Automotive Computer System(Components or Info)

Sensors:

Generate signals based on rotational speed, temperature, pressure, and relative position, the _____ are the eyes and ears of the computer system.

Computer:

Processes data from the sensors based on a programmed strategy software and then generates output to control vehicle functions

Actuators:

Receive output signals from the computer and control vehicle functions

Why would an example of an actuator would be a fuel injector?

Because it responds to signals from the computer to inject a specific amount of fuel into the intake air stream

In today’s vehicles, the computer is often referred to as:

The Powertrain control module(PCM) or the Engine Control Unit(ECU)

An example of a sensor would be an oxygen sensor, which is responsible for:

Sending data to the computer concerning the oxygen content of the exhaust gases

The computer uses this information to:

Determine whether the engine’s air fuel mixture is rich or lean

Automotive technicians communicate with ECU using a scan tool, which allows:

Them to get information from the computer concerning the operation of various vehicle systems

The scan tool is connected to the vehicles computer system through:

A diagnostic data link that is typically located near the driver’s seat