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Automotive Diagnosis

This course explains everything about each single sensor on automotive engines.

We have covered everything you need to test and diagnose the sensors, this includes:

- Identifying the sensors and sensors location

- Understanding how each sensor works

- Understanding the sensors wiring and diagram, and how to identify each wire on sensors.

- Testing each sensor with a multimeter.

- Using a scan tool to read the live data in order to diagnose the sensors.

- Using an oscilloscope to read and analyze the waveforms on sensors and diagnose them using the waveform.

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This course explains everything about each single sensor on automotive engines.

We have covered everything you need to test and diagnose the sensors, this includes:

- Identifying the sensors and sensors location

- Understanding how each sensor works

- Understanding the sensors wiring and diagram, and how to identify each wire on sensors.

- Testing each sensor with a multimeter.

- Using a scan tool to read the live data in order to diagnose the sensors.

- Using an oscilloscope to read and analyze the waveforms on sensors and diagnose them using the waveform.

- Using a sensor simulator (pulse generator) to diagnose the sensor circuits.

There are many practical activities in this course. So, after understanding the sensor operation, we locate and check each sensor on the car, and on each step, we use the wiring diagrams for that exact car, to practice how to use the diagrams for diagnosing a car.

We also use different type of tools and equipment including multimeter, oscilloscope and sensor simulator.

Here is a list of sensors that we have covered:

- Mass Air Flow Sensor

- Intake Air temperature Sensor

- Throttle Position Sensor

- Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor

- Camshaft Position Sensor

- Crankshaft position Sensor

- Knock Sensor

- Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

- Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor

- Oxygen Sensor (Wideband & Narrowband)

- Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor

- Oil Pressure Sensor

- Oil Temperature Sensor

- Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor

- Boost Pressure Sensor

- DPF Differential Pressure Sensor

- Water in Diesel Sensor

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You will learn to identify and locate all sensors on vehicle’s engine.
  • You will learn to explain each sensor operation and function.
  • You will learn to read and analyze the wiring diagram for each sensor.
  • You will learn to test the sensors with a multimeter.
  • You will learn to test the sensors operation with scan tool.
  • You will learn to read and analyze the sensors waveform using an oscilloscope.
  • You will learn to use a sensor simulator (pulse generator) to diagnose a sensor’s circuit.

Syllabus

Introduction
This section explains everything about the Mass Airflow Sensor Operation & Diagnosis
Learning Objectives
Engine Management System Overview
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides practical activities that allow learners to locate and check sensors on a car, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience using wiring diagrams
Covers the use of various diagnostic tools, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, and sensor simulators, which are essential for effective sensor testing and diagnosis
Explores a wide array of engine sensors, such as MAF, TPS, MAP, CMP, CKP, knock, coolant temperature, oxygen, and fuel rail pressure sensors, offering a comprehensive understanding of engine management systems
Requires learners to use a scan tool to read live data, which may require a subscription or purchase of equipment that is not readily available to all students
Requires learners to use an oscilloscope to read and analyze waveforms, which may require a subscription or purchase of equipment that is not readily available to all students
Requires learners to use a sensor simulator (pulse generator) to diagnose sensor circuits, which may require a subscription or purchase of equipment that is not readily available to all students

