Making Sense Out of Sensors

Making Sense Out of Sensors
James Halderman Making Sense Out of Sensors Jim Halderman Dayton, Ohio Making Sense Out of Sensors

We started communicating by writing on the cave walls.
James Halderman We started communicating by writing on the cave walls. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman As the years went by we progressed. We invented tools to make communication better. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Communication through Sensors
James Halderman Communication through Sensors The PCM uses sensors to learn what is happening in the engine. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Sensor Basics How does a computer “know” what is going on under the hood? How does the voltage change inside the PCM if changes occur at the other end? Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Pull Up Resistors The voltage changes at the sense terminal inside the PCM after the resistor. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Pull Down Resistor The voltage changes if the switch is open or closed. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Resistor Network Resistances can be used to simplify inputs.
James Halderman Resistor Network Resistances can be used to simplify inputs. Ford Manual Lever Position (MLP) is an example. Making Sense Out of Sensors

What would happen if some resistance were added to the circuit?
James Halderman What would happen if some resistance were added to the circuit? Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman If the resistance increases, what will happen if you are driving at highway speeds in drive? Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Temperature Sensors Use a semiconductor material that becomes more conductive as the temperature increases. This is called a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Temperature Sensors Making Sense Out of Sensors

PCM What will the PCM read if unplugged?
James Halderman PCM What will the PCM read if unplugged? What will the PCM read if the wire going to the sensor is shorted to ground? Making Sense Out of Sensors

ECT ECT should read the same at IAT at key on engine off (KOEO).
James Halderman ECT ECT should read the same at IAT at key on engine off (KOEO). Making Sense Out of Sensors

Quick and Easy Metric Temperature Conversion
James Halderman 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= =125 Actual= 122 Making Sense Out of Sensors

A GM Stepped ECT Switches at 1.0 volt (120°F). James Halderman
Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman ECT Sensor Is the sensor used in a stepped ECT circuit different from the sensor used in a one-step circuit? How many wires are used in a two-step ECT sensor? Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman ECT Sensor Authority The ECT sensor is a high-authority sensor especially at engine start Helps to determine the base pulse-width Can account for up to 60% of the pulse-width determining factors Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Making Sense Out of Sensors

Intake Air Temperature (IAT)
James Halderman Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Similar to the ECT sensor except it has opening for the airflow. Is used by the PCM to modify the fuel and spark timing program based on the temperature of the air entering the engine Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman IAT Sensor Authority The IAT is usually considered to be a low-authority sensor However it is usually capable of causing the PCM to add up to 20% to the injector pulse-width if the incoming air is cold The IAT can cause the PCM to reduce the injector pulse-width by as much as 20% if very hot air in entering the engine. Making Sense Out of Sensors

High-Performance IAT Sensor Trick
James Halderman High-Performance IAT Sensor Trick If a 10 K Ohm 1/2 watt resistor is used in the place of the sensor, the PCM will “assume” that the air temperature is about freezing (32 degrees) This will cause the PCM to advance the timing compared to if the air temperature was warmer (4 to 8 degrees). Will increase the pulse width up to 20%. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Throttle Position Sensors
James Halderman Throttle Position Sensors Three-wire potentiometer Five volts from PCM Signal return Ground Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Testing the TP sensor Great location to check for five-volt reference (Vref). General Motors recommends checking for PCM ground voltage drop at the TP sensor. (There should be less than volts between the TP sensor ground terminal and the negative terminal of the battery.) Making Sense Out of Sensors

TP Sensor Waveform (Defective)
James Halderman TP Sensor Waveform (Defective) Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman TP Sensor Authority The TP sensor can cause the PCM to command up to 500% (5 times) the base pulse width if the accelerator is depressed rapidly to the floor Can cause the PCM to reduce the pulse width by up to 70% if the throttle is rapidly closed Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman MAP versus Vacuum Making Sense Out of Sensors

