Automobile electrical and electronic systems 5th edition

Automobile
Electrical and
Electronic
Systems
Fifth Edition

This textbook will help you learn all the skills you need to pass all Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Systems
courses and qualifications.
As electrical and electronic systems become increasingly more complex and fundamental to the workings
of modern vehicles, understanding these systems is essential for automotive technicians. For students new
to the subject, this book will help to develop this knowledge, but will also assist experienced technicians in
keeping up with recent technological advances. This new edition includes information on developments in
pass-through technology, multiplexing, and engine control systems. In full colour and covering the latest
course specifications, this is the guide that no student enrolled on an automotive maintenance and repair
course should be without.
Designed to make learning easier, this book contains:
•
•
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Photographs, flow charts, quick reference tables, overview descriptions and step-by-step instructions.
Case studies to help you put the principles covered into a real-life context.
Useful margin features throughout, including definitions, key facts and ‘safety first’ considerations.
Free access to the support website where you will find lots of additional information and useful learning
materials: www.automotive-technology.org.

Tom Denton is a Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry, a Member of the Institute of Road Transport
Engineers and of the Society of Automotive Engineers. He has written over 20 textbooks, along with support
materials, and world-leading eLearning courses.

Automobile
Electrical and
Electronic
Systems
Fifth Edition

Tom Denton


Fifth edition published 2018
by Routledge
2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN
and by Routledge
711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business
© 2018 Tom Denton
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any
form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented,
including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system,
without permission in writing from the publishers.
Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered
trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe.
First edition published 1996 by Arnold, a member of Hodder Headline plc.
Fourth edition published 2012 by Routledge
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Denton, Tom, author.
Title: Automobile electrical and electronic systems / Tom Denton.
Description: 5th edition. | Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY : Routledge, 2017. |
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2017002757 | ISBN 9781138310490 (hardcover) |
ISBN 9780415725774 (pbk. : alk. paper) | ISBN 9781315856629 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Automobiles—Electric equipment. | Automobiles—
Electronic equipment.
Classification: LCC TL272 .D43 2017 | DDC 629.2/7—dc23
LC record available at />ISBN: 978-1-138-31049-0 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-0-415-72577-4 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-315-85662-9 (ebk)
Typeset in Arial
by Apex CoVantage, LLC


Contents
Prefacexxiii
Acknowledgementsxxv

Chapter 1 Electrical and electronic principles
1.1 Safe working practices
1.1.1 Introduction
1.1.2 Risk assessment and reduction
1.2 Basic electrical principles
1.2.1 Introduction
1.2.2 Electron flow and conventional flow
1.2.3 Effects of current flow
1.2.4 Fundamental quantities
1.2.5 Describing electrical circuits

1.2.6 Conductors, insulators and semiconductors
1.2.7 Factors affecting the resistance of a conductor
1.2.8 Resistors and circuit networks
1.2.9 Magnetism and electromagnetism
1.2.10 Electromagnetic induction
1.2.11 Mutual induction
1.2.12 Definitions and laws
1.3 Electronic components and circuits
1.3.1 Introduction
1.3.2 Components
1.3.3 Integrated circuits
1.3.4 Amplifiers
1.3.5 Bridge circuits
1.3.6 Schmitt trigger
1.3.7 Timers
1.3.8 Filters
1.3.9 Darlington pair
1.3.10 Stepper motor driver
1.3.11 Digital-to-analogue conversion
1.3.12 Analogue-to-digital conversion
1.4 Digital electronics
1.4.1 Introduction to digital circuits
1.4.2 Logic gates