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Reviews summary

Automotive engine sensor diagnosis essentials

According to the detailed course outline, this course offers a comprehensive overview of automotive engine sensors. Learners are guided through identifying, locating, and understanding the operation of numerous sensors. A strong emphasis is placed on practical diagnostics using various tools, including multimeters, scan tools, and oscilloscopes. The syllabus highlights numerous hands-on activities and the analysis of wiring diagrams, suggesting a focus on real-world application. While the course covers a wide range of sensors and techniques, learners should be prepared for the technical nature of the content and the potential need for diagnostic equipment to fully engage with the practical sections.
Requires access to specific diagnostic tools.
"To follow the practicals, you need access to a multimeter and scan tool."
"Having an oscilloscope available would be beneficial for some sections."
"This course is best if you have the tools needed for the hands-on parts."
Covers complex diagnostic methods.
"Some sections, like using the oscilloscope, require careful attention."
"The course goes into sufficient technical detail for diagnosis."
"Understanding sensor waveforms using the oscilloscope was a bit challenging but valuable."
Learn to read and analyze sensor wiring diagrams.
"Understanding the wiring diagrams was crucial and well-explained."
"I practiced analyzing diagrams for different car models."
"The section on diagram analysis helped me locate wires on the sensor harness."
Includes practical diagnostic activities on cars.
"The practical sections on actual cars really helped solidify the concepts."
"I found the hands-on diagnosis examples very useful."
"Learning to test sensors directly on a vehicle was valuable."
Explores a wide variety of engine sensors.
"The course covers all the key sensors I needed to learn about."
"I appreciated the detailed breakdown of sensors from MAF to O2 sensors."
"The list of sensors covered is extensive and relevant."
Learn to test sensors with various tools.
"I learned how to test sensors using a multimeter and a scan tool."
"The sections on using an oscilloscope for diagnosis were particularly helpful."
"I gained skills in reading live data with a scan tool to diagnose sensor issues."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Automotive Engine Sensors Intro, Operation & Diagnostic with these activities:
Review Basic Electrical Circuits
Reviewing basic electrical circuit principles will help you better understand sensor wiring diagrams and troubleshooting techniques.
Browse courses on Electrical Circuits
Show steps
  • Review Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws.
  • Practice solving simple circuit problems.
  • Familiarize yourself with common electrical components.
Review Automotive Wiring and Electrical Systems
Reading this book will provide a solid foundation in automotive electrical systems, enhancing your understanding of sensor operation and diagnosis.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on wiring diagrams and circuit testing.
  • Study the examples of common automotive electrical problems.
  • Practice tracing circuits using the diagrams provided.
Multimeter Practice
Practicing using a multimeter to measure voltage, current, and resistance will improve your sensor testing skills.
Show steps
  • Set up a simple circuit with a resistor and a power source.
  • Measure the voltage across the resistor.
  • Measure the current flowing through the resistor.
  • Calculate the resistance using Ohm's Law and compare it to the measured value.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Online Oscilloscope Tutorials
Following online tutorials on using an oscilloscope to analyze sensor waveforms will enhance your diagnostic capabilities.
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on automotive oscilloscope diagnostics.
  • Learn how to set up the oscilloscope for different sensor types.
  • Practice analyzing waveforms from various sensors.
Sensor Simulator Project
Building a simple sensor simulator will provide hands-on experience with sensor circuits and diagnostic techniques.
Show steps
  • Research different sensor simulator designs.
  • Gather the necessary components.
  • Build and test the sensor simulator.
  • Use the simulator to test sensor circuits on a vehicle.
Create a Sensor Diagnostic Guide
Creating a diagnostic guide for a specific sensor will solidify your understanding of its operation and troubleshooting procedures.
Show steps
  • Choose a sensor covered in the course.
  • Research the sensor's operation and common failure modes.
  • Write a step-by-step diagnostic procedure.
  • Include wiring diagrams and oscilloscope waveforms.
Bosch Automotive Electrics and Automotive Electronics
Referencing this book will deepen your understanding of automotive electrics and electronics, particularly sensor technology and engine management systems.
Show steps
  • Review the sections on sensor technology and engine management.
  • Study the examples of diagnostic procedures.
  • Compare the information in the book to the course materials.

