Temperature sensors

Temperature sensors
Temperature sensors
Temperature sensors
Temperature sensors
Temperature sensors
Temperature measuring points
in the vehicle
• Measured variables
Temperature is defined as a
nondirectional quantity which
characterizes the energy state of
a given medium, and which can
be a function of time and
location:
T = T (x, y, z, t) (1)
where: x, y, z are the spatial
coordinates, t is time, and T is
measured according to the
Celsius or Kelvin scale.
Temperature sensors

spectrum, infrared
Temperature sensors
• Measuring principle
Thermocouples: two dissimilar metals
Thermistors : heavy-metal oxides
Resistive Temperature Detectors (RTD): pure metal
Temperature sensors
What are the disadvantages of thermocouples?
•Accuracy: Requires regular calibration and handling care.
•Reference Junction Dependence: Needs temperature compensation at the reference
junction.
•Electrical Noise: Susceptible to interference without proper shielding.
•Chemical Resistance: Some materials are prone to corrosion.
•Installation: Requires correct installation for reliable performance.
•Low Voltage Output: Needs amplification and careful electronic design.
•Noise and Interference: Can be affected by electrical noise, requiring grounded
shielding.
Temperature sensors
• Measuring principle
Thermistors : heavy-metal oxides
Resistive Temperature Detectors (RTD): pure metal
Wire Length
Thermistors have higher resistance values at lower temperatures which gives them higher
resolution. Because the wire increases resistance, using very long wires can alter the reading
and can cause inaccuracies. Because they have high inherent resistances, thermistors can be
used with very long wire strands, while RTDs are only recommended up to 3m
Temperature Range
A thermistor is better for lower temperatures whereas RTDs are more suitable for higher
temperatures. Thermistors can only be used in a temperature range up to 250°C, while RTDs
can be used up to 600°C.
Temperature sensors
• Measuring principle
Temperature sensors
• Application

• Engine: cooling water temperature, air intake/exhaust

temperature, engine oil temperature, interior temperature,
fuel temperature,…. .
• Air conditioning system: ambient temperature, car-inside
temperature, gas temperature,
• Transmission : oil temperature sensor.
• Braking system: Brake caliper temperature sensors.
• Steering systems: motor temperature, oil temperature
• Suspensions: air temperature
• Tire: tire temperature sensors
• Battery system: battery temperature
In-engine Temperature Sensors

Temperature sensors
measure Engine Coolant
Temperature (ECT),
Intake Air Temperature
(IAT) and Exhaust Gas
Recirculation (EGR),
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine coolant temperature sensor

A coolant temperature sensor

(CTS) (also known as an
ECT sensor or ECTS (engine
coolant temperature sensor)
is used to measure the
temperature of the
coolant/antifreeze mix in
the cooling system, giving
an indication of how much
heat the engine is giving off.
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine coolant temperature sensor
• Working principle of the ECT sensor: convert the ECT
resistance variation to voltage variation,
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine coolant temperature sensor

• Symptoms of a bad or failing coolant temperature sensor (switch)

1. Poor fuel economy 3. Overheating engine

4. Check Engine Light

2. Black smoke from engine
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine coolant temperature sensor
• Ways to test the engine coolant temperature sensor
- Compare the ECT or CHT sensor readings to
- Testing the ECT/CHT sensor Resistance
other temperature sensors
- Checking the ECT/CHT sensor Voltage

- Diagnosing intermittent temperature sensor

problems
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine coolant temperature sensor
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
FUNCTIONAL PRINCIPLE

The Intake Air Temperature

sensor (IAT) monitors the
temperature of the air
entering the engine. The
engine computer (PCM)
needs this information to
estimate air density so it can
balance air air/fuel mixture.
Colder air is more dense than
hot air, so cold air requires
more fuel to maintain the
same air/fuel ratio.
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
FUNCTIONAL PRINCIPLE
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
FUNCTIONAL PRINCIPLE
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
IAT Location? WHERE IS IT IN THE CAR?

IAT are installed in the air inlet between the throttle body and the air
filter, maybe together with the Mass Air Flow Sensor
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
Bad Intake Air Temperature Sensor (IAT) Symptoms
1. Check Engine Light
Any time you see the check-engine light illuminated, it’s important to have it checked out right
away. It could be related to the IAT sensor, but it could also be something more serious.

