| Cars have certainly changed over the years. Air bags | | | | Mercedes models have multiple sensors for one just |
| are standard, active head restraints are catching on, | | | | one system including the following found in one late |
| crossover vehicles have supplanted minivans as the | | | | model convertible: |
| favorite family hauler, and mostly every car built | | | | - Electronic controlled transmission - helps monitor |
| today offers an in-dash computer system for song | | | | vehicle speed, gear position and throttle opening. |
| downloads, navigation, and hands-free communication. | | | | - Distronic - A fancy word for Mercedes' cruise |
| Car Sensors | | | | control system. |
| Another change involves sensors which can help | | | | - Roof control unit - applies to convertibles. |
| detect problems with your car as they occur. They're | | | | - Antilock brake system - also known as ABS. |
| located throughout your vehicle and are tasked with | | | | - Central locking system - controls door locks. |
| checking wheel speed, manifold pressure, incoming air | | | | - Dynamic beam leveling - helps to keep your |
| temperature, fuel-air mixture, and more. When a | | | | headlights focused. |
| sensor fails, that can have a direct impact on engine | | | | - Common rail diesel injection - for cars so equipped. |
| performance, causing your car to lose power while | | | | - Automatic air conditioning - for climate control. |
| adversely effecting fuel economy. In some cases | | | | - Active body control - helps keep your car on the |
| sensor failure can lead to engine failure, which means | | | | road. |
| that you should be aware of how sensors work and | | | | - Tire pressure monitoring - ensures that you have |
| what they do. | | | | enough air in your tires. |
| Beginning with 1996 and later cars, all vehicles come | | | | - Elecktron stability program - works in tandem with |
| equipped with an OBDII (On-board Diagnostic) | | | | other stability functions. |
| system which generates codes when a problem | | | | - Parktronic system - helps measure the distance |
| arises with your car thanks to these sensors. A code | | | | between objects as you back up your car. |
| reader retails for about $80 and can be a worthwhile | | | | Professional Assistance |
| investment to help you determine what is wrong | | | | Clearly, an understanding of automotive mechanics is |
| with your car. | | | | essential if you are to attempt to diagnose, find and |
| Sensors Used | | | | replace a worn out sensor. Most car owners leave |
| That being said, what do the sensors do and where | | | | the work to a professional mechanic although having |
| are they located? Beyond the four previously | | | | access to a code reader can help you discover what |
| mentioned, your car may come equipped with more | | | | the problem is and brace yourself as you take your |
| than one hundred sensors. For example, some | | | | vehicle in for repairs. |