- Elapsed time
- (ET) The length of time it takes a Dragster to complete the one-fourth mile run.
- Elasticity
-
- The ability to recover the original size and shape after being deformed, especially stretched, forces are released.
- The property of an adhesive or sealer which enables it to recover its original shape and size when deforming forces are removed. It is the ability to change size or shape repeatedly without breaking the molecular bonds that cause an object to hold its shape.
- Elastic limit
-
- The point beyond which a deformed piece of metal will no longer return to its original shape.
- The highest load a part (i.e., chain strand) can sustain without incurring a permanent change in length.
- Elastomer
-
- A term which includes natural rubber and the many synthetic materials that possess rubber-like properties.
- An elastic macromolecular material that at room temperature returns rapidly to approximately its initial dimensions and shape after substantial deformation by a weak stress and release of the stress.
- A classification of rubber-like substances used in the formulation of adhesives, coatings, and sealers without reference to their composition. Also classed as an elastic material that can be stretched repeatedly to at least twice its original length and, upon sudden release of stress, to return with equal force to its approximate original length Thermoplastic elastomers
- An elastic Polymer, a springy plastic used commonly as a spring or shock absorber, particularly in suspension forks and similar mechanisms.
- El Camino
- A model of vehicle produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors from 1959-87 as a response to Ford's Ranchero. It had the front end of a car, but the back end like the open bed of a truck.
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Chevrolet El Camino
- Elcar
- A vehicle brand of which the 1925-33 Models: 8-80, 8-81, 8-90, 8-91, 8-92, 120, 130 and 140 are classic cars
- ELCD
- Abbreviation for Evaporative Loss Control Device. A filter canister which is controlled by a signal from the ECU, the filter canister traps gaseous hydrocarbons from the fuel tank in its activated charcoal filter for subsequent burning in the engine on purging of the filter. The purging function is dependent on engine load and engine speed.
- Eldorado
- A Cadillac vehicle brand of which the 1953-58, 67-70 Eldorado models are milestone cars. The 1957-58 Eldorado Brougham models are milestone cars. Also see the history of Cadillac Eldorado. Several Cadillac models used the name:
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Cadillac Eldorado- Eldorado (1953-2002)
- Eldorado Biarritz (1956-64, 1976-91)
- Eldorado Brougham (1957-60)
- Eldorado Seville (1956-60)
- Fleetwood Eldorado (1965-2003)
- Electra
- A model of automobile manufactured by Buick Division of General Motors from 1959-90
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Buick Electra
- Electric air control valve
- The EAC valve
- Electrical arcing
- Band of sparks formed when an electrical discharge from a conductor jumps to another conductor
- Electrical conductivity
- The ability of a material to conduct electricity. The opposite is resistivity or resistance.
- Electrical coupling
- When two coils are so situated that some of the flux set up by either coil links some of the turns of the other, they are said to be electrically coupled
- Electrical diagram
- A drawing or chart showing the connections of the various electric components and the color-coding of the wires used to connect them. Often called Wiring diagram
- Electrical efficiency
- The ratio of useful electrical real power output to the total electrical power input.
- Electrically enabled programmable read only memory
- A non-volatile memory that can be used to store information permanently. This device can have all or selected parts of its memory erased electrically and reprogrammed.
- Electrical potential
- Electrical force which moves, or attempts to move, electrons along a conductor or resistance.
- Electrical Power
- An electric measurement unit of power called a voltampere is equal to the product of 1 volt and 1 ampere. This is equivalent to 1 watt for a direct current system, and a unit of apparent power is separated into real and reactive power. Real power is the work-producing part of apparent power that measures the rate of supply of energy and is denoted as kilowatts (kW). Reactive power is the portion of apparent power that does no work and is referred to as kilovars; this type of power must be supplied to most types of magnetic equipment, such as motors, and is supplied by generator or by electrostatic equipment. Voltamperes are usually divided by 1,000 and called kilovoltamperes (kVA). Energy is denoted by the product of real power and the length of time used; this product is expressed as kilowatthours.
