Sensors, Systems, Solenoids, and Such on Chrysler cars

In the infancy of the automobile, nearly every control system was placed right in or around the carburetor, with various jets, valves, and the choke all right in one place. With computer-controlled carburetors and, later, computer-controlled fuel injection, systems were dispersed throughout the engine bay (and right inside the passenger compartment) as more and more factors were monitored and controlled. With more information and faster reactions, computers could deliver better-targeted amounts of air and fuel and time spark plugs to fire exactly when needed; computers could also control turbochargers for efficiency, power, driveability, and durability.

By programming the computer to understand what to expect, and to record error codes when unexpected things happened, Chrysler engineers also provided technicians and owners with excellent diagnostic tools that the best mechanics of the carburetor era could only dream of. What’s more, to prevent damage (and to let the owner know something was seriously wrong), the computer could even send the car into “limp home” mode, providing a reasonable level of performance until repairs were made — while some competitors let their customers thumb a ride.

Bob O’Neill and Bob Lincoln have written most of the following pages, which describe individual systems, switches, sensor, and the like. This is a work in progress and will be added to. Many of the pages are focused on the 2.2 and 2.5 liter engines used throughout the 1980s and up until 1994, but similar systems existed on many other engines — including those made today. (Chrysler dropped mechanical distributors and switched from a “MAP” based system to a “MAF” based system in the 1990s, and to a CAN based electronics system in the 2000s, but many sensors and systems remained.)

Sensors MAP: Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor Air charge temperature sensor Coolant temperature sensor Battery temperature sensor Detonation/knock sensor senses premature ignition in the cylinder Fuel injector sync pickup sensor HEP: Hall Effect Pickup / ignition reference sensor O2 – Oxygen sensor TPS – Throttle Position Sensor Speed/distance sensor

Other Systems and Topics Air conditioning switches AIS: Automatic Idle Speed motor Barometric Pressure Read Solenoid Clutch and brake pedal switches Charging system diagnostics: battery, alternator, etc Coil Diagnostic readout connector and the DRB Fuel injectors Radiator fan relay Solenoids

Sensors, Switches, and Other Systems | Main Repairs Page | EEKs

Disclaimer: The information provided in this and linked pages are intended for informational use and are provided as accurate to the best of our knowledge.  Neither the author nor Allpar.com is to be held responsible for their contents or the use of the information by you the reader. THE INFORMATION IS OFFERED “AS IS” FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. IF YOU USE THIS INFORMATION YOU RELEASE THE AUTHOR AND ALLPAR.COM FROM ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER.