Modern Automotive Electronics

Fuel Injectors

As automotive electronics continue to advance the car becomes increasingly complicated. As new technologies are uploaded they are unfortunately tested on the automotive consumer.

Problems with the systems are noted and upgraded on future models.

This is why a basic understanding of what types of electronic systems are installed on your vehicle is valuable knowledge.

An example of this situation would be when fuel injection hit the mainstream in the early 1980s.

Rough running engines and drivability concerns were often turned into small profit centers known as fuel injection cleaning services.

Later these early fuel injectors were often replaced and updated by more efficient units. This is why an understanding of electronics is a must for all automotive mechanics but is also helpful for automotive consumers.

Types of automotive electronics

Engine control module

Computers and electronic devices are used to control the engine and its support systems. Because of these controls today’s automobiles use less fuel and have higher performance.

These electronically controlled engines also have lower tailpipe emissions and are better for the environment then cars of the past.

Automotive electronics are also used in modern transmissions to activate shifting to again provide the right amount of power coupled with the maximum amount of fuel economy.

A little known fact is that about 75% of all function on modern-day vehicles is controlled by electronics. An example would be antilock braking systems.

These were once optional on vehicles of the early 90s. But now have become standard equipment. They have branched this system out to also control active suspension systems as well as traction control systems.

Some very cool technology is not very far down the road. Read more