What is the engine temperature sensor for?

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Engine cooling system - a set of devices, parts and devices that control temperature and, if necessary, remove heat to the environment from too hot bodies. In addition, modern cars assign other functions to this system, such as heating the air in the cabin and its conditioning, as well as cooling the working fluid that is in the gearbox.

Each such system has many sensors that allow you to provide an overall picture of the engine. Any temperature indicator is connected to the on-board computer, which provides a quick and accurate location of a malfunction when it occurs.

Currently, there are three types of cooling systems for the working fluid: liquid, air and combined. The most effective and, accordingly, the most common is the first, which implies the presencepipeline through which the working fluid is supplied to the heated parts of the car.

This complex traditionally includes the following elements: thermostat, expansion tank, radiator, centrifugal pump, fan and pipe systems. Of course, no such system can do without such a control element as an engine temperature sensor. Such a device is designed to control the incoming values of this parameter and convert the obtained values into electrical impulses, which are subsequently fed to the reading devices. Using this sensor, the on-board computer will be able to determine the amount of fuel in the tank and that part of it that is necessary for the reliable and efficient operation of the engine.

In the event of a malfunction or breakdown, the engine temperature sensor may give incorrect signals, which will inevitably lead to excess fuel consumption. In addition, constant overheating signals can lead to increased engine cooling. The result of this will be a deterioration in the quality of idling (for example, uneven speeds and their fluctuations), excess exhaust gases, stalling and a general deterioration in vehicle handling. In addition, malfunctions of the radiator, thermostat, incorrect settings of control systems, or an abundance of air in the cooling system can also lead to a similar result.

The engine temperature sensor has a significant effect on the electronic control unit (ECU), which regulatesthe following options:

1. Enrichment of fuel injection by adjusting the duration of the pulse coming to the injectors.

2. Setting the ignition delay or advance. This will adjust the exhaust gas level to the desired value.

3. Changing the composition of the supplied fuel mixture.

4. Using exhaust gases to speed up engine warm-up.

An engine temperature sensor can essentially be considered a thermistor that changes its resistance when the coolant parameters change.