Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Out of Sensors
Jim Halderman
Dayton, Ohio
We started communicating
by writing on the cave walls.
As the years went by we
progressed. We invented tools
to make communication better.
Communication through Sensors
• The voltage
changes at the
sense terminal
inside the
PCM after the
resistor.
Pull Down
Resistor
• The voltage
changes if the
switch is open or
closed.
Resistor Network
• Resistances
can be used
to simplify
inputs.
• Ford Manual
Lever
Position
(MLP) is an
example.
What would happen if some resistance
were added to the circuit?
If the resistance increases, what will
happen if you are driving at highway
speeds in drive?
Temperature Sensors
• ECT should
read the
same at IAT
at key on
engine off
(KOEO).
Quick and Easy Metric
Temperature Conversion
• Double the Celsius degree number
• Add 25
• Should be close to the Fahrenheit
temperature
• Example: 50 degrees X 2= 100+25=125
• Actual= 122
A GM Stepped ECT
• Five volts
from PCM
• Signal return
• Ground
Testing the TP sensor
• Great location to check for five-volt
reference (Vref).
• Used by DaimlerChrysler.
• Ceramic disc converts manifold
pressure into a capacitive discharge.
• The discharge controls the amount of
voltage drop delivered by the sensor to
the PCM.
• The output is the same as the
previously used strain
gauge/Wheatstone bridge design.
Ceramic Disc MAP
MAP versus BARO
• Very reliable.
• Brake clean ?
• Contact Cleaner ?
• Cable Tie ?
False Air
Mass Air Flow (MAF)-False Air
• If in Doubt-Take it Out
• The presence of
oxygen results
in a voltage
lower than 450
mV.
Mud-Coated O2S
Do Not Solder O2S Wires
• Universal oxygen sensors are often
used when replacement becomes
necessary.
• Many O2S “breathe” through the wiring
itself.
• If the wires are soldered, then the
sensor cannot detect outside oxygen.
• Use crimp and seal connectors if a
universal sensor is used.
Crimp and Seal Connectors
Oxygen Sensor Diagnosis
• If the fuel system is functioning correctly, the
oxygen sensor voltage should fluctuate from
above 800 mV to below 200 mV.
• Two Types:
• A cracked
magnet
becomes
two weak
magnets.
Magnetic Sensor
• The
sensor
housing
should
not be
cracked
or melted.
Ford Probe Story (2.5 liter V-6)
• Problem occurred at highway speed.
• Stopped running.
Found a
loose
CKP
sensor.
Magnetic Sensors
• Produce
an AC
voltage
signal
when the
magnetic
field
strength
changes.
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
• Can be magnetic
• Look at the sequence
to determine
application
• Notice that this is a
2,3,2 sequence
sensor wheel.
Wheel Speed Sensor
The Soldering Gun Trick
• Hold a soldering gun near a magnetic
sensor and the changing magnetic field
around the soldering gun will induce a
voltage into the windings of the
magnetic sensor,
• The frequency will be 60 Hz.
• If used on a VSS and the ignition is on,
the speedometer will read 54 mph (GM).
Hall-Effect Sensors
• Effect discovered by Edwin H. Hall in 1879.
• Very accurate.
Hall-Effect
• Three-wire sensor
– Power
– Ground
– Signal
• Generates a
digital signal
using two
magnets.
• Electronics in
the sensor
generate a
square-wave
output signal.
CKP and CMP Waveforms
• Can
detect
forward
or reverse
motion.
Questions?
Jim Halderman
jim@jameshalderman.com