Parts Descriptions
ACTIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM:
AN ACTIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM IS COMPUTER CONTROLED, AND CONTROLS ALL ASPECTS OF THE SUSPENSION SUCH AS BODY PITCH,
BODY ROLL, BRAKE DIVE, AND BODY HEIGHT. THIS SYSTEM ALSO HAS A
DOUBLE ACTING HYDRAULIC CYLINDER (ACTUATORS) MOUNTED AT ALL THE WHEELS WHICH SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR INSTEAD OF SPRINGS.
AIR FILTER:
AN AIR FILTER TYPICALY MADE OF PLEATED PAPER AND IS THE FRONT LINE DEFENSE OF THE ENGINE BY PREVENTING DUST AND OTHER PARTICULATE MATTER FROM ENTERING THE ENGINE AND CAUSING DAMAGE.
AIR MASS METER:
AN AIR MASS METER MEASURES THE AIR ENTERING THE COMBUSTION SYSTEM OF THE ENGINE AND RELAYS THIS INFORMATION TO THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT . THE CONTROL UNIT MEASURES THE PRESURE OF THE AIR (SEA LEVEL AIR HAS MORE PRESSURE THAN AIR AT 5000 FEET) AND ADJUSTS THE FUEL MIXTURE FOR PROPER COMBUSTION IN THE CYLINDER.
ALTERNATOR:
AN ALTERNATOR IS A DEVICE THAT RECHARGES THE CAR BATTERY (WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING) AND SUPPLIES ELECTRICTY TO ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS SUCH AS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING,
AUDIO SYSTEM, IGNITION SYSTEM ETC.
AMBIENT TEMPURATURE SENSOR:
AN AMBIENT TEMPURATURE SENSOR READS THE OUTSIDE TEMPURATURE OF AN AUTOMOBILE AND RELAYS THIS TO THE TEMPURATURE SENSOR GAGE.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT:
AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT IS A COMPUTERIZED CIRCUIT THAT SETS THE SHIFT POINTS BASED ON THE INPUTS FROM
THE TRANSMISSION.
AXLE SHAFT:
AN AXLE SHAFT IS A SOLID METAL TUBE WITH A UNIVERSAL JOINT ON ONE END OF THE AXLE. THE AXLE IS CONNECTED TO THE DIFFERENTIAL
AND WHEEL HUB TO PROVIDE ROTATION TO THE WHEEL.
BALL JOINT:
A BALL JOINT IS A CONNECTION POINT FROM THE CONTROL ARM TO THE WHEEL SPINDLE. THIS PART ALLOWS FOR A POSITIVE MECHANICAL CON-
NECTION WHILE THE WHEEL IS EITHER TURNING OR MOVING UP AND DOWN DURING IMPACTS WITH THE ROAD SURACE.
BELT, FAN:
A FAN BELT IS AN INTRACAL COMPONENT OF AN ENGINE, WITH THE USE OF PULLEYS FAN BELTS RUN THE ALTERNATOR, POWER STEERING PUMP,
AND WATER PUMP. ON OLDER CAR MODELS THIS IS DONE BY USING INDIVDULE V-BELTS TO RUN THE DIFFERENT SYSTEMS MENTIONED
ABOVE WITH ALL THE BELTS CONNECTED TO THE CRANKSHAFT WHICH
SUPPLIES THE MECHANICAL POWER. ON NEWER CAR MODELS THIS IS
DONE BY USING A SERPENTINE BELT WHICH IS LONG ENOUGH TO RUN
ALL SYSTEMS USING JUST ONE BELT.
BELT TENSIONER:
A BELT TENSIONER IS A DEVICE THAT IS MOUNTED ON THE FRONT OF AN ENGINE THAT APPLIES TENSION TO THE SERPENTINE FAN BELT.
BELT TENSIONER SHOCK:
A BELT TENSIONER SHOCK SUPPLIES A DAMPANING EFFECT TO THE FAN BELT TO HELP KEEP THE FAN BELTS TRACKING TRUE.
BLOWER MOTOR :
A BLOWER MOTOR PROVIDES A FILTERED AND METERED AIR FLOW THROUGH THE HEATER CORE COMPARTMENT OR THE EVAPORATOR COMPARTMENT. THE CONDITIONED AIR IS THEN ROUTED TO THE APPROPIATE DUCT FOR HEATING OR COOLING THE CARS INTERIOR
BLOWER MOTOR RELAY:
THE BLOWER MOTOR RELAY CONTROLS THE INTENSITY OF AIR ENTERING THE AIR DUCTS BY CONTROLING THE BLOWER MOTORS BIRD CAGE FANS SPEED OF ROTATION.
