#car sensor

Nowadays, cars are fitted with a host of sensors that play a critical role in monitoring the functioning of vital components in vehicles. Mostly it is observed that issues with the functioning of any of these sensors translate into drivability problems for the cars and can leave you stranded in the middle of the road.

There are several underlying factors that can cause the sensors to fail in your vehicle and here in this article, we will discuss the prominent reasons behind sensor failures and ways to deal with the problems.

Electrical Problems

One of the most prevalent reasons behind sensor failures in cars is related to underlying electrical problems that go unnoticed for a while. Electrical malfunctions like bad wiring, loose connections, and poor grounding can create various setbacks for your car including failure of some sensors.

The sensors in modern vehicles are completely dependent on efficient electrical connections for their optimal functioning and any minor issues with the electrical system can give rise to sensor complications. In addition to this, electrical short circuits can also hamper the functioning of the sensors.

Often professional mechanics opine that the best way to deal with the situation is by inspecting the electrical connections in your car regularly and if you happen to come across any sort of issues then get in touch with a certified mechanic to sort out the problems immediately.

Apart from that some drivers also report problems of corrosion that seems to affect the electrical connections in their vehicle and cleaning with the help of a contact cleaner will restore the functioning of the electrical components and your sensors would also be free of any issues.

Very High Or Low Temperatures

Another leading cause behind sensor troubles in your car is related to inclement weather conditions such as very high temperatures. The sensors in your car are designed to function within a specific temperature limit and when they are exposed to extreme temperatures for a continuous time span then their functioning gets affected adversely to a great extent.

There are certain sensors like the coolant temperature sensor and the exhaust temperature sensor that are particularly susceptible to extreme heat while most other sensors might develop cracks or rapid wear and tear due to exposure to very cold temperature conditions.

The issues with the functioning of the sensors caused due to extreme temperature conditions can be avoided by maintaining proper operating temperature inside the car. Moreover, the optimal functioning of the cooling system also helps in avoiding overheating issues in the sensors.

Some drives also walk the extra mile by installing heat shields and insulators to protect their sensors from high temperatures. For colder environments, you can install sensors designed to function across broad temperature ranges.

Contaminated Sensors

Often it is noticed that when the sensors in cars come in contact with dirt and debris from outside then they encounter issues with their functioning. This is true, particularly in the case of certain sensors like oxygen sensors and exhaust gas recirculation sensors in vehicles.

The contamination of the sensors is not limited to dirt & debris from outside but any internal fluid leaks in your car like a coolant leak or engine oil leak can also affect the sensors if the fluids come in contact with the sensors. The best solution for dealing with contaminated sensors is cleaning them immediately.

There are many sensor cleaners available in the market and you can get one for your car and clean your sensors periodically as this will prevent dirt, debris, and contaminants from settling on the sensors of your vehicle.

Software Glitches

At times, the malfunctioning of the sensors in cars is not related to the sensor but might be caused due to software glitches that help in processing the data sent by various sensors to the engine control unit (ECU) of the car. If there are software glitches in your car then the data sent by the sensors won’t be processed correctly leading many to think that something is wrong with the sensors of their car.

That is why it is important to ensure that the software in your vehicle is regularly updated and if you find any glitches then it needs to be promptly addressed.

Finally

Alfa Romeo is an iconic Italian automaker. This automaker is highly sought after for creating some of the world’s most fashionable & performance-focused speed vehicles. Because Alfa Romeo has such a strong understanding of exclusivity & originality, most vehicle aficionados prefer this brand & to others.

A typical aspect of owning this brand & is luxury. Once behind the wheel, comfort & modernity are what add spice to your life. Another reason why consumers keep choosing this brand is its heritage. In conclusion, Alfa Romeo will provide you with a number of reasons to occupy some space in your parking lot.

The Alfa Romeo emission system, like that of other models, is not impervious to failure. Even though it is uncommon, it nevertheless occurs. Any form of malfunction in your car's emission system might endanger your safety & cost you money by increasing the amount of smoke you produce. This article investigates breakdown's root causes & potential remedies. Let's explore the illumination.

Causes of Emission System Issues

There are various potential reasons behind the emission system breakdown. Identifying them is important to figure out the exact solution. All those possible causes are explained below. Take a look at them.

Defective Catalytic Converter

Before the exhaust smoke leaves the car, a catalytic converter in the exhaust system filters out all the dangerous gases. The creation of harmful gases results in erroneous readings & makes the exhaust system operate inefficiently when it gets blocked or fails. The engine could misfire & the check engine light could come on.

Dirty Air Filter

The air filter allows clean air to enter the engine while keeping all dust & debris outside. It gets dirty with time, which makes it possible for dust to enter the engine. The emission system becomes contaminated & malfunctions as a result of the dust in the engine. Your vehicle may sputter during the ride.

Exhaust Leak

Driving roughly on speed bumps & potholes weakens the structural elements of the exhaust. Additionally, the parts of it can be harmed by rust & corrosion. Any form of damage to the exhaust causes a hole in it & let’s exhaust gases escape before they get to the tailpipe. As a result, the emission system's sensors don't function as they should, which increases fuel consumption in the engine. While driving, you might hear a whistling sound in addition to paying more for fuel.

Faulty Oxygen Sensor

In order to control exhaust system emissions, the oxygen sensor is crucial. The emission system operates well as long as the O2 sensor continues to measure the residual oxygen concentration of the exhaust smoke accurately. However, if it develops a defect, the emission level can’t be measured properly. This is what affects the emission system's functionality & causes a number of performance problems.

Tips To Fix Emission System Issues

Certain tips & tricks are there, using which you can get rid of the hassles related to your vehicle’s emission system. Let’s take a look at the following for the tips.

Replace the Air Filter at Recommended Intervals

Every 15000 miles, it is advised to replace the air filter. The replacement interval varies, though, depending on the type you possess & where you drive your automobile. Therefore, it is preferable to read the owner's manual so that you can determine when it is appropriate to replace the air filter. Regularly having the air filter checked for blockage by a professional can allow you to avoid an emission system breakdown brought on by a clogged air filter.

Inspect the Emission System Regularly

Regular inspections should be performed on every part of the vehicle. This also applies to the emission system. You will be able to spot the problem right away if you periodically inspect the exhaust system & its parts. With an early identification, you can act appropriately & quickly to prevent a serious collapse down the line.

Keep the O2 Sensor Well Maintained

On a regular basis, check the O2 sensor's condition. The sensor is at the threshold of death if it seems highly blackish. Don't wait for it to fail completely. Simply replace it immediately to enjoy a ride with no future emission problems. The two most prevalent signs of a bad O2 sensor are an illuminated CEL & high fuel use. Consult a professional right away to have it replaced to prevent a faulty O2 sensor from eventually leading to an exhaust system failure.

Conclusion

The BMW is one of the most sought-after luxury cars because it comes packed with advanced features and a powerful engine. There are numerous sensors in your BMW that keep a tab on the functioning of the vital parts of the vehicle & one such sensor is the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) that monitors the accelerator pedal. The failure of the TPS sensor can lead to various issues in your BMW. Have a look at the infographics to know the consequences of TPS failure in your BMW.

Onboard sensors combined with the internet have improved driving safety and have powered expansion of the automobile industry. The increasing sales of cars around the world and the launch of new vehicle technologies like self-driving cars are primary factors charging development in the automotive sensor industry. The need for sensors continues to grow in this sector due to heightened environmental standards, advances in safety systems such as airbags, comfort factors and electronic stability programs.