What is an automotive sensor simulator?

As the name implies, an automotive sensor simulator's purpose is to mimic a working sensor in a vehicle. This can help a technician diagnose and repair a problem. 

Imagine this: a customer brings their car into the shop with a check engine or ABS light on. After initial examination you believe the problem is a faulty ABS sensor. Instead of replacing the sensor (which takes time and money) you can simply hook up a sensor simulator. The device will act like a working ABS sensor. If the problem goes away, you'll likely need to replace the ABS sensor. If it does not, you'll have to continue your search for the issue.

Sensor simulators like the Hubitools HU31035 can often simulate a variety of components. The Hubitools sensor simulator can mimic sensors, injectors, actuators (such as ABS sensor), lambda sensor, EGR sensor, CKP sensor, knock sensor, and map sensor. It can also offer simulated resistance, voltage, sine wave, square wave, temperature coeffient sensors, throttle & pedal sensor sequence and Oxygen sensors. Hubitools also makes a variety of other automotive diagnostic and testing equipment.

Some vehicle sensors and actuators are extremely pricey, and difficult to change. A sensor simulator will save you the time and money you'd have spent using the "replace the part and see if it works" method.