BRAKES :
A BRAKE SYSTEM USUALLY CONSIST OF MASTER CYLINDER (THIS HOLDS THE BRAKE FLUID AND SUPPLIES IT TO ALL THE WHEELS OF THE CAR).
THE BRAKE BOOSTER SUPPLIES ADDITIONAL BRAKING POWER TO THE
WHEELS. THE ABS UNIT (ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM), THIS UNIT PRE-
VENTS THE BRAKES FROM LOCKING UP DURING A PANIC BRAKING SITU-
ATION. THE BRAKE CALIPER IS SUPPLIED FLUID FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER AND WHEN THE BRAKE PELAL IS PRESSED DOWN WILL CLAMP
OR SQUEEZE THE BRAKE PADS TO THE BRAKE DISC STOP THE CAR. THE
THE BRAKE PADS CONSIST OF A HARD ARASIVE MATERIAL THAT WHEN
APPLIED PRODUCES FRICTION TO THE BRAKE DISC TO STOP THE CAR.
THE BRAKE DISC IS A STEEL DISC THAT SPINS WITH THE WHEEL OF THE CARE AND PROVIDES A SURFACE THAT IS STRONG ENOUGH TO DISSA-
PATE THE HEAT GENERATED WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.
BATTERY:
A BATTERY IS A RECHARGABLE COMPONENT OF A CARS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. IT WORKS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ALTERNATOR TO SUPPLY
POWER TO THE STARTER AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS.
CAM POSITION SENSOR:
A CAM POSITION SENSOR IS A MAGNETIC SENSOR THAT READS THE SPEED OF A CAMS ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION AND RELAYS THIS INFORMATION TO THE ECU SO THE COMPUTER CAN ADJUST THE AIR FUEL
MIXTURE.
CAMSHAFT:
A CAMSHAFT IS A CYLINDRICAL ROD THAT RUNS THE LENGTH OF A CYLINDER HEAD WITH LOBES ON IT THAT OPEN INTAKE AND EXHAUST
VALVES IN A TIMED SEQUENCE WITH THE CRANKSHAFT.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER:
A CATALYTIC CONVERTER PRODUCES A CHEMICAL REACTION TO MAKE EXHAUST GASES LESS TOXIC TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
CARBURETOR:
A CARBURETOR IS A DEVICE THAT MIXES AIR AND FUEL TOGETHER TO FORM A VAPOR THAT IS SENT TO THE PISTON CYLINDER FOR COMBUSTION. CARBURETORS WERE TYPICALLY USED ON CARS BUILT
BEFORE THE 1990.S.
CHARCOL CANNISTER:
A CHARCOL CANNISTER IS A TANK WITH ACTIVATED CHARCOL INSIDE, AND IS USED TO ABSORB FUEL VAPERS FROM THE VEHICLES CLOSED FUEL SYSTEM.
CLIMATE CONTROL UNIT:
A CLIMATE CONTROL UNIT IS THE BRAIN OF THE A/C SYSTEM AND CONTROLS THE HEATING AND COOLING OF THE CARS INTERIOR AS WELL AS DEFOGGING THE WINDSHIELD.
CLUTCH:
A CLUTCH IS AN INTERFACE BETWEEN AN ENGINE AND A MANUEL TRANSMISSION. WHEN THE CLUTCH IS DISENGAGED THE ROTATION
BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION IS INTERUPTED TO ALLOW
THE SHIFTING OF GEARS WHEN THE CAR IS MOTION OR AT A STANDSTILL.
WHEN THE CLUTCH IS ENGAGED THE ENGINE AND TRAMSMSSIONS ROTATION WILL BE THE SAME.
COLD START INJECTOR :
A COLD START INJECTOR IS AN ELECTRONIC CONTROLD DEVICE THAT ENTERS INTO SERVICE WHEN A COLD ENGINE IS BEING STARTED. WHEN THE INJECTOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL IT WILL INJECT MORE FUEL INTO THE
INTAKE TO MAKE FOR AN EASIER STARTING ENGINE.
COIL:
A COIL IS AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT THAT SUPPLIES TIMED ELECTRICAL PULSE TO A DISTRIBUTOR (ON OLDER CARS) OR DIRECTLY
TO THE SPARK PLUG (ON NEWER CARS) IN ESSANCE THE IGNITION COIL
IS AN INDUCTION COIL THAT RECEIVES 12 VOLTS AND PRODUCES THOUSANDS OF VOLTS TO FIRE THE SPARK PLUGS.
