
Oxygen Sensor (O2 Sensor)
O2 sensors monitor the oxygen levels in the exhaust gasses to help regulate the air-fuel mixture for optimal combustion and emissions control. They may fail due to poor fuel economy, rough idle, engine misfires, and increased emissions. You’ll be alerted to a problem when the check engine light turns on.
Mechanics will use an OBD-II scanner to check for error codes (typically P0130-P0167 for O2 sensor issues). If the O2 sensor is faulty, replace it. This involves locating the sensor (usually on the exhaust manifold or just after the catalytic converter), disconnecting the wiring harness, unscrewing the sensor with an O2 sensor socket, and installing a new one.
Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
MAF sensors measure the amount of air entering the engine to ensure the correct air-fuel ratio. It may be a MAF sensor failure if you notice engine stalling, hesitation, rough idle, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel efficiency.
Mechanics use an OBD-II scanner to check for codes related to the MAF sensor (typically P0100-P0104). They will inspect and clean the MAF sensor using a MAF sensor cleaner (do not use regular cleaning agents). If cleaning does not resolve the issue, they will replace the sensor.
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
TPS monitors the position of the throttle valve to ensure the proper air-fuel mixture. Again, that check engine light turning on may be your first indicator. A bad TPS shows up as unstable idle, hesitation or stalling when accelerating, or poor fuel economy.
The OBD-II scanner is used to check for error codes (typically P0120-P0124). If there’s a problem, replace the TPS by locating it on the throttle body, disconnecting the wiring harness, removing the mounting screws, and installing the new sensor.
Wheel Speed Sensors (ABS Sensors)
ABS sensors measure the speed of each wheel for the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to prevent wheel lock-up during braking. In this case, the ABS warning light may be your first indicator. You might notice a loss of ABS function, traction control issues, and potential braking problems.
The OBD-II scanner will be used to check for error codes related to the ABS system. From there, a mechanic will inspect the sensors and their wiring for damage or debris. If the sensor is damaged, replace it by disconnecting the electrical connector, removing the mounting bolt, and installing a new sensor.
Mechanics Today – Technology Trained
Mechanics today are well versed in the mechanics of finding and fixing individual components as they fail, as well as reading diagnostic tools to find technological issues. An OBD-II scanner has become a friend, but it will never replace the knowledge a mechanic gains by learning to read what it reveals.
Many sensors require special tools for removal and installation. Get this wrong, and you could be putting your vehicle at risk.
Luckily, we love partnering with drivers just like you to keep you safely on the road for as long as you own your vehicle.
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