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Automotive Sensor Diagnosis Guide

The document outlines various automotive sensors, their symptoms of failure, fault codes, and maintenance procedures. It covers DC and AC electrical signals, digital type electrical signals, and modulated pulse width electrical signals related to sensors like MAF, TPS, ECT, and others. Each section provides diagnostic tips and maintenance recommendations to address issues such as engine performance, fuel consumption, and emissions.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
12 views26 pages

Automotive Sensor Diagnosis Guide

The document outlines various automotive sensors, their symptoms of failure, fault codes, and maintenance procedures. It covers DC and AC electrical signals, digital type electrical signals, and modulated pulse width electrical signals related to sensors like MAF, TPS, ECT, and others. Each section provides diagnostic tips and maintenance recommendations to address issues such as engine performance, fuel consumption, and emissions.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE TECNOECUATORIANO

Subject: Nombre:
Diagnosis with instruments Erik Ceballos

Teacher: Ing. Robinson Tioguaro Fecha:21/02/2021

1. DC ELECTRICAL SIGNALS (ANALOG)

SENSOR MAP
Ideal oscillogram Oscilloscope with failure

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES

The car emits black smoke.


Loss of power and it chokes.
The check engine light comes on.
Unstable minimum march
High fuel consumption
Low performance in starting
FAULT CODES

P0107 P0108

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

Check the signals in the cables (multimeter)


Check that all the lines are correct.
Check that there are no improperly connected or deformed vacuum hoses,
cracked or blocked.
MAF SENSOR
Ideal oscillogram Oscilloscope with failure

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES

Engine stalling (excess fuel) because the sensor does not calculate it.
amount of fuel.
Excessive fuel consumption, high levels of CO (carbon monoxide).
Lack of power.
Black smoke from the exhaust
The Check Engine light comes on.
FAULT CODES

P0100 P0101 P0102 P0103

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

When the sensor is physically dirty, it is cleaned with dielectric.


Check the failure codes.
Give the sensor some sharp knocks. Change the sensor if hitting it results in
engine vibration or it shuts off
TPS SENSOR
Ideal Oscilloscope Oscillogram with fault

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES

The minimum march is variable; there are more or less RPM than normally.
they exist.
There is hesitation and choking during deceleration.
Poor engine performance, or higher fuel consumption.
ERROR CODES

P0121 P0122 P0123

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

Check for any external damage


Check a good electrical contact
Measure the voltage sent from the computer, approximately 5V
Check with an ohmmeter the resistance when the butterfly valve is closed and when opening it
slowly the resistance must vary likewise
Check the resistance when the throttle is fully open
ECT SENSOR
Ideal Oscillogram Oscilloscope with fault

FAILURE SYMPTOMS
Fan on at all times with the motor running.
The engine takes a long time to start when cold and hot.
Excessive fuel consumption.
Very high CO levels.
Overheating problems.
FAULT CODES
P0117 P0118 P0125
DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE
Connect the multimeter to the left tip of the sensor, which is the current one and
test the volts which should give a value of 4.61 v
The multimeter is connected in ohms and resonance is checked with the car switch.
turned off
IAT SENSOR
Ideal oscillogram Oscilloscope with fault

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES

High pollutant emissions of carbon monoxide.


High fuel consumption.
Cold start problems.
Slightly elevated or high acceleration.
The computer does not control the startup time well.

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

Check its resistance with the service letter from the manual.
Check its resistance as a function of temperature.
Check for corrosion (rust) damage at each tune-up or every 40,000 km.
in the terminals
Check when there are codes indicating problems in this circuit
O2 SENSOR
Ideal oscillogram Oscilloscope with failure

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES
The emissions are failing.
High fuel levels.
Problems with fuel consumption.
The check engine light comes on.
ERROR CODES
P0130 P0131 P0132 P0133 P0134
DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE
Periodically check the emissions
Replace according to the manufacturer's specifications
Check that the voltage is varying when the motor is at its temperature.
of operation.
PFE SENSOR

FAILURE SYMPTOMS

Overheating
Power loss
Unstable minimum march.