- Electrically programmable read only memory
- A non-volatile memory that is used to store information permanently. This device can have its contents changed if the entire contents are first 'erased' through exposure to ultraviolet light (providing the device has a means of allowing light to reach the silicon level) used to increase brake application force.
- Electrical screwdriver
- A manual screwdriver with an insulated handle and blade for working on electrical circuits. Compare Electric screwdriver which is a battery powered screwdriver.
- Electrical spanner
- A British term for an Ignition wrench
- Electrical system
- The system that generates, stores, and distributes electrical current to Crank the engine for starting and to keep it running by providing high voltage to the spark plugs; and to give power to the lights, the Heater motor, radio, and other accessories. It is made up of the ignition system starter motor, battery Alternator Voltage regulator lights, electrical accessories and all the wiring, switches, and Relays.
- Electric charge
- A definite quantity of electricity, which-may be positive, as with protons, or negative, as with electrons. See
- Electric choke
- Chokes can be operated by a bimetal spring heated by a solid-state heating unit or by a nichrom-wire resistor. Both types increase temperature just like a coolant-controlled choke as engine warms up
- Electric current
- The flow of electricity passing through a conductor. The preferred unit of measure is the ampere.
- Electric defrosting
- Use of electric resistance heating coils to melt ice and frost off evaporators during defrosting.
- Electric energy
- The ability of an electric current to produce work, heat, light, or other forms of energy. It is measured in kilowatthours.
- Electric fuel pump
- Electrically powered gasoline or diesel pump which draws fuel from the tank and delivers it to the carburetor or fuel injection system
- Electric heating
- System in which heat from electrical resistance units is used to heat the building.
- Electric hybrid vehicle
- An electric vehicle that either
- operates solely on electricity, but contains an internal combustion motor that generates additional electricity (series hybrid); or
- contains an electric system and an internal combustion system and is capable of operating on either system (parallel hybrid).
- Electricity
- Electric current used as a power source. Electricity can be generated from a variety of feedstocks including oil, coal, nuclear, hydro, natural gas, wind, and solar. In electric vehicles, onboard rechargeable batteries power an electric motor.
- Electric Load
- The amount of electric power delivered or required at any specific point or points on a system. The requirement originates at the energy-consuming equipment of the consumers.
- Electric mirror
- An external door mirror which is controlled by an electric motor and operated by a switch inside the car
- Electric motor
- A device which changes electrical energy into rotational motion. In addition to the starter and windshield wiper motors, which were the first electric motors to be added to the automotive electrical system, modern cars include a large number of small motors for driving such items as the electric windows, aerials, Sunroofs, mirrors and seat adjustment, central locking and power hoods; electric-powered cars use large motors for their drive.
- Electric motor vehicle
- A motor vehicle powered by an electric motor that draws current from rechargeable storage batteries, fuel cells, photovoltaic arrays, or other sources of electric current.
- Electric power
- The rate at which electric energy is transferred. Electric power is measured by capacity and is commonly expressed in megawatts (MW).
- Electric screwdriver
- A battery-powered tool which can accept screwdriver bits. Some models resemble a flashlight while others resemble a pistol. It is similar to an electric drill.
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Electric Screwdriver
- Electric Vehicle
- (EV) A vehicle powered by one or more electric motors rather than by an internal combustion engine. The most common source of electricity is chemical storage batteries, but also provided by photovoltaic cells or a fuel cell.
- Electric water valve
- Solenoid type (electrically operated) valve used to turn water flow on and off.
- Electric welding
- Welding by using an electric current to melt both metal (work) and welding rod, or electrode
Electric welding
- Electric wheelchair
- See Power wheelchair
- Electric windows
- Side windows which are raised and lowered by an electric motor which is operated by a switch. Also called a Power window
- Electrochemical
- Chemical (battery) production of electricity.
