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Vehicle sensors: replacement and selection

When and why it is necessary to replace vehicle sensors

There are no replacement terms specified for these components. The common defect of these devices is short circuit. Also contacts oxidation and body depressurization may be the causes for replacement of the sensors.

Causes of unit breakdown can differ according to the sensor location. For example, the exhaust gas pressure sensor is prone to thermal damaging. And the speed sensor, due to its location right near the wheel hub, frequently gets soiled with road dust. Among the failure causes of lambda sensor operation are: soiling with fuel combustion residues, thermal overloads, off-road operation of the car. Components integrity can be violated in a road accident. Short circuit of sensors inner wiring frequently occurs due to mechanical damages.

Defects of these elements are indicated by failures in operation of units controlled by them. For instance, if the knock sensor is broken, such occurrences as engine power loss, car acceleration performance worsening, and excessive fuel consumption take place.

In case of failure of the lambda sensor, jerks appear during car driving, and pops are heard from under the bonnet. If the motor oil pressure sensor is defective, than corresponding indicator lamp will be on even at sufficient level of oil in the system (oil level can be measured with the help of a dipstick).

During replacement of these units you need to follow instructions stated in the car technical documentation. Demounting of some sensors presupposes usage of special equipment, including the lifting one. Moreover, access to the components is complicated in many cases.

How to select vehicle sensors

These devices can vary one from another by constructional peculiarities. For example, the lambda sensors can be universal and equipped with a special connector. The main advantage of the first ones is their affordable price. However, at installation of such device you need to perform additional works on connection. The lambda sensor mounted before the catalytic converter is used for adjustment of air-fuel mixture contents. It is called the control lambda sensor. And the sensor installed in the outlet of the catalyst serves for estimation of catalyst operation efficiency. Such lambda sensor is called the diagnosis lambda sensor.

The knock sensors can be resonance and broadband ones. Devices of the first type activate only in case of significant detonation frequency change. The wideband sensors register the whole spectrum of detonation noise.

In order to make the sensors operate properly, give preference to products of proven companies. So, high-quality devices are produced under such brands as: METZGER, HELLA, VEMO.

Take into account that for devices installed in the engine system, type, capacity and power of the engine are important. Moreover, you need to consider the devices specifications, such as, for example, the type and quantity of connecting contacts, thread size and pitch (if it is present).