Fault code:
P0113
P0112
P0111
P0110
 In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
Bad Intake Air Temperature Sensor (IAT) Symptoms

There are several possible issues that can trigger the P0113 code.
Common culprits include the following:
• Intake air temperature sensor 1 experienced an internal problem
• Bad connection between the IAT sensor 1 and its circuit due to problems like
dirt, rust, and looseness
• Damaged IAT circuit wiring
• Problem with the mass air flow sensor (if the IAT is integrated into the mass air
flow sensor)
• PCM issues (such as software in need of an update, but this is very VERY rare.)
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
Bad Intake Air Temperature Sensor (IAT) Symptoms
2. Drop in Acceleration
A false signal may cause the PCM to miscalculate the air and fuel mixture, resulting in a drop
in acceleration
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
Bad Intake Air Temperature Sensor (IAT) Symptoms
3. Hard Cold Start Condition
A false signal may cause the PCM to miscalculate the air and fuel mixture, resulting in a hard
cold start.
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
Bad Intake Air Temperature Sensor (IAT) Symptoms
4. Rough Idle
Some small hiccups on idle, it can be a faulty IAT sensor.
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
Bad Intake Air Temperature Sensor (IAT) Symptoms
5. Misfires
If you can feel misfires as hiccups or interruptions on acceleration, there may be a problem
with your IAT sensor.
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
Bad Intake Air Temperature Sensor (IAT) Symptoms
6. Poor Fuel Economy
If you notice a different fuel consumption than normal, it can be because of a failed IAT
sensor.
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
Bad Intake Air Temperature Sensor (IAT) Symptoms
7. EGR Valve Affected
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
Bad Intake Air Temperature Sensor (IAT) Symptoms

A faulty intake-air temperature sensor can manifest itself in different ways through
fault detection by the control unit and the resulting emergency program strategy.

Frequent fault symptoms are (need to focus):

• Fault code is stored, engine indicator lamp may come on

• Problems starting

• Reduced engine power

• Increased fuel consumption

In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
Bad Intake Air Temperature Sensor (IAT) Symptoms

CAUSES OF A FAULTY IAT SENSOR: CAUSE OF FAILURE

Failure can be caused by different reasons:

• Internal short circuits

• Breaks in wiring

• Wiring short circuit

• Mechanical damage

• Sensor tip dirty

 In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
Check IAT by using multimeter
Test step 1
• The internal resistance of the sensor is determined. The resistance is temperature-dependent. When the engine is
cold it is high-impedance, and when the engine is hot it is low-impedance.
• Depending on the manufacturer:
25°C 2.0 – 6 KOhm or 80°C approx. 300 Ohm
Please note the special reference value specifications.
Test step 2
• Check the wiring to the control unit by checking continuity and short circuit to frame for every wire to the control
unit plug.
1. Connect ohmmeter between temperature sensor plug and removed control unit plug. Reference value: approx.
0 Ohm (circuit diagram required for pin assignment on control unit).
2. Check the respective pin at the sensor plug against ground using an ohmmeter and with the control unit plug
removed. Reference value: >30 MOhm.
Test step 3
• Check the supply voltage at the removed sensor plug using the voltmeter. This is done with the control unit
plugged in and the ignition turned on. Reference value: approx. 5 V.
• If the voltage value is not reached, the voltage supply of the control unit and the ground supply must be checked
according to the circuit diagram. If these are OK, a control unit fault comes into question.
 In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
Replace IAT
Step 1: Locate the sensor. The IAT sensor is usually located in the air intake boot,
but it may also be located in the air cleaner housing or intake manifold.

Step 2: Disconnect the negative battery cable. Disconnect the negative battery
cable and set it aside.

Step 3: Remove the sensor’s electrical connector. Now that you know where the
IAT sensor is located, you can remove its electrical connector.

Step 4: Remove the sensor. Carefully remove the faulty sensor, keeping in mind
that some sensors simply pull straight out while others must be unscrewed using
a wrench.

Step 5: Install the new sensor. Install the new sensor by pushing it straight in or
screwing it in, depending on the design.

Step 6: Reinstall the electrical connector. To enable the new sensor, you must
now reconnect the electrical connector.
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
Replace IAT
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine intake air temperature sensor
Replace IAT
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine EGR temperature sensor

ERG working principle

The EGR temperature sensor is

an engine management
sensor that is part of the EGR
system. It works together with the
EGR solenoid to control the flow of
the EGR system. The sensor is
installed in between the exhaust
and intake manifold, and monitors
the temperature of the exhaust
gases
In-engine Temperature Sensors
Engine EGR temperature sensor
Location

The EGR temperature sensor is usually mounted in the exhaust

manifold or mounted near the EGR valve.
Air conditioning Temperature Sensors
Ambient (outside) Temp.Sensor

- Applications
- Working principle
- Location
- Symptoms
- Diagnostics
- How to test and
replace
Air conditioning Temperature Sensors
Ambient (outside) Temp.Sensor
Air conditioning Temperature Sensors
Interior (Inside) Temp.Sensor

Applications
Working principle
Location
Diagnostics
How to test and
replace

1) Interior air temperature sensor

2) Solar sensor
Air conditioning Temperature Sensors
Interior (Inside) Temp.Sensor

Video In Car Temperature Sensor Testing and

Replacement_1080p.mp4
Air conditioning Temperature Sensors
Interior (Inside) Temp.Sensor