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1.4.3 Combinational logic
1.4.4 Sequential logic
1.4.5 Timers and counters
1.4.6 Memory circuits
1.4.7 Clock or astable circuits
1.5 Microprocessor systems
1.5.1 Introduction
1.5.2 Ports
1.5.3 Central processing unit (CPU)
1.5.4 Memory
1.5.5 Buses
1.5.6 Fetch–execute sequence
1.5.7 A typical microprocessor
1.5.8 Microcontrollers
1.5.9 Testing microcontroller systems
1.5.10 Programming
1.6 Measurement
1.6.1 What is measurement?
1.6.2 A measurement system
1.6.3 Sources of error in measurement
1.7 Sensors
1.7.1 Thermistors
1.7.2 Thermocouples
1.7.3 Inductive sensors
1.7.4 Hall Effect
1.7.5 Strain gauges
1.7.6 Variable capacitance
1.7.7 Variable resistance

1.7.8 Accelerometer (knock sensors)
1.7.9Linear variable differential transformer
(LVDT)
1.7.10 Hot wire air flow sensor
1.7.11 Thin film air flow sensor
1.7.12 Vortex flow sensor
1.7.13 Pitot tube
1.7.14 Turbine fluid flow sensor
1.7.15 Optical sensors
1.7.16 Oxygen sensors
1.7.17 Light sensors
1.7.18 Thick-film air temperature sensor
1.7.19 Methanol sensor
1.7.20 Rain sensor

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1.7.21 Oil sensor

1.7.22 Dynamic vehicle position sensors
1.7.23 Summary
1.8 Actuators
1.8.1 Introduction
1.8.2 Solenoid actuators
1.8.3 EGR valve
1.8.4 Motorized actuators
1.8.5 Stepper motors
1.8.6 Synchronous motors
1.8.7 Thermal actuators
1.9Testing electronic components, sensors and
actuators
1.9.1 Introduction
1.9.2 Testing sensors
1.9.3 Testing actuators
1.10 Updates
1.10.1Sensors overview and
developments

Chapter 2 Tools and equipment
2.1 Basic equipment
2.1.1 Introduction
2.1.2 Basic hand tools
2.1.3 Accuracy of test equipment
2.1.4 Multimeters
2.1.5 Logic probe
2.2 Oscilloscopes
2.2.1 Introduction
2.2.2 Waveforms
2.3 Scanners/fault code readers and analysers

2.3.1 On-board diagnostics introduction
2.3.2 Serial port communications
2.3.3 OBD2 signal protocols
2.3.4 Entry level scanners
2.3.5 Bosch KTS diagnostic equipment
2.3.6 Engine analysers
2.4 Emission testing
2.4.1 Introduction
2.4.2 Exhaust gas measurement
2.4.3 Exhaust analyser
2.4.4 Emission limits

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Contents
2.5 Pressure testing

2.5.1 Introduction
2.5.2Automotive pressure oscilloscope
transducer
2.5.3 Breakout boxes
2.6 Diagnostic procedures
2.6.1 Introduction
2.6.2 The ‘theory’ of diagnostics
2.7 Pass-through technology
2.7.1 Introduction
2.7.2 J2534
2.7.3 Hardware and software requirements
2.7.4 Legislation
2.7.5 OEM software and data links

Chapter 3 Electrical systems and circuits
3.1 The systems approach
3.1.1 What is a system?
3.1.2 Vehicle systems
3.1.3 Open loop systems
3.1.4 Closed loop systems
3.1.5 Summary
3.2 Electrical wiring, terminals and switching
3.2.1 Cables
3.2.2 Colour codes and terminal designations
3.2.3 Harness design
3.2.4 Printed circuits
3.2.5 Fuses and circuit breakers
3.2.6 Terminations
3.2.7 Switches
3.3 Multiplexing

3.3.1 Limits of the conventional wiring system
3.3.2 Multiplex data bus
3.3.3 Overview
3.3.4 Controller Area Network (CAN)
3.3.5 CAN data signal
3.3.6 Local Interconnect Network (LIN)
3.3.7 FlexRay
3.4 Media oriented systems transport (MOST)
3.4.1 Introduction
3.4.2 MOST network
3.4.3 Protocol
3.4.4 MOST applications

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Contents
3.4.5 Consumer device gateway
3.4.6 Summary

