What sensors does my car have?
Most modern cars rely on a network of dozens of sensors that monitor everything from how the engine breathes to how you park. The exact sensor list varies by make, model, and year, but you’ll typically find sensors across engine and powertrain, chassis and safety systems, driver-assistance features, cabin comfort, and, in electrified vehicles, battery management.
Engine and powertrain sensors
These sensors watch core operating conditions so the engine can run efficiently, meet emissions standards, and deliver reliable performance.
- Crankshaft position sensor
- Camshaft position sensor
- Mass air flow (MAF) sensor
- Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
- Intake air temperature (IAT) sensor
- Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor
- Oxygen sensors (upstream and downstream)
- Fuel pressure sensor
- Throttle position sensor (TPS)
- Fuel level sensor
- Knock sensor
- Barometric pressure sensor (in some engines)
These sensors feed the engine control unit (ECU) to regulate ignition timing, fuel delivery, and emissions. When one fails, you may notice rough idle, reduced power, or check-engine warnings.
Chassis, braking, and safety sensors
Handled by the vehicle’s stability, braking, and safety systems, these sensors help maintain control, detect faults, and support parking aids.
- Wheel speed sensors (ABS/ESC)
- Steering angle sensor
- Yaw rate sensor
- Lateral acceleration sensor
- Brake pedal position or pressure sensor
- Occupant detection/seat weight sensor (airbag system)
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors
- Ultrasonic parking sensors (front/rear)
These sensors underpin anti-skid and stability systems, tire safety monitoring, and parking assistance, helping to prevent skids and collisions while guiding parking maneuvers.
ADAS and driver-assistance sensors
Advanced driver-assistance systems rely on a mix of radar, cameras, and sometimes lidar to monitor the car’s surroundings and assist the driver.
- Forward-looking radar sensors (long- and short-range)
- Cameras (front, rear, and sometimes side for lane keeping and 360° view)
- Ultrasonic sensors for close-range object detection
- Lidar sensors (in some high-end or specialized models)
- Driver monitoring camera or sensor (in-cabin attention detection)
Together, these sensors enable features such as adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Availability varies widely by model and trim.
Cabin comfort and environment sensors
Inside the cabin, sensors help manage climate, air quality, and comfort, linking to the vehicle’s environmental controls.
- Cabin temperature sensor
- Humidity sensor
- Cabin air quality (pollutants/VOC) sensor
- Ambient light sensor
- Rain/light sensor (for wipers and lighting behavior)
These sensors support automatic climate control, mood settings, and smart lighting, adjusting the interior environment automatically based on conditions.
Electric and hybrid drivetrain sensors
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles add a dedicated set of high-voltage and battery-management sensors to protect performance and safety.
- Battery pack temperature sensors
- Battery cell voltage sensors
- Battery current sensor
- State of charge (SOC) estimation sensors
- Pack voltage sensor
- Cooling system temperature sensor for the battery pack
These sensors feed the battery management system (BMS) to optimize charging, cooling, safety interlocks, and overall range. Their presence and sophistication vary with battery size and vehicle type.
How to identify sensors in your specific car
Because sensor configurations vary widely, use these steps to learn what your vehicle has and where to find it.
- Check the owner’s manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact sensor list by model and trim.
- Locate the vehicle identification number (VIN) and use it with official documentation or a dealer to pull build specs and option codes.
- Use an OBD-II scanner to read live data and identify active sensors and common fault codes; many scanners display sensor names and PIDs.
- Consult a dealer or service manual for your model if you’re planning diagnostics or sensor replacement.
The precise sensor suite depends on your car’s year, trim, and optional features, so verification through official documentation or a qualified technician is the best approach.
Summary
Today’s cars rely on a broad ecosystem of sensors spanning engine management, safety systems, driver assistance, cabin comfort, and electric-drive components. While the exact lineup varies by model and year, the core categories—engine and powertrain sensors, chassis/braking sensors, ADAS sensors, cabin sensors, and battery management sensors in electrified vehicles—cover most installations. To know your specific sensors, refer to the owner's manual, check the build sheet or VIN details, and, if needed, consult a dealer or qualified technician for a precise inventory.
How many sensors does a car have?
A modern car has between 60 and 100 sensors, and this number is increasing as technology advances. These sensors monitor various functions related to engine performance, safety, and comfort. Examples include oxygen, crank position, mass air flow, tire pressure, and radar sensors, along with those for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Common types of sensors
- Engine performance: Sensors like the mass air flow (MAF), manifold absolute pressure (MAP), and oxygen (O2) sensors are crucial for the engine control unit (ECU) to manage fuel injection and emissions.
