Particulate sensor diagnostic performing apparatus for e.g. automobile, has electronic engine controller performing diagnostic of downstream sensor when quantities of particulate matter are dislodged from exhaust system walls

摘要

The apparatus has an internal combustion engine (10) and an exhaust system in communication with the engine. A particulate filter (80) is disposed along the exhaust system, and an upstream particulate sensor (178) and a downstream particulate sensor (176) are disposed along the filter, where the sensors are image charge sensors. An electronic engine controller (12) performs a diagnostic of the sensor (176) positioned downstream of the filter under conditions during which quantities of particulate matter that are detectable by the sensor (176) are dislodged from the exhaust system walls.