What is the principle of the intake pressure sensor?
3 Answers
It senses the vacuum changes in the intake manifold, then converts the changes in the internal resistance of the sensor into a voltage signal, which is used by the ECU to adjust the fuel injection volume and ignition timing angle. There are various types of intake pressure sensors, including piezoresistive and capacitive types. Due to advantages such as fast response time, high detection accuracy, compact size, and flexible installation, the piezoresistive type is widely used in D-type injection systems. Below is additional information: Pressure sensor monitoring: The intake pressure sensor detects the absolute pressure in the intake manifold behind the throttle. It monitors the changes in absolute pressure within the manifold based on engine speed and load, then converts this into a signal voltage sent to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). The ECU uses this signal voltage to control the basic fuel injection volume.
The working principle of the intake pressure sensor is quite interesting. I've studied car engines quite a bit myself. It mainly measures the changes in air pressure within the intake manifold. Simply put, there's a sensitive component inside, such as a piezoelectric crystal or strain gauge. When the air pressure increases or decreases, these materials deform, altering the electrical signal characteristics and outputting corresponding voltage or frequency changes. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) reads this signal to help calculate the actual intake air volume, adjust the fuel injection amount, and ensure more precise air-fuel mixture. This component significantly impacts performance—for example, during acceleration when pressure is high, the ECU knows to inject more fuel to ensure sufficient power. During gear shifts or hill climbing, it works silently to prevent engine surging or stalling, improving overall efficiency and making emissions more environmentally friendly. It's a fundamental component in modern cars and can't be omitted.
After driving for so many years, I've always felt that the engine's smoothness is closely related to this small component. The intake pressure sensor helps the ECU monitor air pressure in real-time, and the pressure data is used to adjust fuel injection timing and ignition points. For example, during acceleration or when starting, the manifold pressure increases, and the sensor signal prompts the ECU to inject more fuel, boosting power. During cruising, stable air pressure ensures better fuel efficiency. If it malfunctions, the engine might stutter or the check engine light could come on—I once experienced unstable idling, and it turned out to be due to inaccurate sensor signals. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the air filter, as excessive dust can clog the sensor and affect measurement accuracy. Though this device is simple and reliable, don’t overlook it—it significantly enhances driving comfort and fuel economy.