- Electrochemical process
- The direct process end use in which electricity is used to cause a chemical transformation. Major uses of electrochemical process occur in the aluminum industry in which alumina is reduced to molten aluminum metal and oxygen, and in the alkalies and chlorine industry, in which brine is separated into caustic soda, chlorine, and hydrogen.
- Electrode
-
Electrode
- An electric conductor through which an electric current enters or leaves a medium, whether it be an electrolytic solution, solid, molten mass, gas, or vacuum.
- In a spark plug one electrode (the center electrode) is the center rod passing through the insulator. The side electrode is a rod (usually bent) welded to the shell of the spark plug. The distance between them is the spark gapfor an electric arc to start combustion process in an engine.
- In welding it is the metal rod that is used in arc welding. A substance which brings electricity up to the point where the arc is to be formed; in other words it is the material immediately adjacent to the arc proper and the one which carries the current to this point. In electric arc welding the electrode is usually melted and becomes a part of the weld.
See- Bare Electrodes
- Beam-forming Electrode
- Bipolar Electrode
- Center electrode
- Compound center electrode
- Compound electrode
- Covered electrode
- Earth electrode
- Ground electrode
- Outer electrode
- Platinum electrode
- Positive electrode
- Quinhydrone Electrode
- Side electrode
- Spark plug electrode
- Top electrode
- Triangular ground electrode
- Electrode assembly
- The portion of an automatic ignition system containing the electrode(s) and associated insulators, wire lead terminals, spark gap adjustment means and mounting brackets.
- Electrodeposition
- A generic term for electrolytic processes in which a metal is deposited at the cathode from a solution of its ions, such as electroplating, or in which paint is deposited in an immersion process by means of electric current
- Electrodeposition process
- Process in which metallic particles are applied to another metal surface through the use of an electric current.
- Electrohydraulic actuator
- (EHA) An electronically controlled valve which regulates the fuel flow to the lower chamber of the CIS fuel distributor
- Electro-hydraulic booster
- A power booster that uses an electric motor and pump to create hydraulic pressure which is then used to increase brake application force.
- Electro-hydraulic pump
- An electrically powered hydraulic pump used to create pressure in certain portions of the brake system. Typically found in GM Powermaster brake boosters and in ABS hydraulic control units
- Electrolysis
-
- A method by which chemical reactions are carried out by passage of electric current through a solution of an electrolyte or through a molten salt.
- Movement of electricity through a substance which causes a chemical change in the substance or its container.
- Electrolyte
-
- A non-metallic electrical conductor in which current is carried by the movement of ions.
- In automotive batteries, it is a sulfuric acid and water solution. It can be any solution (usually an acid) that will conduct electric current. The acid reacts with the battery plates (usually made of Lead) to produce Direct current electricity.
- Electrolytic cell
- A cell consisting of electrodes immersed in an electrolyte solution for carrying out electrolysis
- Electrolytic process
- A process that causes the decomposition of a chemical compound by the use of electricity.
- Electromagnet
- A magnet produced by placing a coil of wire around a steel or iron bar. When current flows through the coil the bar becomes magnetized and will remain so as long as the current continues to flow.
- Electromagnetic
- Magnetic (Generator) production of electricity.
- Electromagnetic brake
- A brake that is activated by the action of a solenoid which forces a friction disc against a moving component to slow it or bring it to a stop.
- Electromagnetic clutch
- Any clutch in which a magnetic force is used to hold the drive in engagement, such as that in the compressor drive of an air-conditioning system
- Electromagnetic energy
- Energy which has both electrical and magnetic characteristics. Solar energy is electromagnetic.
- Electromagnetic induction
- Voltage is induced in a coil of wire by moving coil through a magnetic field or by keeping coil stationary and moving magnetic field.
- Electromagnetic Retarder
- An axle-mounted electromagnetic device which helps to slow down a vehicle. See
- Electromagnetism
- The magnetic field around a conductor when a current is flowing through the conductor.
- Electromotive force
- (EMF)
- Force that causes electricity to flow because of a difference in potential between two points.