3.5 Automotive Ethernet
3.5.1 Introduction
3.5.2 Overview
3.6 Circuit diagrams and symbols
3.6.1 Symbols
3.6.2 Conventional circuit diagrams
3.6.3 Layout or wiring diagrams
3.6.4 Terminal diagrams
3.6.5 Current flow diagrams
3.7 Electromagnetic compatibility
3.7.1 Introduction
3.7.2 EMC problems
3.8 Central electrical control
3.8.1 Overview
3.8.2 Ford generic electronic module (GEM)
3.8.3 Communication between modules
3.8.4 Summary
3.9 Connected cars
3.9.1 Introduction
3.9.2 Smart cars and traffic systems
3.9.3 Wi-Fi cars
3.9.4 Bluetooth
3.9.5 Applications (apps)
3.9.6 Vision enhancement
3.9.7 Self-help
3.9.8 Big Brother
3.9.9 When computers go wrong
3.9.10 Summary
3.10 Updates
3.10.1 Multiplexing

3.10.2 Bluetooth to displace cables?
3.10.3 Update on 48 V technology

Chapter 4 Batteries
4.1 Vehicle batteries
4.1.1 Requirements of the vehicle battery
4.1.2 Choosing the correct battery
4.1.3 Positioning the vehicle battery
4.2 Lead-acid batteries
4.2.1 Construction
4.2.2 Battery rating

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Contents
4.3 Maintenance, charging and testing batteries
4.3.1 Maintenance
4.3.2 Charging the lead-acid battery
4.3.3 Servicing batteries
4.3.4 Battery faults
4.3.5 Testing batteries
4.3.6 Safety
4.4 Advanced battery technology
4.4.1 Electrochemistry
4.4.2 Electrolytic conduction
4.4.3Ohm’s law and electrolytic
resistance
4.4.4Electrochemical action of the lead-acid
battery
4.4.5 Characteristics
4.4.6 Peukert’s law
4.5 Developments in electrical storage
4.5.1 Lead-acid
4.5.2 Alkaline
4.5.3 ZEBRA
4.5.4 Sodium sulphur
4.5.5 Swing
4.5.6 Fuel cells
4.5.7 Super-capacitors
4.5.8 Summary
4.6 Updates
4.6.1 Micro batteries research
4.6.2 Lead-acid batteries update

4.6.3 Battery diagnostics

Chapter 5 Charging
5.1 Requirements of the charging system
5.1.1 Introduction
5.1.2 Basic operating principles
5.1.3 Vehicle electrical loads
5.2 Charging system principles
5.2.1 Basic principles
5.2.2 Charging voltages
5.2.3 Charging circuits
5.2.4 Generation of electricity
5.2.5 Rectification of AC to DC
5.2.6 Regulation of output voltage

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5.3 Alternators
5.3.1 Bosch compact alternator

5.3.2 Efficient alternators
5.3.3 Water-cooled alternators
5.3.4 Denso high-output alternators
5.3.5 Charging system testing procedure
5.4 Smart charging
5.4.1 Introduction and closed loop regulation
5.4.2 Open loop regulation
5.4.3 Engine performance
5.4.4 Fault conditions
5.4.5 Summary
5.5 Advanced charging system technology
5.5.1Charging system – problems and
solutions
5.5.2 Charge balance calculation
5.5.3 Alternator characteristics
5.5.4Mechanical and external
considerations
5.6 Updates
5.6.1 Alternator developments

Chapter 6 Starting
6.1 Requirements of the starting system
6.1.1 Engine starting requirements
6.1.2 Starting system design
6.1.3 Choosing a starter motor
6.2 Starter motors and circuits
6.2.1 Starting system circuits
6.2.2 Example circuits
6.2.3 Starter circuit testing
6.2.4 Principle of operation

6.2.5 DC motor characteristics
6.3 Types of starter motor
6.3.1 Inertia starters
6.3.2 Pre-engaged starters
6.3.3 Permanent magnet starters
6.3.4 Integrated starters
6.3.5 Electronic starter control
6.3.6 Starter installation
6.3.7 Belt-driven starter-generator
6.3.8 Summary

