Oxygen Sensor/EGO Sensor
Measures the percentage of oxygen in the exhaust, and tells
the computer whether the fuel/air mixture is too lean or too rich.
Mass Air Flow Sensor/MAF Sensor
Measures the amount of air drawn through the
engine's air intake, so the computer can compensate for altitude and temperature.
Detonation Sensor/Knock Sensor
Listens for engine "ping" so the ECM
can retard the spark timing, and thereby reduce emissions and overheating, if the engine
is knocking.
Fuel Pump
Feeds fuel from the gastank to the carburetor or
fuel injection system. Most fuel-injected cars have electric fuel pumps.
EGR Valve Position Sensor
Detects the opening of the EGR valve, so the ECM
can make adjustments to
optimize performance.
EGR Valve
Recalculates a measured amount of exhaust gas
into the engine's air intake, to lower combustion temperatures and reduce emissions,
especially NOx.
Air Cleaner Temperature Sensor
Prevents cold outside air from entering the air
intake until the engine warms up. This limits emissions and improves cold-engine
performance.
Fuel Injector
Injects fuel into the intake manifold.
The ECM tells the injector exactly when to inject, and how much to inject, to produce the
needed amount of power.
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Crankshaft or Camshaft Position Sensor/CPS
Monitors the rotation of the engine and tells the
computer exactly when to trigger the fuel injectors or the ignition spark.
MAP Sensor/BAP Sensor
Reads changes in barometric (air) pressure. The
ECM uses this information to adjust timing advance and air/fuel ratio.
Ignition Coil
Convert's the car battery's 12 volts to the
thousands of volts needed to fire the spark plugs.
Mixture Control Solenoid
Used on computer-controlled carburetors.
Controls the blend of air and fuel to produce the needed amount of power and minimize
emissions.
Control Module/Igniter
Regulates and times the spark signal to the
ignition coil, for correct ignition without misfiring.
Throttle Position Sensor/TPS
Monitors the position of the accelerator pedal
and the throttle linkage, so the ECM can make accurate air/fuel mixture adjustments.
PCV Valve/Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve
Recalculates partially-burned gases from the
crankcase to the combustion chamber, to improve economy and reduce emissions while
preventing buildup of sludge and corrosion.
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Ignition Wires
Carries the spark voltage to the spark plugs.
Faulty wires can drain off the voltage to the spark plug and cause misfiring.
Distributor Cap/Rotor
Routes the ignition coil's output voltage to the
correct spark plug. A faulty cap or rotor will cause the engine to misfire or refuse to
start.
Air Pump Check Valve
One-way valve that prevents hot exhaust
gases from recalculating back through the air pump, protecting the air bypass system.
Idle Speed Control Actuator
Adjusts idle speed as dictated by the ECM, to
prevent idle fluctuations and keep emissions low.
Ported Vacuum Switch
Senses engine temperature, and opens or closes
vacuum lines to various emissions-related components.
Coolant Temperature Sensor/CTS
Measures the temperature in the cooling system,
so the ECM can make adjustments based on the engine's operating temperature. Can
also control the dashboard warning light.
Voltage Regulator
Controls the voltage supplied to the car's electrical system,
preventing overcharge, undercharge and damage to electrical computers
Breather Element
Filters out contaminants from the crankcase
gases that are being drawn into the intake system throughout the PCV Valve.
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