The rise of the exhaust gas temperature sensor

As engine temperatures rise, so too has the market for exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensors. Here, we take a look at how these heat protecting sensors have become an increasingly important part of today’s modern vehicle. And how by partnering with an OE engine management provider, such as Delphi, they can become an equally important part of your business too.

A few years ago, you would have been able to tell how powerful and fast a car was, just by the size of its engine. Not today! In a bid to meet increasingly stringent emission legislation, vehicle manufacturers are finding more meaningful ways to squeeze more power from smaller amounts of fuel – a trend known as downsizing. The result? Smaller, more fuel-efficient engines, which thanks to the use of turbochargers and superchargers, offer the same, if not more power than their predecessors.

This all sounds hugely positive, right? However, there’s a downside. As with all forced induction systems, the engine and its internal components will be exposed to higher pressures and higher temperatures. This makes them more vulnerable to damage. That was until the exhaust gas temperature sensor came into its own.

Originally designed to monitor the catalytic converter, exhaust gas temperature sensor technology has become more and more complex in recent years. Now, its main job is to protect key components from high temperatures in both diesel and petrol engines. So, if the sensor detects too much heat, the ECU will step in and take appropriate action to reduce it. For example, by lowering boost pressure in the case of the turbocharger. Or increasing the quantity of fuel injected for the catalytic converter. In diesel engines, they are also used to monitor the temperature of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) to establish the correct temperature for DPF regeneration. Making them a crucial part of any modern vehicle…

 …and your business too! With 3 or more of these high failure parts fitted to many of today’s vehicles, you are sure to be seeing plenty of these in your garage needing a high-quality replacement. To help you take advantage of this fast-growing opportunity, we’ve recently added exhaust gas temperature sensors to our extensive vehicle electronics line up. Featuring the latest generation thin film RTDs, they provide greater protection from environmental and mechanical stresses, whilst offering improved response times - taking less than 11 milliseconds to jump 300°C – and a wide temperature range - from as low as -40°C, all the way up to 900°C. The new range includes more than 55 parts, covering over 480 applications (make/model/engine size) including Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall/Opel Astra.

As the trend for downsizing continues, engine temperatures will get even hotter. And so will the aftermarket opportunity. So make sure you’re ready to capitalise on this fast-growing market, by choosing a quality exhaust gas temperature sensor from an OE engine management provider like Delphi.