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Contents
6.4 Advanced starting system technology
6.4.1 Speed, torque and power

6.4.2 Efficiency
6.5 Updates
6.5.1Electronic starter motor control and
stop-start system
6.5.2 Jump start without a battery

Chapter 7 Ignition
7.1 Ignition system fundamentals
7.1.1 Functional requirements
7.1.2 Generation of high tension
7.1.3 Advance angle (timing)
7.1.4 Fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
7.1.5 Contact breaker ignition
7.1.6 Plug leads
7.1.7 Ignition coil cores
7.2 Electronic ignition
7.2.1 Introduction
7.2.2 Constant dwell systems
7.2.3 Constant energy systems
7.2.4 Hall Effect pulse generator
7.2.5 Inductive pulse generator
7.2.6 Other pulse generators
7.2.7 Dwell angle control (open loop)
7.2.8 Current limiting and closed loop dwell
7.2.9 Capacitor discharge ignition
7.3 Electronic spark advance
7.3.1 Overview
7.3.2 Sensors and input information
7.3.3 Electronic control unit
7.4 Distributorless ignition

7.4.1 Principle of operation
7.4.2 System components
7.5 Coil on plug (COP) ignition
7.5.1 General description
7.5.2 Control of ignition
7.6 Spark plugs
7.6.1 Functional requirements
7.6.2 Construction
7.6.3 Heat range
7.6.4 Electrode materials
7.6.5 Electrode gap

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7.6.6 V-grooved spark plug
7.6.7 Choosing the correct plug
7.6.8 Spark plugs development

7.7 Summary
7.7.1 Overview
7.7.2 Testing procedure
7.8 Advanced ignition technology
7.8.1 Ignition coil performance
7.9 Updates
7.9.1 Spark plug electrode designs

Chapter 8 Fuel control
8.1 Combustion
8.1.1 Introduction

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8.1.2 Spark ignition engine combustion process 307
8.1.3 Range and rate of burning
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8.1.4 Detonation
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8.1.5 Pre-ignition
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8.1.6 Combustion chamber
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8.1.7 Stratification of cylinder charge
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8.1.8 Mixture strength and performance
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8.1.9 Compression ignition (CI) engines
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8.1.10Combustion chamber design –
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diesel engine
8.1.11 Summary of combustion
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8.2 Engine fuelling and exhaust emissions
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8.2.1 Operating conditions
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8.2.2 Exhaust emissions
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8.2.3 Other sources of emissions
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8.2.4 Leaded and unleaded fuel
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8.3 Emissions and driving cycles
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8.3.1 Exhaust emission regulations

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8.3.2 Test cycles
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8.4 Fuel injection
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8.4.1 Advantages of fuel injection
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8.4.2 System overview
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8.4.3 Components of a fuel injection system
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8.4.4 Bosch ‘L’ Jetronic – variations
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8.4.5Bosch Mono Jetronic – single point
injection
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8.4.6 Sequential multipoint injection
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8.4.7 Lean burn technology
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8.4.8 Double fuel injectors
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8.5 Diesel fuel injection

8.5.1 Introduction
8.5.2 Injection overview
8.5.3 Diesel exhaust emissions
8.5.4 Electronic control of diesel injection
8.5.5 Rotary pump system
8.5.6 Common rail system
8.5.7Electronic unit injection (EUI) –
diesel fuel
8.5.8 Diesel lambda sensor
8.6 Summary
8.6.1 Overview
8.6.2 Diagnosing fuel control systems
8.7 Advanced fuel control technology
8.7.1 Air–fuel ratio calculations
8.8 Updates
8.8.1 Under pressure...
8.8.2 Euro 6 overview