COMBINATION SWITCH:
A COMBINATION SWITCH IS MOUNTED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN AND CONTROLS THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS, WIPER FUNCTIONS, AND HEADLIGHT HIGHBEAM FLASH OPTION.
COMPRESSOR, A/C:
THE A/C COMPRESSOR IS A COMPONENT OF THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM THAT PUMPS REFERIGERANT THROUGH OUT THE A/C SYSTEM. THE A/C COMPRESSOR IS POWERED BY THE FAN BELT.
CONDENSOR, A/C:
THE A/C CONDENSER IS A COMPONENT THAT CHANGES VAPOR INTO A LIQUID, BY REMOVING THE HEATED AIR FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR
AND COOLING IT.
CONTROL ARM:
A CONTROL ARM IS A HINGE TYPE ARM THAT CONNECTS TO WHEEL SPINDLE, AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER. THIS DEVICE ALLOWS FOR THE
FREE MOVEMENT OF THE WHEEL INDEPENDENT OF THE CHASSIS OR
FRAME OF AN AUTOMIBLE.
COOLANT FAN:
A COOLANT FAN IS A FAN DRIVEN BY EITHER THE WATER PUMP OR IS ELECTRICLLY DRIVEN, IT’S FUNCTION IS TO DRAW AIR THROUGH THE RADIATOR TO COOL THE ENGINES COOLANT CIRCULATING THROUGH
THE COOLANT SYSTEM.
COOLANT FAN RELAY:
A COOLANT FAN RELAY IS A DEVICE THAT ELECTRICALLY CONTROLS A FANS ON AND OFF CYCLES AT A PREDETERMINED TEMPURATURE AND
KEEP THE OPTIMUM TEMPURATURE OF A RUNNING ENGINE.
COOLANT RESERVOIR:
A COOLANT RESERVOIR OR TANK HOLDS EXCESS COOLANT. THIS TANK IS CONNECTED TO THE COOLING SYSTEM VIA A SMALL DIAMETER HOSE.
COOLANT TEMPURATURE SENSOR:
A COOLANT TEMPURATURE SENSOR IS A SENSOR THAT INTERFACES WITH THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT, SENDING CONSTANT TEMPURATURE INFOR-
MATION OF THE ENGINE.
COOLING FAN CONTROLER MODULE:
A COOLING FAN MODULE IS A MODULE THAT TURNS ON AND OFF THE COOLANT FAN AT THE DIRECTION OF OTHER SENSORS ON THE ENGINE.
CRANKSHAFT:
A CRANKSHAFT CONVERTS ROTATIONAL ENERGY INTO AN UP AND DOWN ENERGY. THIS ALLOWS A CONNECTING ROD AND PISTON TO MOVE IN AN
UP AND DOWN MOTION INSIDE THE ENGINE CYLINDER.
CRANKSHAFT DAMPNER PULLEY:
A CRANKSHAFT DAMPNER PULLEY REDUCES THE VIBRATION CREATED BY THE OPERATION OF THE CRANKSHAFT AND FLYWHEEL. THIS PULLEY
ALSO DOUBLES AS THE DRIVE FOR THE FANBELT TO OPERATE EXTERNAL
SYSTEM MOUNTED ON THE ENGINE.
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR :
A CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR MONITERS ENGINE TIMMING,SPARK IGNITION, FUEL INJECTION AND VALVE TIMMING. THIS SENSOR INTER-
FACES WITH THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT.
CRANKSHAFT SEAL:
THE CRANKSHAFT SEAL IS A METAL RING INFUSED WITH RUBBER TO SEAL THE CRANKSHAFT FRONT AND REAR FROM OIL LEAKAGE.
CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR:
A CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR IS A ELECTRO MECHANICAL DEVICE THAT WHEN ACTIVATED IT WILL CONTINUE THE SPEED OF A CAR SET BY THE
CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH.
CRUISE CONTROL AMPLAFIER:
THE CRUISE CONTROL AMPLAFIER IS THE ELECTRONIC BRAIN OF THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM.
CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH:
THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH IS LOCATED ON THE STEERING COLUMN AND WHEN ACTIVATED BY THE OPERATOR IT SENDS A SIGNAL TO THE
AMPLIFIER WHICH CONTROLS THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR.