- A source of electrical energy required to produce an electric current, produced by devices such as batteries or generators and measured in volts.
See
- Electromotive force voltage
- (emf) Electrical force which causes current (free electrons) to flow or move in an electrical circuit. Unit of measurement is the volt.
- Electron flow
- A current produced by the motion of free electrons towards a positive terminal, whose direction is the opposite to that of the current
- Electronic air control valve
- (EACV) A valve used in fuel-injection system, usually computer controlled, that controls the amount of air bypassing the throttle during idle. The more air that bypasses the throttle, the higher the idle speed
- Electronically controlled
- Most items can be controlled by a mechanical means (squeeze a lever to move something) or by hydraulics (a lever pushes fluid which applies movement to something) or electronically (move a switch and a servo motor moves something)
- Electronically controlled transmission
- A transmission that relies on sensors, an Electronic control unit (ECU), and solenoids to control torque convertor lockup and shift points
- Electronically-controlled wastegate
- A turbo-charger wastegate that is activated by an electric signal from a computer
- Electronic brake control module
- (EBCM) GM's term for the Electronic control unit
- Electronic brake distribution
- (EBD) A system that helps reduce stopping distances by re-proportioning the braking force from rear to front as the vehicle stops and its weight shifts forward.
- Electronic climate control
- (ECC) An air conditioning system control which determines and maintains the preset temperature in the passenger compartment.
- Electronic cluster
- A display showing various functions, including speedometer, tachometer, gauges, etc., using LEDs or LCD technology displaying symbols and bar graphs instead of numbers. The opposite is an analog cluster
- Electronic control Assembly
- ECA A Ford vehicle computer consisting of a calibration assembly containing the computer memory, its control program, and processor assembly (the computer hardware)
- Electronic control diagnostics
- Trouble codes which may be referenced on an automatic climate control system to diagnose problems.
- Electronic control module
- (ECM)
- The master computer responsible for interpreting electrical signals sent by engine sensors and for activating automated engine components and processes accordingly in order to produce optimum performance.
- A microprocessor that determines the beginning and end of each injection cycle on every cylinder. The ECM determines both fuel metering and injection timing in response to such parameters as engine crankshaft position and rpm, engine coolant and intake air temperature, and absolute intake air boost pressure.
- A GM term and also a generic term referring to the computer. The ECM is the brain of the engine control system receiving information from various sensors in the engine compartment. The ECM calculates what is required for proper engine operation and controls the different actuators to achieve it. Also called Electronic control unit
- Electronic control unit
- (ECU)
- A microprocessor and memory with electronic maps, forming the central part of an engine management system or of subsystems such as a fuel injection or ignition system.
- The brain of an ABS system. The ECU reads impulses from the wheel speed sensors to determine if anti-lock braking needs to take place. If so, the ECU controls the cycling of the solenoid valves in the hydraulic control unit. Also called Electronic Control Module
- Electronic Data Interchange
- (EDI)
- The business-to-business interconnection of computers for the rapid exchange of a wide variety of documents, from bills of lading to build tickets at auto plants.
- Computer-to-computer communication between two or more companies that is used to generate documents such as purchase orders and invoices. EDI also enables firms to access the information systems of suppliers, customers and carriers to determine real-time status of shipments and inventory.
- Electronic EGR valve
- The EGR valve used in engine management system in which the EGR flow is controlled by the computer (usually by means of an EGR valve position sensor attached to the EGR valve). Operating vacuum is supplied by EGR solenoid valve(s)
- Electronic engine control
- (EEC)
- The engine management system which controls the ignition system and various other systems, including the exhaust gas recirculation and air-injection systems.
- Ford's computerized engine control system. There are four versions
- EEC-I controls engine timing.
- EEC-II controls engine timing and fuel (on engines with an FBC system).
- EEC-III-FBC is a refined version of EEC-II. EEC-III-CFI controls engine timing and fuel (on engine with an EFI system).
