An important switch in a car that almost no one knows about

Not many people know that some cars may have a useful button - an inertial fuel switch. This article will describe what an inertial fuel switch is, on which cars it is present, how it works and why it is needed.

Why do we need an inertial fuel shutdown button

First of all, this button is necessary so that in case of a traffic accident the car does not start to burn. This button completely cuts off the fuel supply to the engine. Can also be used as an additional anti-theft system. But, in modern cars, instead of a button, a sensor with an on and off button is installed, which, when triggered, turns off the fuel supply.

How does it work

The sensor was originally designed to turn off the fuel pump. When the car is shaken or hit, the contacts open and the fuel pump turns off. To turn on the fuel pump again, you must press the switch button. Its location will be described below. Additional evidence that the fuel supply has been cut off is the unlocking of all doors after the engine has stopped.

How to turn on and off the inertial sensor

Very simple. You just need to press the button on and off the fuel supply, after that the car engine will stop working, in order to turn on the sensor again, you must also press the button.

Which cars are equipped with an inertial fuel cut-off.

Today, the fuel pump shutdown sensor is installed in almost all modern cars, for example, Ford, Honda, Fiat and others. It is installed not only in foreign cars, but also in domestic cars, for example, Lada Kalina, Lada Vesta, UAZ Patriot and others. To determine exactly whether this sensor is installed in a particular model of car, you should refer to the car manual that comes with each car.

Where is the inertial sensor

To the question: where is the inertial sensor, there is no definite answer. Each manufacturer, according to its own consideration, installs this button (you need to look at the technical documentation of the car). Below is a list of where the fuel pump button can be located.

The button can be:

• Under the dashboard on the driver's side (often found in Honda vehicles).
• In the trunk (for example, in the Ford Taurus).
• Under the driver or passenger seat (eg Ford Escort).
• In the engine compartment (often located in the area of ​​\uXNUMXb\uXNUMXbthe fuel pump and connected to it with a hose).
• Under the glove box next to the passenger seat.

Why is a sensor installed in modern machines instead of a full-fledged on and off button

The button cannot automatically turn on during an accident and was used only to protect the car from theft. The sensor is a little easier to operate because it is easier to change if it breaks. Also, after installing the sensor, it became possible to turn off the fuel pump in case of an accident in automatic mode. But, like any sensor, it may not work at the most crucial and necessary moment, as it may become unusable. Among the frequent malfunctions of the sensor, clogging of the switching contacts, a break in the spring, and mechanical breakdowns of the button itself can be noted.

The fuel pump inertial shutdown sensor is very important, as it prevents the car from catching fire in the event of an accident. It is recommended to open the instruction manual and find out where the sensor is located in the car. You should also check this sensor once a year or two.