Why do I need an engine temperature sensor?

Engine cooling system - a set of devices, parts and instruments that control temperature and, if necessary, the removal of heat to the environment from too hot bodies. In addition, modern cars lay on the system and other functions, such as heating the air in the cabin and its conditioning, as well as cooling the working fluid that is in the gearbox.

Each such system has a number of sensors, which allow to present a general picture of the engine operation. Any temperature indicator is connected to the onboard computer, which provides a quick and accurate determination of the location of the fault when it occurs.

Currently, there are three types of fluid cooling systems: liquid, air and combined. The most effective and, accordingly, widespread is the first, which assumes the presence of a pipeline through which the working fluid is supplied to the heated parts of the car.

This complex traditionally includes the following elements: thermostat, expansion tank, radiator, centrifugal pump, fan and system of branch pipes. Of course, no such system can do without such an element of control as the engine temperature sensor. Such a device is designed to monitor the incoming values of this parameter and convert the obtained values into electrical pulses, which are then fed to the reading devices. With this sensor, the on-board computer can determine the amount of fuel in the tank and the part that is needed for reliable and efficient engine operation.

In the event of a malfunction or breakdown, the engine temperature sensor may give incorrect signals, which will inevitably lead to an excess of fuel consumption. In addition, permanent overheating signals can lead to increased engine cooling. The result will be a deterioration in the quality of idling (for example, uneven rpm and their oscillations), excess of exhaust gas standards, stalling and overall deterioration in the handling of the car. In addition, a similar result can also result in a malfunction of the radiator, thermostat, incorrect control system settings or the abundance of air in the cooling system.

The engine temperature sensor has a significant effect on the electronic control unit (ECU), which regulates the following parameters:

1. Enrichment of fuel injection by adjusting the duration of the pulse arriving at the injectors.

2. Adjust the delay or ignition timing. This will adjust the exhaust gas level to the desired value.

3. Changing the composition of the feed fuel mixture.

4. Use of exhaust gases to accelerate engine warm-up.

The engine temperature sensor can be considered as a thermistor, which changes its resistance when changing the parameters of the coolant.