When these vibrations are detected, the ECM retards the ignition timing slightly to prevent damage to the engine.Įngine Crankshaft Position Sensor The crankshaft position sensor is used to determine the position of the crankshaft and the first cylinder. These expensive sensors are used for research purposes only.Įngine Knock Sensor The engine knock sensor measures or detects the vibrations that may result from incomplete combustion of the fuel inside the combustion chamber. The MAF sensor provides this information to the ECM (Engine Control Module).Ĭombustion Chamber Temperature Sensor A temperature sensor is located in the combustion chamber of each individual cylinder. Air expands and contracts with changes in temperature and pressure, so it is very important to mass of the air entering the combustion chamber rather than the volume in order to get the correct ratio of air and fuel for proper and well timed ignition. Mass Air Flow Sensor The mass airflow (MAF) sensor is a sensor that is used to measure the volume of air entering into the combustion chamber through the intake manifold. Oxygen Sensor on the Catalytic Converter.Temperature Sensor/Mid catalytic on the Catalytic Converter.Temperature Sensor in the combustion chamber.This engine is show on the right located in the Engine Dyno Test Cell at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research. The images below show the locations of different electronic sensors on a GM 5.3L V8 VORTEC Engine. Electronic systems help engines to deliver excellent performance with good fuel economy and reduced levels of harmful emissions. These sensors keep the track of everything from the intake of air for combustion to the exhaust gas emissions.
Internal Combustion Engines today are equipped with a large number of electronic sensors. Various Engine Sensors and Their Locationsīy Harish Kohli, Clemson Automotive Engineering Graduate Student