Your vehicle has many different types, whether you drive a car or a truck, an SUV or a van. They're all critical to how well it runs generally, but each has a different job. Here are the basics of a few primary ones, from what they are and what they do to the signs that they're going bad or that they've failed.

Oxygen sensors

Measure how much oxygen is in the exhaust gases coming from the engine; this determines the proper ratio of air to fuel in it
Does so by comparing detected O2 concentration to ambient O2
Relays info to the computer to regulate fuel metering and emissions control
Usually two of them: one in front of the exhaust system's catalytic converter, and one in the back
A lit Check Engine light on the dash and worsening fuel efficiency indicate potential problems with them

Mass airflow sensor (MAF)

Measures how much air enters the engine
Sends this information to the engine control unit, which uses it to determine how much fuel to use
Located either near the engine air filter or on the filter's box
Failing MAF sensors result in either
The engine idling roughly, hesitating, stalling, or otherwise not running right, plus a Check Engine light, can indicate potential problems with it

Fuel temperature sensor

Measures the relative temperature of the gas in your tank
Sends that info to the engine control unit (ECU), which decides whether to increase or decrease how much fuel is being used
An illuminated Check Engine light and a marked reduction in gas mileage can indicate potential problems with it

Manifold absolute pressure sensor (MAP)

Measures pressure inside the intake manifold to inform the vehicle's computer of how much power is being demanded of the engine
Works with the computer to map both spark advance and how much fuel to deliver
Normally fitted to the manifold itself or the vacuum hose from it

Crankshaft sensor

Critical to fuel-injector and ignition coil operation
Signals the ECU with info on the position of the engine's crankshaft
Found at the engine block
Hard starts and engine failure can indicate potential problems with it

Knock sensor

Monitors the engine cylinders' combustion chamber for detonations or ''knock''
Adjusts the ignition process or fuel use to make sure the engine doesn't detonate
Engine misfires may indicate potential problems with it; the sensor is designed to recognize them and act accordingly

Camshaft position sensor

Monitors where camshafts are in the engine's operational process
This informs the engine control unit on engine position

Exhaust temperature sensor

Measures the exhaust temperature before and after gases go through the engine filter
Often found on diesel engines -- more specifically, at the exhaust manifold and pipe

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