MAP Sensor Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)
James Halderman MAP Sensor Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) A decrease in manifold vacuum means an increase in manifold pressure. Compares manifold vacuum to a perfect vacuum. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Silicon-Diaphragm Strain Gauge Design MAP Sensor
James Halderman Silicon-Diaphragm Strain Gauge Design MAP Sensor Most commonly used. Silicon wafer is exposed to engine vacuum. This results in changes in resistance due to strain on the resistors attached to the wafer (called Piezo-resistivity). Resistors are connected to a Wheatstone bridge and then to a differential amplifier, which creates a voltage in proportion to the vacuum applied. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Silicon-Diaphragm MAP Sensor
James Halderman Silicon-Diaphragm MAP Sensor Making Sense Out of Sensors

MAP Voltage Normal engine Vacuum is 17-21 in. Hg.
James Halderman MAP Voltage Normal engine Vacuum is in. Hg. MAP sensor voltage is normally between 0.88 volts to 1.62 volts (GM). 17 in. Hg. is equal to about 1.62 volts. 21 in. Hg. is equal to about 0.88 volts. Therefore, a good reading should be about 1 volt. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Capacitor-Capsule MAP Sensor
James Halderman Capacitor-Capsule MAP Sensor Used by Ford. Uses two alumina plates with an insulating washer spacer to create a capacitor. The deflection due to engine vacuum changes the capacitance. The electronics in the sensor translate this into a frequency output. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Ford Frequency versus Vacuum
James Halderman Ford Frequency versus Vacuum KOEO………… Hz (0 in. Hg.) Idle (sea level) Hz (17-21 in. Hg.) WOT…………… Hz (Almost 0 in. Hg.) Making Sense Out of Sensors

Ceramic Disc MAP Used by DaimlerChrysler.
James Halderman Ceramic Disc MAP 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. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Ceramic Disc MAP Making Sense Out of Sensors

MAP versus BARO KOEO MAP should equal BARO.
James Halderman MAP versus BARO KOEO MAP should equal BARO. Will vary with altitude and weather conditions. The BARO reading is set at key on and updated if the throttle is detected to be at WOT and will update the BARO reading. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Testing a MAP Sensor Key on – engine off (KOEO). Voltage should be 4.6 to 4.8 volts at sea level. Check for vacuum to the sensor. Check the hose. Replace the MAP sensor if anything comes out of the sensor. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman MAP Sensor Authority The MAP sensor is a high-authority sensor on an engine that uses the Speed-Density method of fuel control. If the exhaust is rich, try disconnecting the MAP sensor. If the engine now runs OK, then the MAP sensor is skewed or giving the PCM wrong information. Making Sense Out of Sensors

High-Performance MAP Sensor Trick
James Halderman High-Performance MAP Sensor Trick Insert a plastic vacuum fitting into the vacuum line to the MAP sensor Use a hot straight pin and burn a small hole in the plastic fitting creating a small vacuum leak Do not exceed inch hole PCM “assumes” a higher engine load and increases the injector pulse-width Making Sense Out of Sensors

Air Vane Sensor Usually contains an internal IAT sensor
James Halderman Air Vane Sensor Usually contains an internal IAT sensor Works similar to a TP sensor where the air vane is used to move a potentiometer Airflow moves the vane, which causes a switch to close to power the fuel pump. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Air Vane Sensor This is not a mass air flow sensor. James Halderman

James Halderman Karman-Vortex Named for Theodore Van Karman, a Hungarian scientist (1881 – 1963). He observed the vortex phenomenon in 1912. This type of sensor has proven to be very reliable and not subject to dirt. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Karman-Vortex This is not a mass air flow sensor. James Halderman

Ultrasonic Karman Vortex
James Halderman Ultrasonic Karman Vortex Used by Mitsubishi in many vehicles. Very reliable. Early versions used LEDs and phototransistors, which were subject to dirt. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Pressure-Type Karman Vortex
James Halderman Pressure-Type Karman Vortex DaimlerChrysler uses a Karman Vortex sensor that uses a pressure sensor to detect the vortexes. As the flow increases, so do the number of pressure variations. The electronic circuitry in the sensor converts these pressure variations to a square wave signal that is proportional to the airflow through the sensor. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Mass Air Flow A hot wire is used to measure the mass of the air entering the engine. The electronics, in the sensor itself, try to keep the wire 70° C above the temperature of the incoming air. The more current (amperes) needed to heat the wire, the greater the mass of air. The current is converted to a frequency. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman MAF Sensor Making Sense Out of Sensors