Career center

Learners who complete Automotive Engine Sensors Intro, Operation & Diagnostic will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Automotive Technician
An automotive technician inspects, maintains, and repairs cars and light trucks. This course helps automotive technicians develop expertise in diagnosing and fixing issues related to engine sensors. The course covers a wide array of sensors, including Mass Air Flow, Throttle Position, and Oxygen sensors. By learning how to test sensors with a multimeter, use a scan tool, and analyze waveforms with an oscilloscope, an automotive technician improves their ability to quickly and accurately pinpoint problems. Furthermore, the course's practical activities, such as diagnosing sensors on specific car models using wiring diagrams, prepare the automotive technician for real-world scenarios.
Automotive Diagnostic Technician
An automotive diagnostic technician specializes in identifying and resolving complex vehicle problems, often using advanced diagnostic tools and techniques. This course is highly relevant for an automotive diagnostic technician seeking to enhance their skills in engine sensor diagnostics. The course covers a wide range of sensors, including Mass Air Flow, Manifold Absolute Pressure, and Oxygen sensors, with detailed explanations of their operation, wiring diagrams, and testing methods. By mastering the use of scan tools, oscilloscopes, and sensor simulators, the automotive diagnostic technician can improve their accuracy and efficiency in pinpointing sensor-related issues. Practical activities involving real-world diagnosis on various car models further prepare the diagnostic technician for tackling challenging cases.
Automotive Instructor
An automotive instructor teaches students about vehicle maintenance, repair, and diagnostics. This course is highly beneficial for an automotive instructor who wants to enhance their knowledge of automotive engine sensors. The course provides comprehensive coverage of various sensors, including Mass Air Flow, Manifold Absolute Pressure, and Oxygen sensors, along with detailed explanations of their operation, wiring diagrams, and testing procedures. By gaining expertise in these areas, the automotive instructor can deliver more effective lessons, explain complex concepts clearly, and demonstrate practical diagnostic techniques using scan tools, oscilloscopes, and sensor simulators. The practical activities involving real-world diagnosis on specific car models can also enrich the instructor's teaching materials.
Automotive Electrician
An automotive electrician specializes in the electrical systems of vehicles, including wiring, sensors, and electronic components. This course provides a strong foundation for an automotive electrician working with engine sensors. The course details sensor wiring diagrams, testing procedures with multimeters and oscilloscopes, and using sensor simulators to diagnose circuit issues. By gaining expertise in sensors like the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor and the Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor, the automotive electrician will be able to troubleshoot and repair complex electrical problems in engine management systems. The practical exercises with specific car models can also help familiarize the automotive electrician with real-world applications.
Emissions Technician
An emissions technician tests and repairs vehicles to ensure they meet emissions standards. This course is particularly relevant for an emissions technician due to its detailed coverage of engine sensors critical for emissions control. The course covers Oxygen sensors, Exhaust Gas Temperature sensors, and other related components, explaining their function, testing, and diagnosis. By understanding how these sensors work and how to interpret their data, the emissions technician can more effectively identify and resolve emissions-related problems. The course's emphasis on using scan tools and analyzing live data can also improve diagnostic accuracy in emissions testing. The emissions technician will be able to help vehicles remain compliant with environmental regulations.
Performance Tuner
A performance tuner modifies vehicles to enhance their performance, often involving adjustments to engine control systems. This course is highly beneficial for a performance tuner who wants to optimize engine performance through sensor manipulation and tuning. The course covers a wide range of sensors, including Mass Air Flow, Throttle Position, and Knock sensors, explaining their operation, wiring, and signal characteristics. By understanding how these sensors function and how their data is used by the engine control unit, the performance tuner can fine-tune engine parameters to achieve maximum power and efficiency. The course's emphasis on waveform analysis and sensor simulation techniques can also aid in developing custom engine maps and strategies.
Field Service Technician
A field service technician travels to customer locations to perform maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting on automotive equipment. This course helps a field service technician develop expertise in diagnosing and fixing issues related to engine sensors. The course covers the identification, operation, and testing of Mass Air Flow, Throttle Position, and Oxygen sensors. The field service technician will be able to improve their ability to quickly and accurately pinpoint problems by learning how to test sensors with a multimeter, use a scan tool, and analyze waveforms with an oscilloscope. The practical activities involving wiring diagrams for different car models prepares the field service technician for real-world scenarios.
Engine Calibration Engineer