- EEC-IV is a refined version of the EEC-III system
- Electronic fuel injection
- (EFI or EFi) A system that injects fuel into the engine and includes an Electronic control unit to time and meter the flow. Fuel is delivered in intermittent pulses by the opening and closing of solenoid-controlled injectors. Also called Pulsed injection
- Electronic gasoline injection
- (EGI) Mazda's fuel injection system for the RX-7, RX-7 Turbo, 323, and 626
- Electronic ignition system
- An ignition system using electronic switching devices to assist or eliminate the mechanical breaker points. There are three basic electronic ignitions
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Electronic Ignition System- contact controlled (the breaker points are retained but merely serve to trigger a transistor which switches the heavy primary current)
- magnetically controlled (transistors are used as the switching device for the primary current and the points are eliminated -- also called contactless or all-electronic)
- capacitor controlled (also called capacitive-discharge system and can be either all-electronic or breaker-point controlled).
- Electronic leak detector
- Electronic instrument which measures electronic flow across gas gap. Electronic flow changes indicate presence of refrigerant gas molecules.
- Electronic navigator
- A trip computer which gives estimated time of arrival (ETA), amount of fuel left, average fuel consumption, etc.
- Electronic ride control
- A suspension control system made up of a microprocessor-controlled, electronically adjustable air shock absorbers for automatic selection of the optimum damping characteristics depending on road surface and load conditions
- Electronic sensing device
- An electronic measuring device for vehicles with fuel injection. It detects changes in speed and driving conditions and determines the amount of fuel to be injected into the combustion chamber thus eliminating the need for carburetors.
- Electronic sight glass
- Device that sends an audible signal when system is low in refrigerant.
- Electronic spark advance
- (ESA) the part of an ECU that controls ignition timing and dwell angle
- Electronic spark control
- (ESC) The timing of the ignition by means of an ignition map, either integrated into the mapped ignition systems or available as a separate module to enhance transistorized ignition systems. Also called electronic spark timing.
- Electronic spark timing
- (EST) The timing of the ignition by means of an ignition map, either integrated into the mapped ignition systems or available as a separate module to enhance transistorized ignition systems. Also called electronic spark control.
- Electronic spark timing system
- (EST) An ECM-controlled timing of ignition spark. This replaces the vacuum or centrifugal mechanism in the distributor and uses the computer to advance or retard the spark timing
- Electronic Stability Control
- (ESC) When a vehicle strays from the intended travel path or begins to spin out, the ESC automatically brakes individual wheels or reduces throttle to keep the vehicle under control. The system was first introduced by Mercedes Benz in 1994. Although it has been phased in on a number of vehicles (particularly cars and SUVs), it is required on all vehicles in Canada, USA, Australia, and Europe beginning in 2012.
- Electronic thermistor
- Electrical device that senses temperature change to control an output source See
- Electronic thermostat
- Thermostat that uses electronic components to accomplish various sensing, switching, timing, staging, and display functions.
- Electronic traction control
- (ETC) A system for reducing wheelspin, incorporating wheel sensors. A standard or optional feature, available only on ABS-equipped vehicles. It inhibits wheel-spin by applying the brake to a spinning rear wheel and thus enhances traction on ice, snow, or in severe off-road conditions. It uses ABS sensors for wheel speed determination and brakes the spinning wheel (through the axle differential) to apply torque to the stationary wheel. Like ABS, it is especially effective in maintaining control when one side of the vehicle is on a more slippery surface than the other -- a so-called 'split-μ surface.' An instrument panel light illuminates when the system is operating. The function is inhibited above 50 kph, a speed above which unintentional wheel spin is unlikely to occur.
- Electronic transmission
- A system of controlling the shifting of gears in the transmission by means of electrical pulses sent to solenoids and relays. In mechanical transmissions, the operator moves levers which makes the transmission shift gears.
- Electronic Trip Recorder
- A device for recording data on a vehicle's performance, originally designed for monitoring and optimizing engine performance, in recent years GPS systems have been added to enable dispatchers to geo-locate their trucks and many trip recorders maintain HOS data, eliminating the need for driver maintained logbooks.