Chapter 9 Engine management
9.1 Combined ignition and fuel introduction
9.1.1 Introduction
9.1.2 Variable inlet tract
9.1.3Combustion flame and pressure sensing
9.1.4 Wide range lambda sensors
9.1.5 Injectors with air shrouding
9.2 Exhaust emission control
9.2.1 Engine design
9.2.2 Combustion chamber design
9.2.3 Compression ratio
9.2.4 Valve timing

9.2.5 Manifold designs
9.2.6 Charge stratification
9.2.7 Warm-up time
9.2.8 Exhaust gas recirculation
9.2.9 Ignition system
9.2.10 Thermal after-burning
9.2.11 Catalytic converters
9.2.12 Closed loop lambda control
9.3 Engine management systems
9.3.1 Motronic M3
9.3.2 DI-Motronic
9.3.3 ME-Motronic principles

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  9.4 Other aspects of engine management
9.4.1 Introduction

9.4.2 Variable valve timing
9.4.3 Lean burn engines
9.4.4 Two-stroke engines
9.4.5 Combustion control system
9.4.6 Active cooling
9.4.7 Engine trends – spark ignition
9.4.8 Transonic combustion
9.4.9Diagnosing engine management
systems
  9.5 Advanced engine management technology
9.5.1 Speed density and fuel calculations
9.5.2 Ignition timing calculation
9.5.3 Dwell calculation
9.5.4 Injection duration calculation
9.5.5 Developing and testing software
9.5.6 Artificial Intelligence
9.5.7 Neural computing
  9.6 Updates
9.6.1Gasoline direct injection electronic
control technology
9.6.2Common rail diesels – intelligent
injectors
9.6.3 eSupercharger
9.6.4GPS data for powertrains, apps,
other systems
9.6.5 V6 diesel with electric turbocharging
9.6.6 Water injection
9.6.7 Cylinder deactivation
9.6.8 Dynamic skip fire
9.6.9 Diesel particulate filters

9.6.10 Miller cycle
9.6.11 Cooled EGR
9.6.12Nissan variable compression (VC)
engine

Chapter 10 Lighting
10.1 Lighting fundamentals
10.1.1 Introduction
10.1.2 Bulbs
10.1.3 External lights
10.1.4 Headlight reflectors
10.1.5 Complex shape reflectors

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10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.1.6 Headlight lenses
10.1.7 Headlight levelling
10.1.8 Headlight beam setting
Lighting circuits
10.2.1 Basic lighting circuit
10.2.2 Dim-dip circuit
10.2.3 General lighting circuit
10.2.4 Flow diagram lighting circuit
10.2.5 Central lighting control circuit
10.2.6 Testing procedure
Gas discharge, LED and infrared lighting
10.3.1 Gas discharge lamps
10.3.2 Xenon lighting
10.3.3 Ultraviolet headlights
10.3.4 LED lighting
10.3.5 Infrared lights
Other lighting techniques
10.4.1 Mono-colour signal lamps
10.4.2 Linear lighting
10.4.3 Neon technology

10.4.4 Bending Light
10.4.5 Intelligent front lighting
Advanced lighting technology
10.5.1 Lighting terms and definitions
10.5.2 Single light-source lighting
Updates
10.6.1 BMW laser headlamps

Chapter 11 Auxiliaries
11.1 Windscreen washers and wipers
11.1.1 Functional requirements
11.1.2 Wiper blades
11.1.3 Wiper linkages
11.1.4 Wiper motors
11.1.5 Windscreen washers
11.1.6 Washer and wiper circuits
11.1.7Electronic control of windscreen
wipers
11.1.8 Synchronized wipers
11.1.9 Wiper blade pressure control
11.1.10 Linear wiper systems

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11.2 Signalling circuits
11.2.1 Introduction
11.2.2 Flasher units
11.2.3 Brake lights
11.2.4 Indicators and hazard circuit
11.3 Other auxiliary systems
11.3.1 Electric horns
11.3.2 Engine cooling fan motors
11.3.3 Headlight wipers and washers
11.3.4 Other circuits
11.3.5 Diagnosing auxiliary system faults
11.4 Advanced auxiliary systems technology
11.4.1 Wiper motor torque calculations
11.4.2 PM Motor – electronic speed control

