Automotive Sensors (A-Z List & Descriptions)

The sensors used in modern vehicles are listed on this page, along with a brief explanation of each one's function. 

Powertrain Sensors

Powertrain sensors are used within a vehicles engine, transmission and other components designed to propel the vehicle forwards.

Sensor	Description
Manifold Air Temperature Sensor	The temperature of the air inside the intake manifold is measured using manifold temperature sensors.
Engine Oil Pressure Sensor	The engine oil pressure sensor provides feedback to the ECU while keeping track of the oil pressure in the engine.
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor	Using coolant temperature sensors, the fuel management system ascertains the operating temperature of the engine. According to the sensor data and the operational circumstances, the control unit modifies the injection timing and firing angle.
Transmission Oil Temperature Sensor	The transmission oil temperature sensor keeps track of the transmission's oil's temperature and provides feedback to keep it from overheating.
Engine Oil Temperature Sensor	The engine oil temperature sensor continuously measures the temperature of the engine's oil and provides feedback to adjust engine operation and performance.
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor	The exhaust gas temperature sensor measures exhaust gas temperature, which the ECU can utilise to change engine parameters or for emissions.
​Boost Air Temperature Sensor	The boost air temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the air after the forced induction system and provides feedback which can adjust the engine performance and operation.
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor	To calculate the right amount of fuel and air, the MAP sensor collaborates with the intake air pressure sensor. The MAP sensor monitors the relation between intake manifold vacuum and barometric pressure.
Barometric Absolute Pressure (BAP) Sensor	Barometric pressure sensors are used in diesel and gasoline engine control. They accurately and continuously monitor atmospheric pressure. Weather and altitude affect atmospheric pressure.
Transmission Input Speed Sensor	To determine the transmission gear ratio, a transmission input speed sensor and a transmission output speed sensor are used.
Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor	The fuel rail pressure sensor measures the fuel pressure inside the engine's high-pressure fuel rail.
Air Conditioning (A/C) Pressure Sensor	In order to turn on or off the compressor and fan, the A/C pressure sensor continuously checks the high pressure level in the A/C loop.
Brake Vacuum Pressure Sensor	​A vacuum (or pressure) sensor is a feature of modern brake boosters. It collects data of the brake booster vacuum pressure.
Transmission Output Speed Sensor	To determine the transmission gear ratio, a transmission input speed sensor and a transmission output speed sensor operate together.
Vehicle Speed (VSS) / ABS Sensor	Wheel speed is measured by VSS, sometimes referred to as an ABS sensor. These details are used by the ECM to modify engine operations or for certain systems such as ABS and traction control.
Camshaft Speed / Position Sensor​	The engine control unit can precisely detect the location and speed of the camshaft due to the camshaft sensor(s).
Throttle Position Sensor	The ECM uses the information from the throttle position sensor to alter the positioning of an electronic throttle body on the intake.
Pedal Position Sensor	​Modern vehicles have a pedal position sensor to give the ECM precise information on the location of the clutch, brake, and throttle pedals.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Position Sensor	The exhaust gas recirculation valve's position is sent to the ECM by the EGR position sensor. It is an element of the emissions reduction and control system.
Knock Sensor	A knock sensor sends a signal to the ECU, which can then change engine function, when it detects the high-frequency vibrations that are indicative of engine knocking.
Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor	The MAF sensor's task is to gauge how much air is being drawn in through the intake, sometimes referred to as the intake air sensor.
Oil Condition Sensor	The oil quality value is sent to the ECM via an oil condition sensor, which monitors the capacity and conductivity of the oil.
Transmission Position Sensor	The transmission position sensor determines what gear the vehicle is in.
Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor	The evaporative emissions control system, which is intended to remove unburned fuel vapours from the fuel tank, includes a crucial component called the fuel tank pressure sensor.
Oxygen (O2) / Lambda Sensor	The oxygen sensor, sometimes referred to as the lambda sensor, measures how much oxygen is present in the exhaust. The fuel mixture can be determined with this sensor.
Fuel Level Sensor	The fuel level sensor determines how much fuel is in the tank.
NOx Sensor	As an element of the emissions system, NOx sensors monitor the amount of nitrogen oxide a diesel vehicle emits to maintain compliance with emissions laws.
Crankshaft Position Sensor / Crank Sensor (CKP)	A crankshaft position sensor / crank sensor (CKP) is an electronic device used in an internal combustion engine to monitor the position or rotational speed of the crankshaft.