MAINTENANCE

Check when the EGR does not function properly during emissions testing.
pollutants, when pollutant emissions are high or when there is
failure codes.

DPFE SENSOR

Failure
The failure of the DPFE sensor can cause the engine to stall even at idle since
If the signal generated is erroneous, the ECM will order either to open the valve more or to close it.
depending on the case, many of them the valve operates correctly and the only problem is
the sensor or of course the lines that are connected, if the sensor does not have ground the ECM
It will be understood that there is a difference in pressure at the maximum considered.

Black smoke coming out of the exhaust.


The vehicle's engine runs unevenly at idle and/or shuts off.
Involuntary acceleration of the vehicle in motion
Indicator light

MAINTENANCE

Replacement of the part


VAF SENSOR
Ideal oscillogram Oscilloscope with fault

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES

The most common symptoms of a failing air flow sensor are:

A VAF sensor code in the computer.


Tremendous lack of power when accelerating the vehicle while the vehicle is already
moving in the street.
Black smoke coming out of the exhaust.
The vehicle's engine runs unevenly at idle and/or stalls.

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

Before starting, there are certain things you should check that the vehicle does not display.
these are:

That the engine does not have vacuum leaks.


That there are no faults in the ignition system. For example: spark plugs that are
causing a failure.

These problems would cause the engine to run unevenly and this would affect the results (of
a negative way) of the test that you would do to the air flow sensor.

You will probably solve the problem for which you are trying to test the VAF sensor.
by repairing these conditions first
2. AC ELECTRICAL SIGNALS (ANALOG)

CKP SENSOR
Ideal oscillogram Oscillogram with failure

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES

The engine does not start.


The car is jerking.
The engine can turn off spontaneously.
The Check Engine light is on.
FAULT CODES

P0335 P0336 P0337 P0338

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

Continuity of the two cables.


Check with a multimeter the variable signal that it generates when turning on the
vehicle.
Review the error codes
Replace when necessary
SENSOR CAM
Ideal Oscillogram Oscillogram with failure

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES

Explosions
Lack of power
Bad engine timing
Excess fuel
Explosions at startup
The Check Engine light turns on
FAILURE CODES

P0340 P1391

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

Check with a multimeter the variable signal that is generated when turning on the
unit
Review the error codes
SENSOR KS
Ideal oscillogram Oscillogram with fault

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES
Loss of power, or engine rattling; therefore, some parts deteriorate.
mechanics.

DIAGNOSTIC AND MAINTENANCE


Apply the appropriate torque to the sensor.
To check the voltage of this sensor, it is necessary to give small taps on the
monoblock or near the sensor and check with a multimeter if it produces voltage.

ABS SENSOR
Ideal Oscillogram Oscilloscope with failure

SYMPTOMS OF SENSOR FAILURE

ABS light indicator is on.


Wheel lock during normal braking (only in cars with brake distribution system)
electronic).
Causes of breakdown:

Breaks in the cables


Internal short circuits
External damages
Deep dirt
Better game of the bearings
Mechanical damage to the transmitter wheel

Diagnosis and Maintenance

Check the battery voltage. A poor voltage supply can lead to


a system failure, incorrect measurements or voltage drops.
Check the fuses connected to the system. Sometimes, a quick look at the
The fuse box may show the primary cause of the failure.
Check if all the wheels have the correct measurements.
Check the tire pressure and the tread depth.
Check the wheel bearing play and axle suspension.
Check the brake fluid level.
Check the wear of the brake pads.
Check the sockets and the wires of the sensors to confirm that they are okay.
placed, fixed and show no damage.

Wheel speed sensors are the components subjected to the highest loads.
within the brake regulation system.

They prevent the wheels from skidding and are responsible for providing handling in
stable automobile road.

Check the specific sensor values during each maintenance or every 25,000 km.