Normal MAF Readings Use a scan tool to look at the grams per second.
James Halderman Normal MAF Readings Use a scan tool to look at the grams per second. Warm the engine at idle speed with all accessories off. Should read 3 to 7 grams per second. GM 3800 V-6 should read 2.37 to 2.52 KHz. If not within this range, check for false air or contamination of the sensor wire. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman MAF Sensor Diagnosis If the MAF sensor wire were to become coated, it cannot measure all of the incoming air. A normal warm engine at idle should be 3 to 7 grams per second. Rapidly depress the accelerator pedal to WOT. It should read over: 100 grams per second or higher than 7 kHz or 4 volts Making Sense Out of Sensors

MAF and Altitude Reading
James Halderman MAF and Altitude Reading Barometric pressure (BARO) is determined by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software at WOT. At high airflows, a contaminated MAF sensor will under estimate airflow coming into the engine, and therefore, the PCM determines that the vehicle is operating at a higher altitude. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Visual Inspection Look for a very dirty filter.
James Halderman Visual Inspection Look for a very dirty filter. Look for fuzz on the sensing wire from fibers coming off of the filter paper. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Fuzzy MAF Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Cleaning a MAF Sensor Can clean the sensing wire using alcohol and a Q-tip, if you are careful. Brake clean ? Contact Cleaner ? Cable Tie ? Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman False Air Making Sense Out of Sensors

Mass Air Flow (MAF)-False Air
James Halderman Mass Air Flow (MAF)-False Air Usually affects operation in drive; may run OK if driving in reverse. Making Sense Out of Sensors

MAF Sensor Authority High authority sensor If in Doubt-Take it Out
James Halderman MAF Sensor Authority High authority sensor If in Doubt-Take it Out If the MAF sensor is disconnected, the PCM substitutes a backup value. If the engine runs OK with the MAF disconnected, then the MAF has been supplying incorrect information. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Oxygen Sensors Oxygen sensors react to the presence or absence of oxygen in the exhaust. The voltage signal is used by the PCM for fuel control. The mixture must switch from rich to lean for the three-way catalytic (TWC) converter to work. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman O2 Sensor Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Oxygen Sensors An absence of oxygen results in a voltage of higher than 450 mV. The presence of oxygen results in a voltage lower than 450 mV. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Mud-Coated O2S Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman 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. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Crimp and Seal Connectors
James Halderman Crimp and Seal Connectors Making Sense Out of Sensors

Oxygen Sensor Diagnosis
James Halderman Oxygen Sensor Diagnosis If the fuel system is functioning correctly, the oxygen sensor voltage should fluctuate from above 800 mV to below 200 mV. As the oxygen sensor degrades, the range narrows. A sensor should at least be capable of reading above 600 mV and go below 300 mV. Making Sense Out of Sensors

O2 Sensor Diagnosis (Continued)
James Halderman O2 Sensor Diagnosis (Continued) Use a digital multimeter (DMM) set to read DC volts and use the min/max feature. Back probe the signal wire and operate the engine normally while recording the readings using min/max. The maximum reading should be above 800 mV and the minimum reading below 200 mV. Making Sense Out of Sensors

O2 Sensor Diagnosis (Continued)
James Halderman O2 Sensor Diagnosis (Continued) Check the average of the O2 sensor readings: If the average is above 450 mV, then the engine is operating rich or the sensor is skewed high. If the average is below 450 mV, then the engine is operating lean or the sensor is skewed low. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Rich to Lean Should switch in less than 100 ms. James Halderman

James Halderman False Lean Readings Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman False Lean Readings A cracked exhaust manifold can cause oxygen to be drawn into the exhaust upstream from the oxygen sensor. An ignition misfire can also cause a false low-oxygen sensor reading. Remember that the oxygen sensor looks at the oxygen in the exhaust, not the unburned fuel! Making Sense Out of Sensors