Chapter 12 Instrumentation
12.1 Gauges and sensors
12.1.1 Introduction
12.1.2 Sensors
12.1.3 Thermal-type gauges
12.1.4 Moving iron gauges
12.1.5 Air-cored gauges
12.1.6 Other types of gauges
12.1.7 A digital instrumentation system
12.2 Visual displays

12.2.1Choosing the best display –
readability
12.2.2 Light-emitting diode displays
12.2.3 Liquid crystal displays
12.2.4 Vacuum fluorescent displays
12.2.5 Head-up displays
12.2.6Electroluminescent instrument
lighting
12.2.7 Display techniques summary
12.2.8 Instrumentation system faults
12.3 Global Positioning System (GPS)
12.3.1 Introduction
12.3.2 Calculating position
12.3.3 Sensors
12.3.4 Data input and output
12.3.5 Accuracy

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12.4 Driver information
12.4.1 Vehicle condition monitoring
12.4.2 Trip computer
12.5 Advanced instrumentation technology
12.5.1 Multiplexed displays
12.5.2 Quantization
12.5.3 Holography
12.5.4 Telematics
12.6 Updates
12.6.1 Touch screen with haptic feedback
12.6.2Navigation and the new NDS data
standard

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12.6.3 Laser head-up displays (HUDs)

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Chapter 13 Heating ventilation and air conditioning

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13.1 Conventional heating and ventilation
13.1.1 Introduction
13.1.2 Ventilation
13.1.3 Heating system – water-cooled engine
13.1.4 Heater blower motors
13.1.5 Electronic heating control
13.2 Air conditioning
13.2.1 Introduction
13.2.2 Principle of refrigeration
13.2.3 Air conditioning overview
13.2.4Air conditioning system and
components
13.2.5 Automatic temperature control
13.2.6 Electrically driven air conditioning
13.3 Other heating systems
13.3.1 Seat heating
13.3.2 Screen heating
13.3.3 Heating development
13.3.4 Air conditioning system faults
13.4 Advanced temperature control technology
13.4.1 Heat transfer
13.4.2 Types of heat and temperature
13.4.3 Armature reaction
13.4.4 Refrigerant developments

13.5 Updates
13.5.1 Heat pumps
13.5.2 AC research

515
515
516
518
518
518
519
519
520
521
522
528
528
529
529
530
531
531
532
532
533
533
534
536
536
538

Contents

Chapter 14 Chassis electrical

541

14.1 Anti-lock brakes
541
14.1.1 Introduction
541
14.1.2 Requirements of ABS
541
14.1.3 General system description
543
14.1.4 Components
544
14.1.5 Anti-lock brake system control
546
14.1.6 Control strategy
548
14.1.7 Honda anti-lock brakes
548
14.2 Traction and stability control
549
14.2.1 Introduction
549
14.2.2 Control functions
550

14.2.3 System operation
551
14.2.4 Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
551
14.3 Active suspension
555
14.3.1 Overview
555
14.3.2 Sensors and actuators
557
14.3.3 Delphi MagneRide
558
14.4 Automatic transmission
561
14.4.1 Introduction
561
14.4.2Control of gear shift and torque
converter
561
14.4.3 Tiptronic
563
14.4.4 Summary
565
14.5 Other chassis electrical systems
565
14.5.1 Electric power steering
565
14.5.2 Robotized manual transmission
568
14.5.3 Active roll reduction

568
14.5.4 Electronic limited slip differential
569
14.5.5 Brake assist systems
570
14.5.6 X-by-wire
571
14.5.7Diagnosing chassis electrical system
faults575
14.6 Advanced chassis systems technology
577
14.6.1 Road surface and tyre friction
577
14.6.2 ABS control cycles
580
14.6.3 Traction control calculations
581
14.7 Updates
582
14.7.1 Tyre pressure monitoring
582
14.7.2 Antilock braking system (ABS) update 584
14.7.3 Electronic parking brake
586
14.7.4 Predictive active ride control
588

xix

xx

Contents
14.7.5 Electronic clutch
14.7.6 Active driveline
14.7.7 Transmission control and GPS

