What is a temperature sensor and what is it for?

What is a temperature sensor and what is it for?
What is a temperature sensor and what is it for?
Anonim
temperature sensor
temperature sensor

The temperature sensor is a relatively simple device that measures and compares the temperature of the engine coolant to a reference temperature. The data received from this device is sent to the electronic control unit (ECU), where it is processed and reported to the on-board computer about the state of the car's engine. In this regard, such a device is considered important and indispensable, since the mode and quality of the engine operation depends on it.

The oil temperature sensor affects the vehicle control system and the engine in particular. For example, the value of the injector opening pulse. By changing this parameter, you can change the quality of the engine idling, fuel consumption, fuel mixture composition and much more. In addition, the temperature sensor will affect the ignition timing, which in turn will lead to a change in the amount of exhaust gases, fuel consumption, as well as fluctuations in vehicle performance. Purging the filter inevaporative emission system, fuel mixture composition, exhaust gas recirculation, idle speed - all this depends on a similar device installed in the cooling system.

Oil temperature sensor
Oil temperature sensor

The temperature sensor is a thermistor that changes its resistance when the amount of heating of the coolant in the engine system changes. Such a device is traditionally located either on the intake manifold thermostat housing or on the cylinder head. The last placement case involves the installation of two sensors, one of which is located on the electronic control unit, and the other on the fan. Or it is possible to locate paired devices on each of the cylinder blocks.

A faulty temperature sensor can lead to a significant deterioration in vehicle performance, increased fuel consumption, poor exhaust gas composition, and overall poor driving performance.

Digital temperature sensor
Digital temperature sensor

However, not everyone can immediately recognize the characteristic features that indicate a breakdown. Therefore, further in the article the main symptoms of a malfunction will be considered. A digital temperature sensor in the broadest sense is an electronic device. That is, these are several devices interconnected by a network of wires. As a result, poor wiring, a broken contact or a rusty connection becomes the main problem. In addition, a special place in the device is occupied by a thermostat. If it is open, then engine warm-upwill be slow, while the sensor will give a signal about the low temperature of the motor. In the event that a specific device does not fit your car model, or if it does not exist at all, then there will also be signals that the engine has not yet reached operating temperature values.

You can identify existing malfunctions of the temperature sensor with a thorough visual inspection (rust, wire breakage) or during computer diagnostics.

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