Antifreeze Contamination
James Halderman Antifreeze Contamination If the engine has had a blown head gasket, be sure to check or replace the oxygen sensor. The silicates can coat the sensor. Dexcool and other organic acid technology (OAT) coolants do not cause this problem. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Antifreeze on an O2 Sensor
James Halderman Antifreeze on an O2 Sensor Making Sense Out of Sensors

Oxygen Sensor Authority
James Halderman Oxygen Sensor Authority The O2S is a high-authority sensor when the engine is operating in closed loop. Can add or subtract up to 25% from the base pulse width (Some vehicles even more) If the sensor is skewed, it can create a driveability problem. If in doubt, take it out. If the sensor voltage is not connected, the PCM will go into open loop. Making Sense Out of Sensors

High/Low Authority Sensors
James Halderman High/Low Authority Sensors High-Authority ECT –especially when the engine starts and is warming up. O2S-while the engine is operating in closed loop MAF TP Low-Authority IAT TFT PRNDL KS Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Position Sensors Two Types: Analog sensors - such as magnetic or variable-magnetic sensors Digital sensors - such as Hall-Effect magnetic-resistive or optical sensors. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman The first magnetic sensors were called pulse generators (pickup coils). Making Sense Out of Sensors

Magnetic Sensor Operation
James Halderman Magnetic Sensor Operation Making Sense Out of Sensors

Magnetic Sensors Used for Crankshaft Position (CKP)
James Halderman Magnetic Sensors Used for Crankshaft Position (CKP) Used for Camshaft Position (CMP) Used for wheel speed sensors (WSS) Making Sense Out of Sensors

Magnetic Sensors First, be sure they are magnetic.
James Halderman Magnetic Sensors First, be sure they are magnetic. A cracked magnet becomes two weak magnets. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Magnetic Sensor The sensor housing should not be cracked or melted.
James Halderman Magnetic Sensor The sensor housing should not be cracked or melted. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Ford Probe Story (2.5 liter V-6)
James Halderman Ford Probe Story (2.5 liter V-6) Problem occurred at highway speed. Stopped running. Was towed to shop. Runs, but at idle only. Dies as soon as accelerator is depressed. Everything checks out OK. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Magnetic Sensor Found a loose CKP sensor. James Halderman

James Halderman Magnetic Sensors Produce an AC voltage signal when the magnetic field strength changes. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor
James Halderman Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Making Sense Out of Sensors

Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
James Halderman 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. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Wheel Speed Sensor Making Sense Out of Sensors

The Soldering Gun Trick
James Halderman 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). Making Sense Out of Sensors

Hall-Effect Sensors Effect discovered by Edwin H. Hall in 1879.
James Halderman Hall-Effect Sensors Effect discovered by Edwin H. Hall in 1879. He discovered that a voltage is created if a magnetic field is exposed to an element. The voltage goes to zero if the magnetic field is shunted or blocked. Very accurate. Making Sense Out of Sensors

Hall-Effect Three-wire sensor Output is a square wave.
James Halderman Hall-Effect Three-wire sensor Power Ground Signal Output is a square wave. Very accurate and will work at lower speeds than a magnetic sensor. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Hall-Effect Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Optical Sensor Making Sense Out of Sensors

Optical Sensor Produces a square wave signal.
James Halderman Optical Sensor Produces a square wave signal. Very accurate – can be used to show every 1 degree of crankshaft rotation. Optical sensors do not like light; must be shielded (sparks inside the distributor can cause problems if the sensor is not shielded). Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Optical Sensor Making Sense Out of Sensors

Magnetic-Resistive Sensors
James Halderman Magnetic-Resistive Sensors Generates a digital signal using two magnets. Electronics in the sensor generate a square-wave output signal. Making Sense Out of Sensors

CKP and CMP Waveforms What type of sensor is used for the CKP?
James Halderman CKP and CMP Waveforms What type of sensor is used for the CKP? What type of sensor is used for the CMP? Making Sense Out of Sensors

Toyota Wheel Speed Sensor
James Halderman Toyota Wheel Speed Sensor Can detect forward or reverse motion. Making Sense Out of Sensors

James Halderman Questions? Making Sense Out of Sensors

Jim Halderman jim@jameshalderman.com

Making Sense Out of Sensors

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