Replace when the functioning checks are not within the values
specified limits.
VSS SENSOR
Ideal oscillogram Oscilloscope with failure

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURE

The vehicle becomes unstable


The Check Engine light turns on and off.
The speedometer is not working.
The vehicle is being towed.
Minimum variable march.
High fuel consumption.
FAULT CODES

P0500 P0501 P0502

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

The connections need to be checked to ensure there is no false contact.


That the sensor is recording a correct reading.
Check that the fastening part is not loose.

Variable reluctance sensors (magnetic)


3. DIGITAL TYPE ELECTRICAL SIGNALS

CKP SENSOR
Ideal oscillogram Oscillogram with fault

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES

The engine doesn't start.


The car is jerking.
The engine can turn off spontaneously.
The Check Engine light is on.
FAULT CODES
P0335 P0336 P0337 P0338

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

Continuity of the two wires.


Check with a multimeter, the variable signal that it generates when turning on the
vehicle.
Review the error codes
Replace when necessary
SENSOR CAM

Ideal oscillogram Oscilloscope with failure

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES

Explosions
Lack of power
Misalignment of the engine
Excess fuel
Explosions at startup
The Check Engine light comes on.
FAILURE CODES

P0340 P1391

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

Check with a multimeter the variable signal generated when turning on the
unit
Review the error codes
SENSOR VSS
Ideal oscilloscope Oscillogram with failure

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURE

The vehicle becomes unstable


The Check Engine light turns on and off
The speedometer does not work
The vehicle is being towed.
Minimum variable march.
High fuel consumption.
FAILURE CODES
P0500 P0501 P0502

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

The connections need to be checked to ensure there are no loose contacts.


That the sensor is recording a correct reading
Check that the part of the fastening is not loose.
MAF SENSOR
Ideal Oscillogram Oscilloscope with fault

FAILURE SYMPTOMS

Engine choking (excess fuel) because the sensor does not calculate the
amount of fuel.
Excessive fuel consumption, high levels of CO (carbon monoxide).
Lack of power.
Black smoke from the exhaust
The Check Engine light comes on.
FAULT CODES
P0100 P0101 P0102 P0103

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

When the sensor is physically dirty, it is cleaned with dielectric.


Check the fault codes.
Give some sharp taps to the sensor. Change the sensor if tapping it results in
engine vibration or it turns off
SENSOR MAP
Ideal oscillogram Oscillogram with fault

FAILURE SYMPTOMS

The car emits black smoke.


Loss of power and it chokes.
The check engine light is on.
Unstable minimum march
High fuel consumption
Low performance in ignition
FAULT CODES
P0107 P0108

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

Check the signals in the cables (multimeter)


Check that all lines are correct.
Check that there are no improperly connected or deformed vacuum hoses.
cracked or obstructed.

Hall effect sensors


4. DIGITAL TYPE ELECTRICAL SIGNALS

CKP SENSOR
Ideal Oscillogram Oscillogram with fault

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURE

The engine won't start.


The car is pulling.
The engine may turn off spontaneously.
The Check Engine light comes on.
The engine cannot start.
The tachometer drops suddenly.
FAULT CODES
P0335 P0336 P0337 P0338

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

Check with a multimeter the variable signal that it generates when turning on the
vehicle.
Review the error codes
Replace when necessary
SENSOR CAM
Ideal oscillogram Oscillogram with failure

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES

Explosions
Lack of power
Incorrect engine timing
Excess fuel
Explosions at startup
The Check Engine light comes on
ERROR CODES
P0340 P1391

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

Check with a multimeter the variable signal that it generates when turning on the
unit
Check the error codes
VSS SENSOR

Ideal Oscillogram Oscillogram with fault

FAILURE SYMPTOMS

The vehicle becomes unstable


The Check Engine light turns on and off.
The speedometer doesn't work.
The vehicle is being towed.
Minimum variable margin.
High fuel consumption.
ERROR CODES

P0500 P0501 P0502

DIAGNOSTIC AND MAINTENANCE

The connections need to be checked to ensure there are no false contacts.


That the sensor is recording a correct reading

Make sure that the fastening part is not loose.

Optical type sensors


5. MODULATED PULSE WIDTH ELECTRICAL SIGNALS

Injector Activation
Ideal Oscillogram Oscilloscope with fault

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES

Problems starting the car


Ups and downs in the engine revolutions
Decrease in power and lower maximum speed
Higher fuel consumption
Good engine performance when cold, but not when hot.
Smell of gas in the vehicle

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

To prevent impurities from reaching the injectors, we must follow some advice.
maintenance and good driving practices:

No circular in reserve
Change the fuel filter
Using chemical cleaning additives
It is recommended to perform an ultrasonic injector cleaning.
If the symptom persists, the injector(s) should be replaced.
IGNITION CONTROL

Ideal oscilogram Oscillogram with fault

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES

Engine performance issues


Engine seizure
The car won't start or the engine isn't sparking.

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

Replace the coil


A review of the spark plug's condition is also recommended as it may have been affected.
CONTROL EGR
Ideal oscilloscope Oscilloscope with failure

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES

The most common signs of a broken EGR valve are:

The engine indicator light or the gas warning light is on.


escape.
Starting problems and limited engine power.
The engine enters emergency mode.
Shakes in the car when driving.
Dark smoke through the exhaust when accelerating.
Increase in fuel consumption.
In your workshop: increase of nitrogen oxide content in gas measurement
escape, error code in the error memory.

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

As a preventive measure, you can clean the EGR valve. One option is to add a
EGR valve cleaner when refueling. However, the manufacturers of cleaners
they explicitly point out the preventive nature of this measure. If the EGR valve is
completely blocked or the engine control unit is illuminated, there is no other option
to change the EGR valve.

If the engine rarely reaches the optimal operating temperature during its trips,
oil residues and vapors will accumulate more easily in the EGR valve and
They will lead more quickly to the formation of soot. The solution is simple: try
drive longer distances once in a while.
EVAP CONTROL
Ideal oscilloscope Oscillogram with fault

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES

The Check Engine light is on.

Leaks in the pipes


Damage to the fuel tank cap valve.
Damage to the ventilation valve.
Damage to the purge valve.
Open circuits or ground within the wiring to the valves or sensor of
pressure.
Damage to the fuel level sensor (there is a calculation for generation of
pressure based on the amount of fuel
Damage to the ECM (Engine Control Module)

ERROR CODES

P0440 P0441 P0442 P0443 P0444 P0445

DIAGNOSTICS AND MAINTENANCE

Fuel cap the fuel cap has a rubber seal that is


designed to keep the fuel that evaporates inside the tank. When
this seal is defective, causing a small leak that can trigger a code
the EVAP
PCV valve is an easy part to replace, and it is recommended to replace it every
40,000 to 60,000 miles (approximately 64,500 to 96,500 km) to help
prevent EVAP problems.
Charcoal filter This container occasionally becomes clogged and will cause a failure in
the EVAP system. You can determine if a replacement is necessary simply
weighing the container.
IAC / ISC CONTROL
Ideal oscillogram Oscillogram with fault

SYMPTOMS OF FAILURES

The mechanisms of the IAC valve often start to malfunction after


after hundreds of thousands of miles, but they can get dirty and clogged in less
time.
Inactive: When the IAC valve does not start directly, it is usually about
a problem due to age and in teams that have fully equipped accelerators
electronics.
It starts and stops (gentle pumping of the gasoline)
Sudden deceleration: In the event of a failure of the IAC, when quickly closing the
the accelerator pedal will flood the air engine, causing the engine to stall,
either during deceleration or after coming to a stop.

DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE

Measurement of the resistance of the two windings of the IAC


Verification of wiring and connectors in good condition
Verification of voltage presence in IAC connector

Regular cleaning of the IAC valve/IAC sensor ensures high engine performance.
in a variety of conditions.

The cleaning of the IAC must eliminate all traces of soot and burnt oil that hinder
a precise control of the filtered airflow into the combustion chambers
of the engine.

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