1. Crank Angle Sensor: The ECU receives information from the crank angle sensor, which monitors the rotational position of the crankshaft. This sensor provides the ECU with real-time data on the engine's current firing cycle.
2. Camshaft Position Sensor: The camshaft position sensor detects the position of the camshaft and crankshaft's relative positions. This data helps the ECU determine which cylinder is ready to fire and when to initiate the ignition sequence.
3. Oxygen Sensor: The oxygen sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust gas. This information is used by the ECU to adjust the air-fuel mixture and ignition timing to optimize engine performance and emissions.
4. Knock Sensor: The knock sensor detects any signs of engine knocking, which occurs when the fuel-air mixture ignites prematurely or rapidly. The ECU uses this information to retard the ignition timing, preventing engine damage.
5. Engine Temperature Sensor: The engine temperature sensor provides the ECU with information about the engine's operating temperature. The ECU uses this data to adjust ignition timing accordingly, as the temperature affects the fuel's combustion characteristics.
6. Coolant Temperature Sensor: The coolant temperature sensor measures the temperature of the engine coolant. This information is used by the ECU to adjust ignition timing based on the engine's warm-up phase and operating conditions.
7. Intake Air Temperature Sensor: The intake air temperature sensor measures the temperature of the air entering the engine. The ECU adjusts ignition timing based on this data, as colder air is denser and requires different timing than warmer air.
8. Mass Air Flow Sensor: The mass air flow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. This information is utilized by the ECU to calculate the optimal fuel-air mixture and adjust ignition timing accordingly.
Based on the data received from these sensors, along with additional inputs such as vehicle speed, load, and throttle position, the ECU calculates the ideal ignition timing for each cylinder. It then sends signals to the ignition system, which controls the timing of the spark plugs to initiate combustion precisely.
