Faulty Sensor - How To Test Automotive Sensors in 5 Easy Steps - MZW Motor

2/17/2022 Faulty Sensor?
How to test Automotive Sensors in 5 Easy Steps - MZW Motor
Faulty Sensor? How to test Automotive Sensors in

5 Easy Steps
Source: youtube.com
Vehicle sensors detect chemical and physical changes in a car, transmitting

the information to the computers.
But the sensors can sometimes fail and relay the wrong information- or
none at all.
This a ects the vehicle’s e ciency and performance. Safety, too, especially
if the damaged sensor measures operations such as braking and steering.
https://mzwmotor.com/faulty-automotive-sensor-testing/ 1/16
2/17/2022 Faulty Sensor? How to test Automotive Sensors in 5 Easy Steps - MZW Motor
Here, we explain the steps to test the di erent types of sensors used in cars
when they show signs of failure.
Car Sensor Testing Procedures

The sensors used in cars are many and varied. Some of these common
while others can only be found in luxury models.
The car sensors described below are the main ones- the type you’re likely
to come across.
Materials and tools you will be needing:
Digital volt ohm meter– this measures electrical faults which are
often the cause of malfunction in a car sensor.
For correct and reliable results, ensure the DVOM is accurate.
For the basics on how to use the digital volt ohm meter, check out this
YouTube video.
Jumper wires and testing probes– you don’t want to damage

insulation when testing leads and testing probes will come in handy.
Jumper leads are also necessary for some tests.
These are the main testing tools testing required but you can equip
yourself with extra ones if possible. You may want to have an infrared
thermometer with you or a scan tool to display testing data.
For proper testing results, ensure the battery is in perfect condition-

fully charged and its connections intact and routed correctly
.
Now, on to the testing procedure itself.
Source: http://www.quadratec.com
How to Test Automotive Crankshaft or Camshaft

Position Sensor
The crankshaft position sensor continuously measures the rotational speed
and position of the crankshaft. This is important for the ECU to determine
the timing of engine operations, such as fuel injection.
When the sensor fails, it can mean the engine performing poorly or even
stalling.
Crankshaft or camshaft position sensors usually come with voltage or

resistance speci cations. Testing them for failure involves measuring
voltage output and resistance then matching the results with those of the
manufacturer.
This is how to test the sensor.
Step 1
Inspect the sensor for visual signs of damage such as worn insulation or
loose and damaged connectors or mounting bolts.
Step 2
Set the digital volt ohm meter to read millivolts. Turn on the ignition without
starting the engine.
Step 3
Connect the DVOM positive probe to one of the sensor connectors and the
other probe to ground. The voltage should be within the manufacturer
values, usually 200mv.
Step 4
To test for resistance, set the DVOM to Ohms scale. Unplug the sensor and
connect either leads to the DVOM probes.
Step 5
Read the Ohm or resistance values and compare them to those of the
manufacturer.
If they don’t match, the sensor is defective.
If the resistance is in nite, you have an open circuit within the sensor.
If the readings are zero Ohms, the sensor is shorted. Change it to avoid
engine problems.
Source: www.corvettemods.com
How to Test Mass Air Flow Sensor

This sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine as well as its
density.
Usually located in the area between the air lter and the throttle body, the
MAF sensor helps the car computer to control engine performance. The
signs that it has failed include mis res or the car stalling.
Test this sensor using these steps.
Step 1
Locate the sensor in the vehicle’s air intake duct. Inspect it for damage, dirt,
or loose connections.
Step 2
To test if the sensor is receiving power, set your DVOM to 20V DC.
Unplug the sensor and connect the meter probes to the harness terminals-
the negative to GND and the positive to B+.
The meter reading should indicate a value close to the battery voltage or
from between 10 to 13 volts.
If not, the circuitry should be faulty.
Step 3
Reattach the sensor and identify the signal and power terminals. They will
usually be indicated as SIG and GND respectively.
Connect the meter to these terminals.
Step 4
Switch on the ignition but do not start the engine.
Observe the readings, which should range 0.2 to 1.5 volts. Raise the engine
speed.
The readings should change accordingly, reaching up to 2 volts.
Step 5
To check for resistance, set the DVOM read ohms, then unplug the sensor.
Connect one of the meter’s probe to the signal terminal of the MSF sensor
and the other to ground.
The meter should read 0 ohms or close to that.
In nite resistance indicates a burnt out sensor.
Source: http://www.banggood.com
How to Test Automotive Oxygen Sensors

