Cars · Electronics

ECU Sensors

The input sensors a Honda ECU reads to run fuel and ignition.

Updated Jun 13, 2026 Beginner

Sensors present on almost all honda motors:

  • Crankshaft Position Sensor - Determines timing for fuel injection and ignition of each cylinder and also detects engine speed.
  • Top Dead Center Sensor - Determines ignition timing at start-up (cranking) and when crank angle is abnormal.
  • Cylinder Position Sensor - Detects position of #1 cylinder for sequential spark ignition to each cylinder.
  • Engine Coolant Temperature - or ''ECT'' thermocouple input for engine coolant temperature
  • Intake Air Temperature Sensor - or ''IAT'' thermocouple input for intake air temperature
  • Map Sensor - Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor, allows ECU to adjust Air Fuel Ratio based on density of intake air
  • Oxygen Sensor - Measures oxygen content of exhaust gas
  • Pressure Atmosphere - or ''PA'' or ''Barometric Pressure Sensor'' measures atmospheric pressure.
  • TPS Sensor - Throttle Position Sensor
  • Vehicle Speed Sensor - or ''VSS'' measures how fast axles are turning
  • Idle Air Control Valve / Electronic Air Control Vale - Or ''IAC/EACV'' Helps control idle

Optional sensors: - Electrical Load Detector - or ''ELD'' present in most US cars to measure how much electrical load there is

  • Knock Sensor - A microphone-like device to listen for Pre Ignition, or knocking in DOHC VTEC motors.
  • Pa Sensor - Atmospheric Pressure sensor
  • VTEC Solenoid = solenoid to route oil flow to activate VTEC (on VTEC motors only :) )

Other ECU Sensors not usually present on honda motors: - Maf Sensor