Brake Wear Sensors
Brake Wear Sensors are embedded in brake pads and connected by cable to the dashboard of a vehicle. When brake pads wear down to a preset level, a light on the dashboard indicates that both the brake pads and brake wear sensors must be replaced.
Anti-Lock Brake Sensors
Anti-lock Braking Systems allow the driver to maintain control of the car when stopping in an emergency situation. These systems rely on sensors to monitor wheel speed and work with the ABS computer to deliver optimum performance. The information from the ABS sensor allows the computer to equalize the speed of individual wheels to prevent the brakes from locking, avoiding dangerous skidding or sliding.
A Crankshaft Position Sensor is an electronic device that monitors the position or rotational speed of the crankshaft. The sensor relays information to the vehicle’s computer to control ignition timing and fuel injection systems. It also works with the Camshaft Position Sensor to monitor the position of valves and pistons. This is especially important in engines with variable valve timing. The Crankshaft Position Sensor also is the primary source for measuring engine speed expressed in revolutions per minute.
The Camshaft Sensor is a magnetic device that monitors camshaft rotation and valve/piston position. Camshaft Sensors work with Crankshaft Position Sensors to determine top dead center (TDC) on the compression. This information is sent to the vehicle’s computer, which uses the data to further calculate the time of ignition and the timing of fuel injection required by the engine.
Vehicle Speed Sensors
Vehicle Speed Sensors measures wheel speed and provides this information to the vehicle’s computer. The computer then calculates ignition timing, transmission shift points and air/fuel ratios for the vehicle. VSS information is also used in cruise control systems to maintain a constant speed.
The Knock Sensor detects vibrations caused by engine knock or detonation and sends a signal to the vehicle’s computer. The computer checks this information against preset data to determine if the vibration was caused by an actual knock or ping. If the computer senses a knock, it will recalculate the data and retard ignition timing to eliminate pre-ignition.
Variable Valve Timing
The Variable Valve Timing Solenoid controls the oil flow to control the action of the Sprocket, which shifts the position of the camshaft. The position is varied based on the car’s computer commands to increase or decrease the engine’s valve timing.