Questions tagged [sensor]

An electronic device that monitors a particular parameter and provides data to be consumed by other systems to adjust and/or monitor vehicle systems. Examples include: mass air flow (MAF) sensors, oil pressure switches and transducers, ABS wheel speed sensors, outside air temperature (OAT) sensors.

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What is this thing hanging from a wire from the front headliner at the top of the windshield?

Had my windshield replaced last week, and then this week this black rectangular plastic thing dropped in front of me. Held in place by a wire attached to it going under the headliner - length of wire ...
davidbak's user avatar
  • 513
14 votes
1 answer
37k views

How does the tachometer on my dashboard actually work?

Recently, I asked a question about the speedometer, how it works and how accurate it is. But that got me thinking... how does the rest of the dash actually work? I understand that the RPM measurement ...
Max Goodridge's user avatar
11 votes
5 answers
133k views

Car won't reach operating temperature

Here's a seemingly simple problem - I noticed that the temperature gauge of my mother's 2004 Opel Meriva 1.7CDTI won't ever climb above minimum. I checked the OBD readings to see if it was a defective ...
I have no idea what I'm doing's user avatar
11 votes
2 answers
1k views

how can I measure the amount of fuel injected into a diesel engine in real time in a purely mechanic pre-OBD vehicle?

This is a Mercedes-Benz 308D van, year 1992, model 602.316. Pre-OBD, no electronics of any sort, everything is purely mechanical. I would like to retrofit a system which would measure the precise ...
ria's user avatar
  • 1,344
10 votes
1 answer
8k views

Skoda Fabia - reverse parking sensors not working?

I bought a used Skoda Fabia that is fitted with a parking assistant (reverse parking sensors) which does not seem to work. According to the manual when I change into reverse it should either make a ...
magnattic's user avatar
  • 201
9 votes
2 answers
5k views

what sensors and formula are used to control VGT/VNT turbos?

I want to fit a variable geometry turbo to my car. Its vanes are usually controlled an electrical actuator (otherwise sometimes it's on vacuum). What information is used to to inform the state of the ...
Aaron Brick's user avatar
9 votes
3 answers
11k views

Shouldn't my post-cat O2 sensors (lambda probes) be reporting varying numbers?

On my 2002 BMW E46 330Ci, I've been getting error codes 202 Lambda regulating limit Bank1 and 203 Lambda regulating limit Bank2. Here's the angry sensor readings from the INPA software: I understand ...
andrewb's user avatar
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9 votes
1 answer
46k views

Can I use an OBD2 Scan Tool on older GM vehicle?

I can get an adapter that connects my OBD2 scan tool to my 12 pin GM scan tool connection. But will the tool be able to read the codes and tell me anything useful? Or do I need to get a scan tool that ...
Jim's user avatar
  • 248
8 votes
2 answers
2k views

MAP sensor covered with gasoline

I have a 2007 Hyundai Accent SE with a 1.6 liter engine in it. It was stalling often so I hooked up a code reader and it said the MAP sensor was bad. I tried to check it to see if it might just be ...
tim's user avatar
  • 91
8 votes
1 answer
3k views

Do newer cars actually monitor the quality of oil? [duplicate]

Possible Duplicate: How does the change oil light system work and does it matter what type of oil you use for it to work properly? Starting last August, I am currently leasing a BMW 328i coupe. ...
Chris's user avatar
  • 183
8 votes
2 answers
6k views

Proper way to do maintenance on an air bag system (SRS)?

My air bag system light started coming on a while ago. Sometimes it will come on and stay on, other times it will go off after a while. This usually happens when it starts raining out. I did some ...
Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2's user avatar
8 votes
2 answers
861 views

Coolant Level Sensor Connector Replacement

I'm looking for a replacement male connector to fit this coolant level sensor from a 1989 VW Jetta. Finding replacement sensors is straightforward, but what does one do when repairing a missing ...
Lyle's user avatar
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7 votes
1 answer
175 views

Replacing a dashboard for another one with more indicators

I'm thinking of purchacing a Citroen BX dashboard from a superior model than my BX 14 wich currently only features a Velocimeter, fault lights and an analog clock, for one with various analog ...
EChan42's user avatar
  • 1,005
7 votes
1 answer
3k views

Malfunctioning Ambient Temperature Gauge - 2004 Subaru Forester

I own a 2004 Subaru Forester XS with 102,000 miles on it and required service and inspections just completed. Now the Ambient Temperature Gauge keeps malfunctioning - often sticks at 77; after a ...
Joan's user avatar
  • 71
6 votes
4 answers
75k views

Tricks for disconnecting sensor connectors

Cars these days have a lot of sensors. A lot of these sensors are connected using some kind of plastic clippy. There are numerous different kinds of plastic clippys in production. This question is ...
Zshoulders's user avatar
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6 votes
2 answers
11k views

Where exactly is the Check Engine Light connector on a 1997 Honda Honda Civic?

