THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR

The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is a variable resistor that

changes value based on throttle movement. The control
module uses information from this sensor to adjust fuel
delivery to compensate for throttle opening. Vehicles
equipped with electronically shifted transmissions use
information from the TPS to control transmission shifting as
well. Reference voltage is supplied to the TPS by the control
module and changed by an internal variable resistor to output a signal relative to throttle
position. The typical TPS will have a high resistance at closed throttle, that will steadily
decrease as the throttle is opened. The signal produced by the TPS will be low voltage
output at idle and a voltage output that reaches maximum reference voltage at full throttle,
near 4.5 volts. By monitoring changes in the TPS signal voltage, the control module is able
to determine throttle angle and calculate fuel delivery accordingly. Auto repair jobs involving
the troubleshooting of a fast idle condition should look at the throttle position sensor as the
culprit.

MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSOR

The Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor (MAP) supplies
engine load information to the engine control module. The
engine control module uses this information to calculate
fuel delivery. In addition, some engine control systems will
use MAP sensor information to calculate spark timing.
Intake manifold vacuum varies with engine speed and load.
When the vehicle is at idle or decelerating, intake manifold
vacuum is high. When the engine is accelerating or under a
heavy load, intake manifold vacuum drops. Intake manifold
vacuum is a direct indicator of the amount of load placed
upon an engine. The MAP sensor sends a voltage signal or
frequency (some vehicles), to the control module that corresponds with the level of vacuum
present in the intake manifold.

ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR

The Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT) is used by the on-board computer system to
determine engine temperature. The on-board computer uses this
information to calculate proper fuel delivery and ignition timing. On
some vehicles, this information is used by the on-board computer to
activate certain emission control systems or to engage the engine
cooling fan. The ECT is a thermistor. The electrical resistance of the
sensor decreases as the temperature increases. The ECT sensor is
screwed into the side of the engine where it is exposed to the
engines coolant. The on-board computer sends a reference voltage
to the sensor, usually 5 volts. As the engine heats up the resistance
accross the sensor decreases. The computer then determines the
temperature of the vehicle by reading the voltage accross the
sensor. The voltage across the sensor can range from 4 volts when
the engine is cold to less than .5 volts when the engine has reached operating temperature.
 MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR
The mass air flow sensor is located between the air cleaner
and the throttle body. It is used by the control module to
measure the volume of air entering the engine. The control
module uses this information to calculate fuel delivery. The
typical MAF sensor contains a mesh screen to break up air
flow and prevent debris from entering the sensor. A thermal
element is placed in the air stream and is heated to a
specified temperature by the flow of electrical current. Air
flowing through the sensor reduces the temperature of the
thermal element, causing current flow through the element to
increase to maintain temperature. Air flow is calculated by monitoring the amount of current
required to maintain the thermal element at the specified temperature. Refer to an OBD-II
table when involved in an auto repair job after the check engine light has come on and you
have retrieved the trouble code.

CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

The crankshaft position is used by the control
module to calculate engine speed and cylinder
position. The control module uses this information
for fuel delivery and ignition control. The typical
CKP sensor is a signal generator that produces an
AC voltage signal based on engine speed. The CKP
sensor is placed in close relation to a toothed
wheel, mounted on the crankshaft. The toothed
wheel is either cast into the crankshaft or mounted
at the front or rear of the crankshaft. When the
toothed wheel is rotated past the CKP sensor, an AC voltage is generated by the sensor.
Gaps strategically placed in the toothed wheel correspond with the cylinder position of the
engine. The control module picks up the gaps as a momentary change in CKP sensor output
and is able to calculate cylinder position accordingly.

CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

The camshaft position sensor is used by the control module to
determine the position of the number one cylinder. This information
is most commonly used by the control module as a reference point
to begin sequential fuel injection operation. Sensor type and
locations can vary widely from model to model. The most common
types are magnetic signal generators and hall effect switches.
Sensors can be mounted in the distributor or in the timing cover,
facing the camshaft gear.
DETONATION SENSOR
The knock sensor is used by the control module to monitor engine
detonation or spark knock. The control module uses information
from the knock sensor to adjust ignition timing, to decrease
detonation in the engine. The knock sensor can be found at various
locations on the engine block or cylinder head(s). Some systems
use two knock sensors for more efficient spark control. The knock
sensor is a piezo-electric device that generates a voltage signal
when vibrated. The pulses generated by engine detonation are
converted by the knock sensor, into a voltage signal that the
control module uses to detect spark knock. The control module retards the ignition timing a
predetermined amount, until spark knock is no longer detected. Of course, this sensor is
one of the first things you should check when encountering engine knock (before heading
for your local auto repair shop).

OXYGEN SENSOR
The oxygen sensor produces
a voltage signal based on the
amount of oxygen in the
exhaust of the engine. This
voltage signal is used by the
control module, to provide
air/ fuel mixture information
for fuel delivery and emission
control. The oxygen sensor is
placed in the exhaust stream
of the engine. When heated,
it acts like a small battery to
produce a voltage signal
based on the ratio of oxygen
in the exhaust system and
reference air contained inside
the sensor or sampled from
the atmosphere. A high
exhaust oxygen content would indicate lean exhaust and result in low voltage output from
the oxygen sensor. Low oxygen content indicates a rich exhaust and would result in a high
voltage output from the sensor. The control module monitors this voltage output to
constantly tailor fuel delivery to maintain a precise air/fuel ratio of 14.7-1. This ratio is
needed for efficient operation of the catalytic converter. A properly working oxygen sensor
will produce a varying voltage signal from below 200mv to above 800mv, as the fuel system
works to maintain air/fuel ratio. The average voltage reading from the oxygen sensor should
be around 450mv. Oxygen sensor response time from rich to lean, should be less than 100
milli-seconds. An improperly working sensor can affect engine performance and emission
levels. A false, low voltage output from the sensor, can result in excess fuel being delivered
to the engine and affect fuel mileage, driveability and vehicle emissions. Severe cases can
cause catalytic converter damage from excess fuel in the exhaust system. An oxygen sensor
with slow response time can affect emissions and fuel economy as well. Oxygen sensors can
be contaminated by silicone, causing a high but false voltage signal and resulting in poor
engine performance from improper fuel delivery. Countless big ticket auto repair jobs
related to engine performance can be avoided by simply inspecting this sensor and replacing
if necessary.

INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR

The intake air temperature sensor is a thermistor that
is used to input air temperature information to the
control module. The control module uses this
information to control fuel delivery by calculating the
density of incoming air using temperature. The intake
air temperature sensor responds to temperature
changes by decreasing resistance as temperature
increases. The control module sends reference voltage
through the sensor and calculates the air temperature
by monitoring the signal that returns. Since resistance
is high at cold temperatures, signal return voltage will be low. As the temperature
increases, sensor resistance decreases and signal return voltage will increase.

EGR POSITION SENSOR

The EGR position sensor sends information relating to EGR flow to the
control module. This information is used either to adjust fuel delivery to
compensate for EGR operation (on some models) or to verify proper EGR
function for diagnostic and troubleshooting purposes. The EGR position
sensor is a variable resistor that outputs a voltage signal that corresponds
to the relative position of the EGR valve. The control module supplies a
reference signal to the EGR position sensor and monitors return voltage to
calculate EGR operation. Failure of the EGR valve to respond to the desired
position, can result in a failed diagnostic and illumination of the MIL by the control module.
Check this sensor before visiting your local auto repair shop.

EGR TEMPERATURE SENSOR

The EGR temperature sensor is a thermistor that is used by
the control module to verify EGR flow. The information from
this sensor is used to provide diagnostic and troubleshooting
information to the control module for the EGR valve. The
EGR temperature sensor is placed in the exhaust stream at
or near the EGR valve. When the valve is commanded on,
exhaust will flow past the sensor, increasing the temperature
of the sensor. The increased temperature of the sensor will
result in lower sensor resistance and cause a voltage output
of the control module to be pulled to ground. The control
module is able to determine proper operation of the sensor
by looking for the voltage level of this signal to drop when
EGR is commanded on.