The oxygen sensor is located in the exhaust.
By detecting the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases, the oxygen

sensor provides the information needed to ensure engine e ciency.
The computer is able to control the amount of air for the right combustion
ratios, which not only helps to enhance performance but also controls
emissions.
Use this procedure to test the sensor.
Step 1
Remove the sensor and check it for bad connections or exposed wires.
Step 2
Re-install the sensor and turn on the engine. Allow it to run for about ve
minutes then turn it o .
Step 3
Set the digital volt ohm meter to read millivolts.
Connect the positive terminal of the digital volt ohm meter to the sensor
and the negative to ground. The values should be between 100-1 000 MV.
Step 4
Switch the engine on again and observe the meter reading. The values
should now change quickly.
If the reading stays still and high up to 500 millivolts, allow the engine to
warm up a little bit more.
If the readings do not change, the sensor is defective. You need to replace
it.
Step 5
Locate the vacuum port and open it to create a vacuum leak.
If the vacuum is working correctly, the meter reading should go up in a

vacuum leak and drop when you close the vacuum port.
Source: http://www.dgofen.com
How to Test Throttle Position Sensor

The throttle position sensor, TPS, is a type of auto sensor that usually
mounts on the throttle body, the TPS can fail due to various reasons.
It could be loose connections or damaged parts. Here is how to test the

sensor.
Step 1
Locate the sensor. It’s found in the carburettor side in older models and fuel
injection for newer vehicles.
Step 2
Check the sensor for loose connections or worn insulation.
Step 3
Set a digital volt ohm meter to measure 20 kilo Ohms.
Step 4
Attach the DVOM’s positive lead to the central terminal of the sensor and
the negative to one of the remaining terminals.
Step 5
Open up and close the throttle opening slowly.
The reading on the digital volt ohm meter should decrease or increase
depending on the terminal used.
The reading should also be gradual. If unsteady or irregular, the TPS is faulty
and needs to be changed.
Source:
http://www.stockwiseauto.com
How to Test Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor

This sensor is usually located on the engine rewall.
It detects the outside and inside and outside the manifold. This helps the
computer to calculate the fuel amounts needed by the engine.
Here is how to test it.
Step 1
As with the other sensors, inspect the connector of the MAP for damage.
Step 2
Disconnect the sensor. Use a jumper wire to connect the sensor to the
terminals.
Step 3
Switch on the ignition but don’t start the engine.
Step 4
Set the DVOM to 20V DC and connect its positive terminal to the B terminal
on the sensor. Connect the negative terminal to ground. The DVOM should
read between 4.5 volts to 5 volts.
Step 5
Start the engine and leave it to idle. Repeat step 4. If the DVOM readings do
not change, the sensor is damaged and requires replacing.
Conclusion
Sensors can and do get faulty. When damage occurs, they need replacing.
Testing a sensor before you install a new one is essential.
It ensures you do not change a working one. When carrying out the tests,
use reliable tools and equipment. You don’t want to get inaccurate results.
Most car sensors are expensive and wrong diagnostics can be costly. Some
sensors might require testing procedures that are di erent from those
described here.
When in doubt, always consult the manufacturer manual. Also, have a

quali ed person assess the sensor you suspect to be damaged.
3 Comments
Mohammed Munaf
2 years ago
I want to learn more about sensors n how to fix it
Reply
nerius
1 year ago
good, i what to learn more on how test and fix the sensors of any car.
Reply
birhanu
1 year ago
i need to know about sensors in the car
Reply
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2/17/2022 Faulty Sensor?

How to test Automotive Sensors in 5 Easy Steps - MZW Motor

Faulty Sensor? How to test Automotive Sensors in

Vehicle sensors detect chemical and physical changes in a car, transmitting

Car Sensor Testing Procedures

Materials and tools you will be needing:

For correct and reliable results, ensure the DVOM is accurate.

Jumper wires and testing probes– you don’t want to damage

For proper testing results, ensure the battery is in perfect condition-

How to Test Automotive Crankshaft or Camshaft

Crankshaft or camshaft position sensors usually come with voltage or

This is how to test the sensor.

If they don’t match, the sensor is defective.

How to Test Mass Air Flow Sensor

Test this sensor using these steps.

If not, the circuitry should be faulty.

Connect the meter to these terminals.

Switch on the ignition but do not start the engine.

The readings should change accordingly, reaching up to 2 volts.

The meter should read 0 ohms or close to that.

In nite resistance indicates a burnt out sensor.

How to Test Automotive Oxygen Sensors

By detecting the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases, the oxygen

Use this procedure to test the sensor.

Set the digital volt ohm meter to read millivolts.

Locate the vacuum port and open it to create a vacuum leak.

If the vacuum is working correctly, the meter reading should go up in a

How to Test Throttle Position Sensor

It could be loose connections or damaged parts. Here is how to test the

Check the sensor for loose connections or worn insulation.

Set a digital volt ohm meter to measure 20 kilo Ohms.

Open up and close the throttle opening slowly.

How to Test Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor

Here is how to test it.

Switch on the ignition but don’t start the engine.

Testing a sensor before you install a new one is essential.

When in doubt, always consult the manufacturer manual. Also, have a

I want to learn more about sensors n how to fix it

i need to know about sensors in the car

Top Lathe Machine Manufacturers Today

established a corporate mandate to maintain strong core values.

 (86) 177 0651 7872

News & Resource

may withdraw your consent at any time!

(86) 177 0651 7872

Mon-Fri: 8am – 6pm

MZW Motor © All rights reserved

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