An engine calibration engineer optimizes engine performance and emissions by adjusting various engine control parameters. This course helps the engine calibration engineer understand the function and behavior of engine sensors. The course covers sensors like Knock Sensors, Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensors, and Boost Pressure Sensors, offering insights into their role in engine management. By studying sensor wiring diagrams, live data analysis, and waveform analysis, the engine calibration engineer gains a deeper understanding of how sensor signals influence engine control strategies. This knowledge is valuable for fine-tuning engine parameters to achieve optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions compliance. An advanced degree is typically required.
Mechatronics Engineer
A mechatronics engineer works with integrated mechanical and electronic systems, which includes vehicles. This course is helpful to a mechatronics engineer seeking to deepen knowledge of automotive engine sensors. The course covers a large number of sensors, including the Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor. Knowledge of sensor wiring diagrams, live data analysis, and waveform analysis helps the mechatronics engineer gain a good grasp of how sensor signals influence engine control. An advanced degree is typically required.
Automotive Engineer
An automotive engineer designs, develops, and tests automotive systems and components. This course may be useful to the automotive engineer, as it provides a detailed understanding of automotive engine sensors. The course covers a wide range of sensors, including Mass Air Flow, Throttle Position, and Camshaft Position sensors, explaining their operation, wiring, and diagnostic methods. By learning how these sensors function and how they are tested, the automotive engineer can gain insight into the design and integration of engine management systems. The knowledge of sensor waveforms and simulation techniques can also aid in the development of more robust and reliable engine control strategies. An advanced degree is typically required.
Automotive Service Advisor
An automotive service advisor serves as a liaison between customers and service technicians, explaining vehicle problems and recommended repairs. This course may be useful to the service advisor for its in-depth knowledge of automotive engine sensors. Understanding the function and diagnosis of sensors like the Camshaft Position Sensor and the Crankshaft Position Sensor helps the service advisor communicate more effectively with customers. The service advisor can be better equipped to explain the diagnostic process, interpret the technician's findings, and convey the importance of sensor-related repairs. The course's overview of sensor wiring diagrams and common fault codes can further aid the service advisor in understanding the technical aspects of vehicle maintenance.
Automotive Journalist
An automotive journalist writes articles, reviews, and news stories about the automotive industry. This course may be useful to an automotive journalist who wants to gain a deeper understanding of automotive technology. The course provides an overview of automotive engine sensors, including Mass Air Flow, Throttle Position, and Camshaft Position sensors, explaining their function and operation. This understanding can help the automotive journalist write more informed and accurate articles about vehicle performance, diagnostics, and new automotive technologies. The course's focus on sensor wiring diagrams and diagnostic methods can also provide the journalist with valuable insights into the complexities of modern vehicle systems.
Automotive Design Engineer
An automotive design engineer develops and designs automotive components and systems. This course may be useful to an automotive design engineer seeking to deepen knowledge of engine sensor functionality and diagnostics. The course covers many sensors, including the Intake Air Temperature Sensor. Learning the applications of sensor wiring diagrams, live data analysis, and waveform analysis helps the automotive design engineer gain a solid grasp of how sensor signals influence engine control systems. An advanced degree is typically required.
Mechanical Engineer
A mechanical engineer researches, designs, develops, manufactures, and tests mechanical devices and systems. This course may be useful to a mechanical engineer seeking more knowledge of automotive engine sensors. The course covers a range of sensors, including the Camshaft Position Sensor. Learning about sensor wiring diagrams, live data analysis, and waveform analysis may help the mechanical engineer gain a solid grasp of how sensor signals influence engine control. An advanced degree is typically required.
Robotics Technician
A robotics technician installs, maintains, and repairs robotic systems, which can include automated vehicle systems. This course may be useful to robotics technicians who work with vehicles. This course reviews sensors like the Mass Airflow Sensor. By knowing the applications of sensor wiring diagrams, live data analysis, and waveform analysis, the robotics technician can gain insights into how robotic systems integrate with vehicles. An associate's degree is typically required.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Automotive Engine Sensors Intro, Operation & Diagnostic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of automotive electrical systems, including wiring diagrams, testing procedures, and troubleshooting techniques. It valuable resource for understanding the complex electrical systems found in modern vehicles. This book is particularly helpful for understanding the wiring diagrams discussed in the course. It serves as a useful reference tool for practical applications.
Provides a detailed overview of automotive electrics and electronics, including sensor technology, engine management systems, and diagnostic procedures. It valuable resource for understanding the complex systems found in modern vehicles. This book adds more depth to the course by providing detailed technical explanations. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.

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