Computers rule our world. Everything from as minor as the coffee we get in the morning to our most complex financial transactions are governed by computers. The common denominator that influences the quality of our coffee and the correctness of our financial transactions is the information input into the computers.

Computers can only do what they are programmed to do. If they get garbage in, they put garbage out. In an automotive computer, the input data is not from a keyboard but electronic signals from various sensors. Sensors are the engines eyes and ears helping it make the most of its driving conditions.

The master of sensors is the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) also referred to as the “brain” of the vehicle. This is the main component of the car that accumulates all the information from all the various sensors, analysis data and sends signals and commands to make your car run efficiently. Your car will not run efficiently if your PCM is being fed garbage.

What’s your clue you’re feeding garbage to the PCM? For most vehicles, it’s that little light on the dash that looks like an engine. It may also be a light that says “Check Engine Soon” or “Service Engine Soon.” These lights mean there’s a sensor malfunction or a problem with your car. You may be able to drive your car while that little light is on but you are driving a time bomb that can explode into expensive repair if it is not taken care of soon.

For example, a faulty oxygen sensor (O2) is an inexpensive repair. However, left unattended, the faulty O2 sensor will provide garbage to the PCM which in turn sends out garbage signals to the rest of the car. The air/fuel mixture will be adjusted based on the faulty sensor possibly causing a rich operating condition which can burn out other critical parts. Now, the inexpensive O2 sensor repair has turned into an expensive unpleasant ordeal.

Take care of your car and it will take care of you. You may drive in total bliss with that little light flashing but you are driving in denial. The garbage in, garbage out rule can be applied to all computer operations, even cars. Reliable sensor inputs are an absolute must if the whole system is to operate smoothly and efficiently. And that’s something you Auto Know.