Not-So-Common Sense (Sensor Failures)
August 21, 2022
So your vehicle won't start. What's the first thing that comes to mind? Battery dead? Starter motor worn out? Out of gas? Well, those are all reasons that make sense. But your vehicle may be refusing to start because one of its computers is being warned that to do so might damage it. Here's how that works.
You have lots of computers in your vehicle. They need to know the status of things so there are several sensors monitoring various things going on. These sensors send information to the computers that adjust the fuel and air mixture so you don't waste fuel. They know when things aren't quite right and prevent you from starting your engine if that's going to damage it.
Other sensors make sure the coolant is the right temperature, check to see you are not polluting the air and make sure other electronic components are performing their tasks correctly.
Here's an example of a sensor doing its job. Your engine needs oil to lubricate metal components so the friction doesn't damage them. Your engine has an oil pressure sensor that tells a computer called the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) if things are good to go or if there's something wrong, maybe the oil pressure is too low to keep things lubricated. If it is, it gives a signal for the vehicle not to start, protecting the engine.
Of course, the sensors can go bad, too, with some of the same results. And so someone has to figure out if it's the sensor that's failed or if it really has detected a problem. That is the challenge for technicians with specialized equipment to decipher the signs. If a bad sensor is found, it may need to be replaced. Sometimes a thorough cleaning can do the trick. In either case, your service facility can track down the problem and get you back on the road. Makes sense, doesn't it?
TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires
1735 N Main St
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
248-541-8300
http://www.tlcautocareroyaloak.com
Need Service?
More articles from TLC Auto Care
Cabin Air Filter and Engine Air Filter: What’s the Difference?
April 26, 2026
You may have heard someone say they just got the air filter replaced in their vehicle. But did you know your vehicle has two different major air filters and they both perform quite differentbut very importantduties? Todays vehicles have a cabin air filter, and an engine air filter. The engine a... More
Royal Oak Road Trip Preparation
April 19, 2026
People from Royal Oak, Michigan, love their cars. And nothing goes with cars better than a Michigan road trip. Freedom from daily schedules, new sights and the open road it's great! But there's nothing like car trouble to bring the fun to a grinding halt.You can't always avoid problems, but yo... More
No Fountain of Youth (Aging Tires)
April 15, 2026
Can you think of anyone who enjoys aging? Wrinkles where you don't want them, gray hair, eyes that won't focus any more, no stamina. Believe it or not, your tires age, too, and they don't get better the older they get. And here's the important thing to know, even if they can still pass a trea... More