Chapter 15 Comfort and safety
15.1 Seats, mirrors and sun-roofs
15.1.1 Introduction
15.1.2 Electric seat adjustment
15.1.3 Electric mirrors
15.1.4 Electric sun-roof operation
15.1.5 Seat control circuit
15.2 Central locking and electric windows
15.2.1 Door locking circuit
15.2.2 Electric window operation
15.3

15.4

15.5

15.6

589
590
591

593

593
593
594
595
596
596
597
597

598
15.2.3 Electric windows example circuit
601
Cruise control
602
15.3.1 Introduction
602
15.3.2 System description
603
15.3.3 Components
604
15.3.4 Adaptive cruise control
605
In-car multimedia
606
15.4.1 Introduction
606
15.4.2 Speakers
607
15.4.3 In-car entertainment (ICE)
608

15.4.4 Radio data system (RDS)
608
15.4.5 Radio broadcast data system (RBDS) 609
15.4.6 Radio reception
610
15.4.7 Digital audio broadcast (DAB)
611
611
15.4.8 Interference suppression
15.4.9 Mobile communications
614
Security
615
15.5.1 Introduction
615
15.5.2 Basic security
616
15.5.3 Top of the range security
616
15.5.4 Security-coded ECUs
618
15.5.5 Alarms and immobilizers
618
15.5.6 Keys
621
Airbags and belt tensioners
623
15.6.1 Introduction
623
15.6.2 Operation of the system

623
15.6.3 Components and circuit
625
15.6.4 Seat-belt tensioners
628


Contents
15.6.5 Side airbags
15.6.6 Intelligent airbag sensing system
15.7 Other safety and comfort systems
15.7.1 Obstacle avoidance radar
15.7.2 Tyre pressure warning
15.7.3 Noise control
15.7.4 Auto dimming mirrors
15.7.5 Automatic parking system
15.7.6General systems diagnostic
procedure
15.8Advanced comfort and safety systems
technology
15.8.1 Cruise control and system response
15.8.2 Radio suppression calculations
15.9 Updates
15.9.1Advanced driver assistance systems
(ADAS)
15.9.2 The connected car
15.9.3 Hacking
15.9.4 Key jammers
15.9.5 Proximity awareness

Chapter 16 Automotive Technology Academy

628
628
630
630
632
633
635
635
637
638
638
639
640
640
652
655
656
656

659

16.1 Introduction
16.2 Resources

659
660

References

Index

661
663

xxi



Preface
Automobile electrical and electronic systems
are at the same time the most complex yet
most interesting aspects of a vehicle. Well,
they are to me anyway, which is why I am
particularly pleased to have produced the
fifth edition of this book! However, it was
becoming too big so we had to remove the
chapters on History and development, which
is now available free on my website, and EVs
and Hybrids, which has become a separate
book.
Ideally, you will have studied the mechanical book, or have some experience,
before reading this one. If not, it does start with the basics so don’t worry!
This book is the second in the ‘Automotive Technology: Vehicle Maintenance
and Repair’ series:
•
•
•
•
•

Automobile Mechanical and Electrical Systems
Automobile Electrical and Electronic Systems
Automobile Advanced Fault Diagnosis
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Alternative Fuel Vehicles

The content concentrates on electrical and electronic principles as well as
comprehensive case studies and examples. It will cover everything you need
to advance your studies to a higher level, no matter what qualification (if any)
you are working towards.
Comments, suggestions and feedback are always welcome at my website:

www.automotive-technology.org
On this site, you will also find lots of free online resources to help with your
studies. Check out the final chapter for more information about the amazing
resources to go with this and my other books. These resources work with the
book, and are ideal for self-study or for teachers helping others to learn.
Good luck and I hope you find automotive technology as interesting as I still do.