- Safety and control: Antilock brake system (ABS) sensors monitor wheel speed, while a variety of other sensors like radar, ultrasonic, and crash sensors are used for features like adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic emergency braking.
- Comfort and environment: Sensors for the HVAC system, rain sensors, and the in-cabin air quality sensor provide information to optimize the cabin's environment.
- Other systems: Other sensors monitor everything from engine coolant temperature and tire pressure to throttle position and fuel levels.
What are the four main types of sensors?
The four main types of sensors are passive vs. active, contact vs. non-contact, analog vs. digital, and by their function or technology (e.g., optical, thermal, pressure). Sensors are categorized based on their power source, how they interact with their target, the type of signal they produce, and what physical or chemical property they measure.
1. Based on power source
- Active sensors: These sensors generate their own power and do not require an external power source. A thermocouple is an example because it generates a voltage as temperature changes, explains this YouTube video.
- Passive sensors: These sensors rely on an external power source to operate. A resistance temperature detector (RTD) is a passive sensor because it needs an external power supply to measure temperature, notes this YouTube video.
2. Based on interaction with the target
- Contact sensors: These sensors must be in direct physical contact with the object or substance they are measuring. Examples include pressure sensors that measure force on a surface.
- Non-contact sensors: These sensors operate from a distance, without needing to touch the object. Ultrasonic and laser sensors are examples of non-contact sensors.
3. Based on the signal they produce
- Analog sensors: These sensors produce a continuous output signal that is proportional to the measured parameter. Examples include many temperature, pressure, and light sensors, says SMLease Design.
- Digital sensors: These sensors produce a discrete output, typically a binary signal (0 or 1). They are increasingly popular for their ease of use and integration into digital systems, according to SMLease Design.
4. Based on function or technology
- Optical sensors: These sensors use light to detect or measure properties, such as light intensity or the presence of an object through reflection.
- Thermal sensors: These sensors detect or measure temperature and heat. Infrared temperature sensors are an example that can measure temperature from a distance, says Sensor Partners.
- Pressure sensors: These sensors measure the force exerted by a fluid (liquid or gas) on a surface. They convert this pressure into an electrical signal for measurement.
- Acoustic sensors: These sensors detect sound waves, and can be used for applications like measuring vibration or presence based on sound waves.
Can you drive with a bad sensor?
We recommend against driving with a bad O2 sensor as the powertrain is not running on the correct fuel mixture. While it may perform fine in the beginning, if your engine is running rich and using too much fuel it might begin to clog the catalytic converter.
What type of sensors does a car have?
Car sensors can be categorized by their function, including engine sensors (like mass air flow, oxygen, and knock sensors), safety sensors (airbag, tire pressure, and collision sensors), and convenience sensors (like rain and parking sensors). These sensors provide data to the car's computer, enabling it to optimize performance, increase safety, and improve the driving experience.
Engine and powertrain sensors
- Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor: Measures the amount of air entering the engine to help determine the correct air-fuel mixture.
- Oxygen (O2) sensor: Monitors oxygen levels in the exhaust to fine-tune the air-fuel ratio for optimal combustion.
- Knock sensor: Detects engine knocking or "pinging" to prevent engine damage.
- Crankshaft and Camshaft position sensors: Monitor the position and speed of the crankshaft and camshaft for proper engine timing.
- Throttle position sensor (TPS): Senses how much the throttle pedal is being pressed.
- Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor: Measures pressure in the intake manifold to help calculate engine load.
- Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor: Monitors the temperature of the engine coolant.
Safety sensors
- Parking (proximity) sensor: Detects obstacles around the vehicle to help with parking.
- Airbag sensor: Detects a collision and triggers the deployment of airbags.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Monitors the air pressure in the tires.
- Wheel speed sensor: Measures the speed of each wheel for systems like ABS and traction control.
Driver assistance and convenience sensors
- Rain sensor: Detects rain on the windshield and automatically activates the wipers.
- Ambient Light Sensor: Measures the surrounding light level to automatically adjust dashboard brightness and headlights.
- Collision detection sensor: Used in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to detect potential collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
- Blind Spot Detection sensor: Identifies vehicles in the driver's blind spots.
Other sensors
- NOx sensor: Measures the level of nitrogen oxide in the exhaust to control emissions.
- Voltage sensor: Monitors the vehicle's electrical system voltage.
- Fuel Temperature sensor: Measures the temperature of the fuel.