The check engine light on my 1997 Honda Civic lit up. I came across a method for troubleshooting (http://honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=1901557) but I'm having trouble finding the connector. Can ...
Mike B's user avatar
  • 175
6 votes
2 answers
6k views

P2238 Positive Current Circuit Low on Toyota Camry 2004

I'm getting P2238 Positive Current Circuit Low from my car, for O2 Sensor in Bank 1 Sensor 1 for my Toyota Camry 2004 (4 cylinder). What is it and how can I fix this problem? From what I've read on ...
Brian Mains's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
885 views

Does the dash temperature sender unit also provide input to the ECU?

The temperature gauge on my 98 Mazda 626 2L MTX recently went all wonky, most of the time it's pegged low, but sometimes in just jumps around, but never above the actual temperature of the engine. ...
Robert S. Barnes's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
723 views

Rear ABS Sensors Peugeot 307

I have a Peugeot 307 and the passenger side ABS sensor had recorded a fault (after an expensive Diagnostics) so I replaced both rear sensors now there is an ABS fault on both rear wheels communication ...
Barkermn01's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
116 views

2001 Chevrolet Silverado Ignition

I drive a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado and I went out to start it so I could go to work this morning and it sounds like it's not getting any spark. it turns over and the solenoid turns on so its not the ...
user avatar
5 votes
6 answers
8k views

Since when is CAN bus mandatory for new vehicles?

The CAN bus Wikipedia page states that: CAN bus is one of five protocols used in the on-board diagnostics (OBD)-II vehicle diagnostics standard. The OBD-II standard has been mandatory for all ...
Kozuch's user avatar
  • 1,305
5 votes
4 answers
6k views

97 Honda Accord won't start after head gasket replacement

I recently replaced the head gasket on my Honda Accord. The cylinder head was tested at a machine shop and they also replaced the valve seals. I didn't do any work to the cylinders, except use ...
willpb's user avatar
  • 310
5 votes
2 answers
20k views

How much distance would 1mm off front brakes translate into?

I am planning to replace my front brake pads within a month. I was told that if my brake wear sensor trips, I will need to buy new sensors as they will get destroyed. So I am trying to save my brake ...
eYe's user avatar
  • 799
5 votes
2 answers
202 views

Why don't thermostats have a sensor?

One of the more common reasons of overheating is a stuck thermostat. One of the most common reasons for blown head gaskets is overheating. One of the most expensive vehicle repair procedures is head ...
amphibient's user avatar
  • 6,633
5 votes
4 answers
12k views

judging oxygen sensor quality

I was looking at oxygen sensors for my vehicle on rock auto and found large price discrepancies. I saw sensors ranging from $25 up to $100. in general what do the more expensive sensors have that the ...
Robert S. Barnes's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
59k views

P0136 Bank 1 Sensor 2 - Sensor location

I'm getting P0136 bank 1 sensor 2 circuit malfunction from my Toyota Camry 4 cylinder, which from past experience means I need to replace it. I've replaced the O2 sensor in the exhaust manifold ...
Brian Mains's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
236 views

Intermittent stall at idle

I have a 98 Saturn sw2 with a recent problem. Two times now it has stalled while idling and when it doesn't stall it floats near 500 rpms (Usually 750 - 950). The first time, it would start and just ...
Bob Roberts's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
713 views

Mystery Sensor on Manual Transaxel Housing

I have a 97 Mazda - 323 S V (BA) - 1.8 i 16V (114 Hp) with a manual 5 speed transmission. While trying to change the oil, I noticed the following connector, with one missing wire on what I think is ...
Robert S. Barnes's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
6k views

Ambient temperature sensor reading -58 F degrees

I have a 2001 Audi S4. Last fall, I had maintenance performed on my car, and the shop accidentally, cracked my front fender. They told me about it and replaced it without any issue. However while ...
Brian's user avatar
  • 233
5 votes
1 answer
149 views

New to mechanical work. Is this a safe way to clean oxygen sensor, or any similar part

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD9KXAukO9M So I found this video of a guy cleaning their oxygen sensor out with an ultrasound cleaner. I presume what it is doing is breaking up the carbon build up ...
user1428649's user avatar
5 votes
0 answers
359 views

Chevy Malibu 2009 coolant sensor

I have a problem with my malibu, I got a code on the obdii reader as though the coolant temperature reading is not correct, so in the car lcd on the instrument cluster I can see Coolant temperature : -...
Omar Khoali's user avatar
4 votes
3 answers
10k views

What are the safety sensors & cameras on those new windshield packs? (like Volvo city safety)

Many new models come with sensor & cameras on the windshield, like this Volvo: Although cars came from different manufactorers it seems that they all have pretty much the same pack - these 4 ...
michael's user avatar
  • 165
4 votes
2 answers
133 views

Slightly low MPG - need help with my checklist

I own a '91 Ford Sierra 2.0 8V SOHC. Fairly simple engine, utilizes a Bosch L-jetronic fuel injection system. (EFI has following components: MAF, MAP, TPS, IAC, narrow-band o2 sensor, TFI module for ...
galingong's user avatar
  • 280
4 votes
1 answer
6k views

Maxima (2002) MAF Sensor Failures

I have a 2002 Nissan Maxima that I've owned since 2003. I'm now on my sixth Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. What seems to wipe them out is hard acceleration (3/4 throttle - not so extreme as to induce ...
Pops's user avatar
  • 41
4 votes
2 answers
3k views

Corolla 1999 - My parking brake light randomly turns on and off

While I'm driving in my Toyota Corolla 1999 (3-door model): My parking brake light randomly turns on and off while the car is moving. It doesn't go on and off rapidly, but usually switches at a random ...
Alexander Johansen's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
124 views

Are torque sensors used to reduce cam belt failure damage?