- Electronic voltage regulator
- (EVR) a type of regulator that uses all solid state devices to perform the regulatory functions
- Electron theory
- The accepted theory of electronics that states that electricity flows from positive to negative.
- Electrosomotic drag
- The flux of a polar species (H2O) due to its attraction to a proton (H+) that is transported from the anode to the cathode.
- Electrophoretic painting
- A process used to apply the first coat of paint (Primer) to car bodies. The process involves using negatively charged paint particles (anodic electropainting) or positively charged paint particles (cathodic electropainting). The cleaned metal parts to be coated are immersed in a tank of electrodeposition paint, and the current is turned on, so that the paint particles are attracted by the positively charged paint particles
- Electro picker
- A device which is electrically operated and is used to open locked car doors. It is available only to automotive locksmiths and the police. It consists basically of a vibrator with an attached steel blade. When the vibrating blade is inserted into a lock, it finds its way past the locating pins which would normally block anything but the original key
- Electroplate
- The process of depositing gold, silver, chrome, nickel, etc., upon an object by placing the object in a special solution and then passing an electric current through the solution. The object forms one terminal, a special electrode the other. Direct current is used.
- Electroplating
- The process of electrodeposition of metal or alloys from suitable electrolyte solutions. The articles to be plated are connected to the cathode in an electrolyte solution, and direct current is introduced through the anode of the metal to be deposited.
- Electrostatic filter
- For cleaning air, a type of filter which gives dust particles an electric charge. This causes particles to be attracted to a plate so they can be removed from air.
- Electrostatic painting
- A painting method using the particle-attracting property of electrostatic charges, in which a direct current of approximately 100,000 volts is applied to a grid of wires through which the paint is sprayed to charge each particle, and the metal objects to be sprayed are connected to the opposite terminal of the high-voltage circuit, so as to attract the paint particles. Also called Electrostatic Spraying
- Electrostatic powder coating
- (EPC) A painting process in which the outer parts of the body shell are coated with a powder dispersion by means of cathodic immersion, and in which the cavities are coated with cathodic electropaint
- Electrostatic spraying
- A painting method using the particle-attracting property of electrostatic charges, in which a direct current of approximately 100,000 volts is applied to a grid of wires through which the paint is sprayed to charge each particle, and the metal objects to be sprayed are connected to the opposite terminal of the high-voltage circuit, so as to attract the paint particles. Also called Electrostatic Painting
- Electro vacuum relay
- (EVR)A combination solenoid vacuum valve and electrical relay which locks out blower operation and closes the fresh air door in cold weather, and switches the system to the recirculating air mode during maximum system use
- Element
- A group of plates in a battery. Three elements for a six volt and six elements for the twelve volt battery. The elements are connected in series.
- Elemental Carbon
- (EC) Inorganic carbon, as opposed to carbon in organic compounds, sometimes used as a surrogate measure for diesel particulate matter, especially in occupational health environments. Elemental carbon usually accounts for 40-60% of the total DPM mass.
- Elevation
- As seen in front, rear or side views. A side elevation, for example, is a side view. The plan or top view is not defined as an elevation. See
- Elevator bolt
- Bolt with a wide, countersunk flat head, a shallow conical bearing surface, and integrally-formed square neck under the head (to prevent movement), and a unified thread pitch. Used in conveyor systems.
Elevator bolt
- Elliot axle
- A solid bar front axle on which the ends span or straddle the steering knuckle.
- Ellipsoidal headlight
- A headlight with a reflector which is wider than it is high, and not circular; has replaced the parabolic reflector
- Elliptical port shape
- Rounded port shape designed to prevent a ring from catching in large ports of a two-stroke engine.
- Elongation
-
- The percentage increase in the length of a specimen when stressed to its yield strength.
- Stretching a fastener to the point that it breaks. The percent of elongation at rupture (same as measure of ductility) is determined by dividing the total length after stretching to the original length. Elongation decreases as strength and hardness increases.