Are your car sensors tingling? A guide to car engine sensors

The engine and all of its parts would be nothing without working sensors. With so many parts and fluids and hoses, having working sensors is a must and without them you’d never know if there was a problem with your vehicle. But, with so many parts there are a lot of sensors and it can get to be a bit much. Thankfully, we at Toyota of Orlando have put together a guide on car engine sensors straight from our auto service team.

We’re sensing some issues here

Car engine sensors are hidden throughout your Orlando vehicle and monitor essential functions that keep everything flowing smoothly. They adjust, monitor, and warn if problems are going to happen. All in all, these Orlando vehicle parts do a lot for being such small parts. But, like a lot of car engine parts, sensors have their own set of issues. Let’s walk through some of the different parts in your vehicle and some common engine maintenance issues that could happen over time.

Oxygen

• The oxygen sensor is one of the most replaced parts in Orlando vehicles and that’s due to its aging process and functions.
• The car engine uses this part to adjust and determine the optimal fuel temperature for normal operation.
• Having a normal functioning part maintains good emissions and fuel economy. There could be anywhere from 2 – 4 in your Orlando car engine that work up and down stream with the flow of your fuel.
• This part can become damaged from exhaust contaminants or silicates from a coolant leak that causes the part to become sluggish or unresponsive.
• If left unchecked or unrepaired, this can cause poor emissions and fuel economy for your Orlando Toyota.

Coolant

• Keeping the PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) informed on coolant temperatures is the job of this part.
• The PCM acts almost as a computer for your Orlando Toyota and performs over 100 functions relating to performance and function of the car engine.
• This part can be damaged from car overheating and could cause a decrease in fuel efficiency.

Throttle Position

• This part monitors the position of the throttle opening and interacts with the PCM to estimate the correct amount of air flow to the engine.
• Damage to this component can cause a “flat spot” that results in hesitation and jumpy accelerations when pushing the gas.

MAP

• The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor is responsible for regulating the pressure difference between the intake vacuum and the outside atmosphere.
• Damage to this part can cause acceleration hesitation, bad fuel mixtures, and spark timing issues.

Mass Airflow (MAF)

• The MAF measures airflow to the engine during operation to burn fuel at the correct rate for optimal fuel efficiency.
• It can be damaged by tarnish or built up fuel residue and cause hesitation and/or poor fuel efficiency.

Crankshaft and Camshaft

• Measures the speed and position of the crankshaft and configures the engine firing order.
• Damage to this Orlando car engine part can cause inconsistent or failed start-ups.

Temperature

• This Orlando part monitors air density caused by temperature changes and adjusts the fuel mixture accordingly.
• If damaged, it could cause fuel efficiency and performance errors.

Tire Pressure

• Tire pressure sensors warn drivers if their tire pressure falls below 25% of what the normal pressure level is in their tires.
• They’re installed within the wheel itself and typically have a lifespan of about five to seven years.
• Replacing them isn’t too difficult and our auto service experts recommend doing so when replacing tires.

Toyota of Orlando can sense your issue

If you’re a little confused about car engine sensors or think that you might need one replaced, come by Toyota of Orlando! Our expert auto service technicians can answer any questions and replace your sensors for an affordable price. Give us a call at (407) 298 – 0001 to schedule an appointment or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road. We’re open seven days a week!