The advancement of electric systems in modern vehicles necessitates proper battery management. To ensure adequate current supply all the time, battery current sensors are installed in vehicles. These current sensors monitor the amount of current leaving the battery contrary to its demand. Generally, there is one battery sensor at the negative terminal, but some modern cars have two on each respectively.
In the following guide, we will provide you with complete details about the battery current sensor, its working, functions and problems.
Operating Principle of Battery Current Sensor
The battery current sensor location is at the terminal clamp and screws are used to attach it to the car frame. A shunt in the sensor is used to measure current and temperature, which are basic parameters required by a car computer. In a car computer, BZE algorithms use these signals and detect the battery’s health, state of charge and function. Here, health, charge and functions represent:
- Battery Health: Health refers to the ability of a battery to store current and supply it.
- State of Charge: It elaborates the amount of charge left in the battery. The fuel efficiency and current usage are determined by the amount of charge left.
- State of Function: It predicts the relation between a voltage curve and load profile.
Functions
The battery current sensor is significant for electric vehicles, even a minor default in it can lead to complete malfunctioning. Here we have listed some of the major functions performed by the current sensor.
- Its core function is to measure the voltage, current and temperature of the battery.
- Predict the battery aging effect by collecting basic information from the battery.
- The car battery life is increased due to the reduction of deep discharge.
- It increases the safety of vehicles by avoiding any potential chance of electric arcing in vehicles.
Signs of Failing Battery Current Sensor
The current battery sensor is built to work under the hood. Its optimum temperature limit is from -40°C to 115°C. Despite its technical toughness, it is sensitive to certain elements and can malfunction. The failing battery current sensor symptoms are as follows:
- Lower voltage supply from the battery
- Irregular charging rates
- Broken sensor cable
- Corrosion over the battery sensor
Battery Current Sensor Problems
The battery sensor is an essential part of electrical system topologies. Thus, it requires regular maintenance for working adequately. Here we have mentioned some of the common problems that battery current sensors may encounter.
- Dirt and Debris: Dirt, debris, or corrosion on car batteries can penetrate into the sensor causing malfunctioning. This failure can lead to a number of electrical problems including no-start.
- Charging System Indication: The faulty battery sensors can disrupt the chagrin system. The charging indicator in hybrid and electric vehicles may show the wrong amount of charge left.
- Electric Current Bypass: If the sensor is only connected to the negative terminal, the current may start bypassing the sensor. Thus, the readings shown are not accurate and electrical functions will not work properly.
Cost of Battery Current Sensor
Changing battery current sensors requires the following precautions. The sensors are sensitive and can get permanently damaged if installed by an unprofessional. Reading the user’s manual is essential, as every car battery management system works differently. Thus, it is suggested to take a professional’s advice while changing the battery current sensor. The cost of the battery current sensor starts from AED 400.
This was all about battery current sensors in the vehicles. The battery sensors are the latest type of sensors that replace conventional processes of maintaining a battery manually. The increased demand for electrical functions is catered by these sensors. If you are driving an old car without battery current sensors, it is time to upgrade your vehicle. Browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE, and leverage from battery current sensors.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on current sensors.
Related Posts
