Understand Your Car's Automatic Switches & Sensors Better

Automatic transmission sensors detect the input, output or intermediate speed of the transmission and transmit this information to the transmission control unit (TCU). The transmission control unit uses this signal to regulate the shifting pressure and to decide which gear to be engaged. The transmission pressure sensor measures the hydraulic oil pressure in different transmission applications and helps to determine the shifting pressure precisely and reliably. Due to transmission sensors, it is able to select the optimal gear for efficient driving at any speed. In both automatic and manual cars these sensors help to determine ignition timing and fuel injection, improving the car’s efficiency, controlling emissions and improving drivability.

There are many switches, sensors and modules which control automatic transmission they are, Turbine shaft sensor, Brake switch, Transmission range sensor or Transmission position sensor, Air conditioner sensor, Vehicle speed sensor, Overdrive Switch, Differential speed sensor, Air temperature sensor, Manifold absolute pressure sensor, Throttle position sensor, Mass airflow sensor, Transmissions control module or power train control module, Transmission fluid temperature sensor and Body Control Module.

• The Sensor Determines On What Speed The Vehicle Is Moving
• The Sensor Automatically Shifts Gear According To Engine Speed
• Switches Inform The Temperature Of Oil In The Transmission
• The Transmission Sensor Tells The Position Of The Transmission Shifter.
• The Sensor Measures Airflow Into The Engine

The number of switches, sensors and modules that vehicles use depends on their complexity, in many cases, there are many components that directly or indirectly control or provide feedback to an automatic transmission. The sensors function through a surprisingly simple mechanism. Each sensor consists of three main components: a toothed metal disk, a detector and a magnetic coil. The disc spins in time with the shaft it’s connected to, and as the teeth move past the magnetic coil, they interrupt the field it produces. This results in a series of magnetic pulses, rather than a continuous field. These pulses are fed into the car’s on-board computer, where their frequency is used to work out the speed of the car. The higher the pulse frequency, the faster the vehicle is traveling. A final speed reading is then communicated to a display on the dashboard, which can either be digital or analog.

A transmission sensor can malfunction for a variety of reasons:

• Corrosion Of The Component
• Loose Or Disconnected Wires
• Cracks In The Housing Of The Sensor
• Sensors Flying Off Of Their Shaft Entirely
• A Poor Connection Between The Sensor And The ECU
• A Damaged Magnetic Coil

Do you like repairing your car on your own? Thinking of opening up your own car body shop? It is a great business opportunity if you love cars and possess a good work ethic. Now if you want your shop to be successful, then you will require a combination of effort as well as car mechanic training. And of course, the correct equipment which would upgrade your speed as well as make your repair work easy. If you will have the right tools, then you can easily meet the demands of today's car body structures. Here are some of the most essential tools which you might need to repair your Automatic Switches & Sensors.

• Combination Plier
• Set Of A Screwdriver
• Basic Socket Wrench Set

If you are like most of us, then you won’t know much about the related components of car Automatic Switches & Sensors. Fear not! Here is a quick and easy guide to explain the related parts of the Automatic Switches & Sensors.

If you know which car parts brand suits the best for your Automatic Switches & Sensors, then it would save a lot of your decision-making time. What we believe is that picking a particular brand would always be helpful in reducing the clutter, and at the same time would make it easier for the customers to find what they are actually looking for. That’s why we have listed out some top brands for Automatic Switches & Sensors below as follows: -

• Drive Axle
• Wheel Hub
• Wheel
• Knuckle Assembly
• Transmission Oil Cooler
• Transmission Oil
• Oil Seal
• Shifter Lever
• Shifter Cable
• Wiring Harness
• Connector

For replacing automatic switches and sensors, labor would cost about $80 to $150, depending on the type of vehicle and sensor which has to be replaced. To remove automatic switches and sensors other related parts may have to be removed first which may take about 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the type of vehicle.

Before you start to proceed, make sure to disconnect the battery terminal. If the automatic transmission fluid temperature sensor is damaged or if it is not working, replacing the transmission fluid temperature sensor would be easy depending on its location. The transmission fluid temperature sensor can be on top or at the bottom of the transmission. When you find the transmission fluid temperature sensor, remove all the related parts for its easy access, remove the socket connection from the transmission fluid temperature sensor, and use a wrench to remove it. In some cars, if the sensor is fitted on the lower side of the transmission, there are chances of oil flowing out when the sensor is removed. Make use of an oil pan in this condition. Fit the new transmission fluid temperature sensor and make sure to tighten it. Reverse the process as removed and check for any oil leakage.