Today’s vehicles are as much electronic as they are mechanical.

Computers control and

monitor every major system in a modern car or light truck. It is virtually impossible to
work on almost any vehicle without a basic knowledge of computers. Section 4 details
the theory and operation of computer systems, explains how to use a scan tool to find
problems in computerized systems, and describes the use of pinpoint tests to verify the
basic electrical/electronic faults identified by the scan tool. This important section will
prepare you for almost every other chapter in this textbook. Study it carefully! This
section will also help you pass several ASE Certification Tests that require an
understanding of computers, sensors, actuators, scan tools, and related topics,
including Test A6, Electrical/Electronic Systems and Test A8, Engine Performance.

Computer System Operation There are three stages of

computer system opera- tion: • Input—Vehicle sensors convert a condition into an
electrical signal that can be used by the computer. • Processing and storage—The
computer com- pares sensor inputs to data and operating param- eters in its memory to
determine what action should be taken to control the vehicle’s control cir- cuits. The
computer can remember programming, as well as store trouble codes in its memory
chips. • Output—The computer produces electrical outputs that are used to control
solenoids, servo motors, relays, and other actuators. These actua- tors perform physical
actions to alter component operation for maximum vehicle efficiency

Computer locatios
Automotive computers may be located under the dash on the passenger side of the
vehicle. This protects the delicate circuits and components in the computer from engine
heat, vibration, and moisture. However, computers, like the high-temperate electric drive
train controller, can also be located in the engine compart- ment, in the trunk, or under
the seats. See Figure 23-15. When located in the engine compartment, the computer is
closer to most sensors and actuators. Less wiring and fewer connectors are needed to
tie the system together. Computers used to operate the anti-lock brakes and other
systems are often found anywhere in the vehicle. Engine and powertrain con- trol
modules are located under the dash, in the engine compartment, or in another central
location. Comput- ers used with specific systems, such as the ignition or air conditioning
systems, are close to, in, or under the system components.

Computer Types Several types of computers can be used in a car. The

number and types of computers will vary with the manufacturer. The most common
types are: • Vehicle control module—This large, powerful computer processes data from
sensors and other, less powerful control units. It coordinates engine, transmission,
traction control, and anti-lock brake functions, and instrumentation, for example. •
Powertrain control module—This module is a powerful computer used to monitor and
control the engine, transmission, and other systems. • Engine control module—This
computer uses sen- sor inputs to control engine idle speed, fuel injec- tion, ignition
timing, emission control devices, and other operating parameters. • Anti-lock brake
module—This small computer uses wheel speed sensor inputs and other inputs to
control anti-lock brake application. • Instrumentation module—This small computer uses
sensor inputs to operate a digital dash display. • Ignition module—This small computer
uses sen- sor inputs to control ignition timing, spark plug fir- ing, or ignition coil pack
operation. • Suspension system module—This small computer uses vehicle speed,
suspension, and steering sensor inputs to control ride stiffness or shock absorber
action. • Climate control module—This small computer used to control the operation of
the heating, venti- lation, and air conditioning systems. • Air bag module—This small
computer controls the vehicle’s air bag system. This electronic circuit also stores power
to deploy the air bags in the event that battery power is severed and lost in a collision. •
HV power control module—This module consists of a set of electrical and electronic
circuits that alter current and route it between the battery pack and motor-generator in a
hybrid vehicle. • Hybrid control module—This module controls the power control module
and motor-generator to keep the battery pack operating at the optimum temperature
and state of charge. • Body module—This computer provides memory and other
functions for the radio, driver’s informa- tion center, electronic compass, trip computer,
navigation, exterior and interior lights, etc

Sensors Most vehicle sensors, or transducers, change a physical condition into

an electrical signal. Transduce means to change from one form to another. Just as our
eyes, ears, nose, fingers, etc., can sense condi- tions, vehicle sensors can detect the
operating condi- tions of a car or truck. The computers use the voltage signals from
sensors to control the actuators. Sensors can be found almost anywhere on a vehi- cle.
Many are mounted on the engine. Others can be located on or in the transmission or
transaxle, in the exhaust system, on the wheel hubs, on and in the fuel tank, on the
suspension, or even in the trunk (impact sensor). If in doubt, refer to the service manual
for the specific vehicle to find sensor types and locations, Figure 23-13. Sensor
Classifications An automobile uses several types of sensors to provide
electrical data to its many computers. There are dozens of specific names for vehicle
sensors. However, they can all be classified into two general categories: active sensors
and passive sensors. An active sensor produces its own voltage signal internally. This
very weak signal is fed back to the computer for analysis. Shielded wire, which has a
flexible metal tube around the conductor to block induced voltage and interference, is
often used with active sensors. A passive sensor is a variable resistance sensor.
Voltage is fed to the sensor from the computer. The passive sensor’s resistance varies
with changes in a condition (temperature, pressure, motion, etc.). The computer can
detect the resulting change in voltage caused by the change in resistance. Within these
two categories are several sensor types: • Variable resistor sensor—This type of sensor
changes its internal resistance with a change in a condition its ohms value may change
with temperature, pressure, etc. It is an analog sensor. Examples of variable resistance
sensors are throttle position and temperature sensors. A potentiometer is a variation of
a variable resistor sensor. It has three external connections instead of two. One lead
connects to each end of the resistor, and the remaining lead connects to a wiping arm
that slides over the fixed resistor. This arrangement more precisely controls the current
throughout than a two-connection variable resistor sensor.