Different Types of Sensors in a Car and its Functions (2024 Updated)

Published on 30 Nov, 2021, 12:13 PM IST

Updated on 27 Jun, 2024, 9:08 AM IST

Team Ackodrive

13 min read

Interesting Articles

Sensor	Function
Air-flow sensor	It measures the density and volume of the air entering the combustion chamber.
Engine knock sensor	It monitors engine knocking and ensures the air-fuel mixture is ignited correctly.
Engine speed sensor	It monitors the spinning speed and position of the crankshaft.
Camshaft position sensor	It monitors the position and proper timing of the camshaft.
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor	Monitors engine load by measuring the difference between the manifold and outside pressure.
Throttle position sensor	Monitor the position of the throttle valve.
Voltage sensor	It manages the idling speed of the vehicle.
Oxygen sensor	It helps to measure the oxygen level present in the exhaust gases.
NOx sensor	It measures the Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) present in the exhaust gases.
Temperature sensor	It monitors the engine temperature.
Fuel temperature sensor	It monitors the temperature of the fuel entering the engine.
Speed sensor	It measures the speed of the wheels.
Parking sensor	It recognises any obstacle present in the front or rear of the vehicle.
Rain sensor	It detects rain and sends a signal to ECU to activate the wipers.
Tyre Pressure Sensor	Wireless tyre pressure monitoring sensors are mounted inside each tyre on the wheel rim or valve stem.
Yaw Rate Sensor	This vital sensor measures the angular velocity of sway or rotation around the car's vertical axis
Steering Angle Sensor	This sensor tracks the steering wheel's precise angle and rate of turn using magnetic
Accelerometer	This key inertial sensor measures longitudinal and lateral G-forces using a microscopic vibrating element.
Gyroscope	This six-axis motion sensing provides vital feedback for stability control, lane change assistance and more.
Blind Spot Sensor	This alerts the driver to traffic hidden from view to prevent dangerous lane changes
Night Vision Sensor	This sensor uses an infrared camera and displays to enhance the driver's view
Driver Monitoring Camera	This camera uses machine vision algorithms to track head position, eyelid closure and more.
Parking Assistance Ultrasound Sensor	The parking assistance system warns the driver using audio tones and visual displays
Remote Keyless Entry Sensor	This sensor detects encoded radio signals from the remote key fob in close proximity to the vehicle.
Backup Camera	Provides a view directly behind the car to the dashboard display screen

Here are some of the most common queries and their answers related to car sensors.

How many sensors does a car have?

The car engine alone has around 15 to 30 sensors that track all functions of the engine. In total, a car can have over 70 sensors that monitor various aspects of the vehicle.

Do all types of cars have sensors?

Yes, all types of cars have sensors. From a small hatchback to a large SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), all vehicles come equipped with sensors for the efficient functioning of the engine and other components.

What happens if the oxygen sensor is not working correctly?

If the oxygen sensor is at fault, the ECU will not get the information regarding the air-fuel mixture ratio that is supplied to the engine. It can also cause idling problems, jerkiness or issues with power delivery.