Automotive Applications of

Level Sensors
Group: Calcium
Eric Black
Daniel Carter

Introduction
Level sensors are not only used in
Industrial and Chemical Applications
Common household items use them as
well
These sensors range from simple
mechanical devices to electronic or
radiating tools

Level Sensors on Cars

Cars contain two of the main kinds of level
sensors
Float sensor
Visual sensor

The float sensor is found in the gas tank,

whereas there are a few visual sensors
under the hood of the car

Gas Tank Float Sensor

Initially, the float is at top of tank

The attached wiper is closer to negative side of terminal

Less resistance
More current
Hotter Heating coil
Pulls Bimetallic strip so dashboard gauge displays full

Gas Tank Float Sensor

As fuel leaves tank, float lowers

Wiper moves further down resistor

More resistence
Less current
Coil cools
Strip pulls with contracting metal

Gas Tank Float Sensor

Finally, after float hits bottom of tank, wiper is pulled to

far right

Highest resistance
Lowest current
Coolest heating coil
Strip pulled gauge to empty

Gas Tank Float Sensor

Pros:
Relatively simple mechanical design
Good for estimating level of fuel

Cons:
Inaccurate when:
Tank is completely full
Tank is near empty

Doesnt measure precise tank volume

Level Gauges Under the Hood

Under the hood of a car, there are ways to
check the level of various other fluids
Oil
Transmission
Coolant / Antifreeze
Windshield washer fluid

These are checked using visual level

gauges

Dipsticks

Dipstick is inserted into

engine
Then removed with oil
residue on tip
Tip is marked with full
and add oil markings
Checking transmission
fluid is similar

Similary to the fuel tank

float meter:
Good for estimating fluid
level
Not a precise measurement
of volume

Container Markings
Small tanks under
the hood containing
windshield washer
fluid and coolant
have markings on
the sides
Only good for level estimation
Cant measure precise fluid volume