Chapter 1 The Automobile 13
(actuators). The control module is the “brain”
of the computer control system.
• Actuators—Actuators are output devices, such
as small electric motors or electromagnets, that
can move parts when energized by the control
module. The actuators serve as the “hands and
arms” of the computer control system.
A modern car can have several control modules
and dozens of sensors and actuators, all “talking”
(transferring data) with a main computer proces-
sor. See Figure 1-13. A main computer processor is
a larger, more complex control module with more
memory than the other control modules wired into
the vehicle’s network. All system control modules are
Exhaust
manifold
Oil
filter
Cylinder
block
Crankshaft
Oil pan
Connecting
rod
Piston
Cylinder
Exhaust
valve
Intake
valve
Intake manifold
Throttle valve
Figure 1-11. Locate the major parts with the rear view of the engine. The clutch and transmission often bolt to the steel crankshaft
fl ange to harness the engine’s high power output. (Ford)