The water pump bearings on a friend's car recently seized, causing the timing belt to jump off the pulley, lose tension, lose timing, and the engine to munch its valves. Could this failure have been ...
Daniel's user avatar
  • 529
4 votes
1 answer
204 views

Saturn ion 2007 Temperature gauge

My car temperature suddenly drops down while driving and won't move until I remove the battery and put it back... What could be the cause pls? I have change the engine coolant temperature sensor or do ...
Habeeb Adewale Ajiboye's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
2k views

2002 Yamaha YZF R1- Fault code 15

I have fault code 15 on my display. Checked the TPS, it has the right resistance on all cables combinations. Also correct voltage on yellow - black when its attached to wire harness and the ignition ...
A. Lenssen's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
7k views

Volkswagen Golf MK4 - Oil temperature sensor coding out

I have a Volkswagen Golf MK4 TDI 85kw (AJM). After driving for a while and stopping, when I turn the ignition on I get an "Oil sensor workshop" message. After connecting VCDS I got this ...
Einius's user avatar
  • 327
4 votes
1 answer
1k views

Is this repair estimate for misfiring and fuel trim on a '98 Mercedes reasonable?

Just got a '98 Benz ml320 and two days later it cut off on me, twice, within about 5 minutes. I took it for a diagnostic. I'm wondering how overpriced this estimate is and possible ideas of best ...
SpYk3HH's user avatar
  • 205
4 votes
1 answer
3k views

Replaced my upstream O2 sensor, still get P1133 code

I had the following error codes P1133 - HO2S Insufficient Switching Bank 1 Sensor 1 P0133 - O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 1 P0130 - O2 Sensor Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 1 P0442 - EVAP ...
the_prole's user avatar
  • 393
4 votes
1 answer
885 views

car fan kicking in even when the engine is cool

I have a 2010 Citroen C3 Picasso 1.4 petrol. A few months ago my car fan became very noisy after a long journey. Since then the car control panel is telling me the engine is overheating even if I have ...
Louise's user avatar
  • 41
4 votes
1 answer
2k views

Fiat 500 Airbag Sensor

My Fiat 500, 2008, 1.2 Pop, 51Kw has had its front left side somewhat crushed. The body has been fixed for the most part, but the electrician/mechanic tells us he cannot turn on the vehicle in order ...
Swader's user avatar
  • 141
4 votes
0 answers
1k views

Peugeot 207 convertible: "impossible to move roof: outside temperature too low"

My Peugeot 207 convertible from 2007 shows an error when trying to lower the roof. "Impossible to move roof: outside temperature too low" According to the manual it should be functioning down to -15 ...
Patrik Berzander's user avatar
4 votes
0 answers
908 views

Wire front camera+sensors+display on SINGLE Ignition switched 12V wire

I want to install front parking sensors & camera (+display). So I have: Kit of 4 sensors + controller Camera Display Basically I know how to install & wire them, the thing I don't sure is: ...
michael's user avatar
  • 165
4 votes
0 answers
1k views

ESP warning light on

Audi A3 8PA 2005my 1.9tdi Esp warning light is on and diagnosis with VCDS shows fault :- 00493-ESP-Sensor unit (G419): No signal/Communication No other warning lights are showing. I have tried ...
MAK's user avatar
  • 41
3 votes
2 answers
186 views

Why is it still overheating

I have a 99 V-10 Triton that keeps over heating. I have replaced the water pump, thermostat, and heater core, flushed the entire system and put a dual electric fan on it. It was good for awhile. ...
Terry Lynn Jackson's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
2k views

Reverse parking sensors

I've been thinking on fitting an after-market reverse parking sensors for my car, and I found 2 options: Electromagnetic Ultrasonic The Electromagnetic doesn't require to make holes in the bumper, ...
SERPRO's user avatar
  • 271
3 votes
1 answer
74 views

Jeep Patriot RPM Gauge bounces / not right

I have a Jeep Patriot 2012 2.4L 4 wheel drive limited. While all other dash gauges work well with no issues, the RPM gauge will stick (not move after a certain position, around 1000 RPMS and then ...
user71922's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
94 views

Positioning of a resistor

Apologies in advance, my electronics knowledge is very poor. I've got myself a resistor that I believe is appropriate for the job I want to do on my vehicle. I'm replacing the factory sensor; there ...
ed_me's user avatar
  • 131