What Are the Impacts of Automotive Sensor Malfunctions?

[LeEmery]

Once a sensor fails or malfunctions, the corresponding device cannot operate normally or even stops working, thereby affecting the vehicle's operation. Below is relevant information: 1. Automotive sensors can be divided into two main categories: environmental monitoring and body perception sensors. Environmental monitoring sensors are used to detect and perceive the surrounding environment and are essential for achieving autonomous driving. 2. Body perception sensors are used to gather information about the vehicle, such as tire pressure, oil pressure, and speed, and are fundamental sensors necessary for maintaining normal, stable, and safe driving. Key sensors include: (1) Airflow Sensor: Typically installed between the air filter and the throttle body, the airflow sensor measures the amount of air drawn into the engine and converts it into an electrical signal sent to the ECU as a reference for fuel injection timing. If it malfunctions, the vehicle may experience rough idling, poor acceleration, increased fuel consumption, and black smoke from the exhaust, affecting engine performance. (2) ABS Sensor: Located near the wheel bearing, on the outer side of the hub bearing or inside the brake disc, the ABS sensor monitors wheel speed. During hard braking, it provides wheel speed feedback to the braking system to ensure controlled wheel rotation for optimal braking. If it fails, the ABS system will not function, causing wheel lock-up during emergency braking and potential skidding or loss of control. (3) Throttle Position Sensor: Mounted on the throttle body, this sensor detects throttle opening via a linkage mechanism, measuring the throttle angle's voltage signal and sending it to the ECU as a reference for fuel injection and ignition timing adjustments. Malfunctions can lead to irregular idle speed, engine shaking, and delayed acceleration response. (4) Crankshaft Position Sensor and Camshaft Position Sensor: These sensors are installed near the crankshaft pulley or flywheel and at the front or rear of the camshaft, respectively. They work together to ensure proper engine operation. If either fails, the engine may not start. (5) Oxygen Sensor: Located in the exhaust pipe, the oxygen sensor detects oxygen levels in the exhaust to determine if fuel and air are burning completely, enabling closed-loop control of fuel injection. A malfunction can prevent the ECU from accurately determining fuel injection amounts, leading to incorrect air-fuel mixture ratios, incomplete combustion, reduced engine power, and increased emissions.

[DeDaniela]

I've driven a few times, and the most direct feeling when a sensor fails is that the car doesn't run smoothly. For example, the engine light keeps coming on, the car idles unevenly, the whole body shakes after driving for a while, and fuel consumption also skyrockets, resulting in significantly higher fuel costs over a month. The issue of excessive exhaust emissions is even more troublesome, not only polluting the environment but also potentially causing the car to fail the annual inspection. If a broken sensor isn't repaired for a long time, it can damage other parts, such as a clogged catalytic converter, which would be more expensive to replace. I recommend checking the computer fault codes promptly and finding a reliable repair shop to diagnose the issue—don't try to save a little money only to suffer a bigger loss.

[VanIsabelle]

From my experience tinkering with cars, I've realized that diagnosing sensor failures is crucial. For instance, if the oxygen sensor fails, the ECU receives incorrect data, directly reducing engine combustion efficiency and resulting in sluggish power output. When a wheel speed sensor malfunctions, even the ABS system may fail, causing tires to lock up during braking—which can be quite dangerous at high speeds. Using an OBD scanner to read error codes is essential to pinpoint the exact issue, avoiding unnecessary part replacements that waste money. Regular maintenance checks for connector and wiring aging are key—prevention saves both money and hassle compared to post-failure repairs.

[AvaLee]

I care deeply about air quality. Once a car sensor fails, such as an oxygen sensor malfunction, it can increase pollutants in the exhaust, and excessive carbon monoxide poses significant environmental hazards. If left unrepaired for a long time, the vehicle's foul emissions can further degrade air quality and exacerbate smog. An unstable engine not only wastes fuel but may also damage the catalytic converter. I advocate for regular vehicle inspections among car enthusiasts to reduce unnecessary pollution and safeguard public health.