Bosch Engine Management Sensors

Robert Bosch offers a diverse range of sensors that are designed to ensure optimal engine performance, fuel economy, and low vehicle emissions. The Bosch line of original equipment engine management sensors includes 370 part numbers covering 89.4 million vehicles in operation (VIO) in the United States.

“Automotive technology today uses an increased number of electronic components to ensure the proper functioning of the various systems on the modern vehicle – from engine management to passive safety,” said Ellen Hornung, senior product manager, Engine Management Sensors, Robert Bosch.

According to Hornung, “Our diverse range of engine management sensors measures different parameters to keep the engine operating as efficiently as possible. Different sensors provide data to the ECU to control emission levels, ignition timing/duration, engine warm-up cycle, and engine mixture control for all weather conditions and load variations. ”

Featuring high accuracy in measurement with fast response times, these sensors are all exactly the same as those manufactured for OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), said Hornung.

Accurate and reliable, the Bosch line of original equipment engine management sensors includes:

• Pressure sensors

  • Low pressure sensors (oil, fuel, coolant)

  • High pressure sensors (fuel)

  • Differential pressure sensors

• Engine Position sensors

  • Crankshaft sensors

  • Camshaft sensors

  • Throttle sensors

  • Knock sensors

• Air Management sensors

  • Mass air flow sensors

  • Manifold intake pressure sensors

• Temperature sensors

Pressure sensors supply the engine management system with reliable values to ensure that the engine runs with the appropriate air/fuel ratio. Highlighted in this range of sensors are the high-pressure sensors which record the fuel pressure in the high pressure rail of the gasoline direct injection (GDI) system. These sensors have excellent media resistance to ensure no corrosion caused by the fluids being measured.

Position sensors, like crankshaft and camshaft sensors, are used to record a wide variety of measurement data. The information they supply is used to detect engine speed, which is the main control variable for the ignition timing, and the camshaft position for the injection sequence. These sensors feature contactless and thus, wear-free measurement of rotational angle and speed. Knock sensors fitted directly to the engine block record structure-borne sound (knocking) in the engine and transfers this data to the engine management system. These values are used to counteract the problem and ensure smoother combustion which results in improved efficiency and longer service life.

Air management sensors like the mass air flow sensor and the manifold intake pressure sensor, help to optimize the combustion process. This requires mixing the air and fuel in a precisely defined ratio, utilizing a MAF sensor to record the exact air mass flow, which is transmitted in the form of an electrical signal to the ECU. Bosch OE technology MAF sensors measure to very fine tolerances for efficient engine performance. They are guaranteed to match vehicle requirements for performance, drivability, fuel economy and emissions.

Temperature sensors monitor the temperature of coolant, oil and air and transfer the data to the engine management system. Depending on the application these sensors may be installed in the engine block, cooling circuit or intake-air passage.

“These sensors are essentially designed to provide motorists with all the conveniences they want in their vehicles – as well as the safety and efficiency they expect,” Hornung said. There can be as many as 50 sensors on a compact-class vehicle and because they do wear out over time and miles driven, they are a prime candidate for replacement.

“Engine management sensor replacement can present an excellent profit opportunity for a repair shop and, because Bosch sensors are the exact original equipment replacements, technicians can trust that the job will be done right the first time. OE-quality sensors are critical components for the modern day engine management system,” she said.