CYLINDER HEAD GASKET SET:
A CYLINDER HEAD GASKET SET CONTAINING ALL THE GASKETS NESSESSARY TO INSTALL THE CYLINDER HEAD TO THE ENGINE BLOCK. THIS SET CONTAINS A HEAD GASKET, INTAKE GASKET, AND VARIOUS
INTAKE AND EXHAUST SEALS.
DIFFERENTIAL:
THE DIFFERENTIAL IS LOCATED AT THE REAR END OF THE DRIVE TRAIN AND IS POWERED BY THE DRIVESHAFT THAT IS CONNECTED TO THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNING IT ROTATES THE TRANS-
MISSION DRIVE SHAFT. WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING AND THE CAR IS
IN GEAR THE DIFFERENTIAL HAS A SERIES OF GEARS TO ALLOW IT’S
ROTATION TO BE CONVERTED FROM FRONT TO BACK TO SIDE TO SIDE
TO POWER THE WHEELS.
DOOR CHECK:
A DOOR CHECK IS A BOX LIKE DEVICE WITH A SLIDING ROD THAT IS MOUNTED TO THE DOOR AND THE DOOR FRAME. THE FUNCTION OF A
DOOR CHECK IS TO STOP A CAR DOOR FROM OPENNING TO FAR PREVENTING DAMAGE TO THE DOOR.
DOOR SWITCH:
A DOOR SWITCH TURNS ON THE INTERIOR LIGHTS OF AN AUTOMOBILS WHEN THE DOORS ARE OPENED.
DRIVE SHAFT:
THE DRIVE SHAFT IS A LONG CYLINDRICAL TUBE THAT TRANSFERS TORQUE AND ROTATION FROM THE TRANSMISSION TO THE DIFFERENTIAL.
DRIVE SHAFT SUPPORT:
THE DRIVE SHAFT SUPPORT IS A BRACKET THAT CONTAINS A BEARING AND SUPPORTS THE JOINT AT THE CENTER OF THE DRIVE SHAFT.
THE DIFFERENTIAL IS LOCATED AT THE REAR END OF THE DRIVE TRAIN AND IS POWERED BY THE DRIVESHAFT THAT IS CONNECTED TO THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNING IT ROTATES THE TRANS-
MISSION DRIVE SHAFT. WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING AND THE CAR IS
IN GEAR THE DIFFERENTIAL HAS A SERIES OF GEARS TO ALLOW IT’S
ROTATION TO BE CONVERTED FROM FRONT TO BACK TO SIDE TO SIDE
TO POWER THE WHEELS.
DOOR CHECK:
A DOOR CHECK IS A BOX LIKE DEVICE WITH A SLIDING ROD THAT IS MOUNTED TO THE DOOR AND THE DOOR FRAME. THE FUNCTION OF A
DOOR CHECK IS TO STOP A CAR DOOR FROM OPENNING TO FAR PREVENTING DAMAGE TO THE DOOR.
DOOR SWITCH:
A DOOR SWITCH TURNS ON THE INTERIOR LIGHTS OF AN AUTOMOBILS WHEN THE DOORS ARE OPENED.
DRIVE SHAFT:
THE DRIVE SHAFT IS A LONG CYLINDRICAL TUBE THAT TRANSFERS TORQUE AND ROTATION FROM THE TRANSMISSION TO THE DIFFERENTIAL.
DRIVE SHAFT SUPPORT:
THE DRIVE SHAFT SUPPORT IS A BRACKET THAT CONTAINS A BEARING AND SUPPORTS THE JOINT AT THE CENTED OF THE DRIVE SHAFT.
ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU):
AN ENGINE CONTROL UNIT IS A COMPUTOR THAT RECEIVES INPUTS FROM SENSORS ON THE ENGINE SUCH AS THE CRANK SENSOR, AIR MASS SENSOR, OXYGEN SENSORS, AND THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. WITH THESE INPUTS THE ECU CAN CONTROL THE ENGINE TIMMING,
FUEL MANAGEMENT, INJECTOR TIMMING, SPARK PLUG AND COIL OPERATIONS.
ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTOR:
AN ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTOR RECEIVES FUEL FROM THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM UNDER PRESSURE WHEN THE ECU SIGNALS THE INJECTOR TO FIRE. THE FUEL INJECTOR ATOMIZES THE ALLOTED FUEL INTO THE CYLINDER CHAMBER FOR THE SPARK PLUG TO IGNITE THE VAPORIZED
FUEL.
EGR VALVE:
AN EGR VALVE (EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION) REDUCES THE NITROGEN OXIDE EMISSIONS IN THE EXHAUST GASES AND ROUTS THIS GAS BACK INTO THE IGNITION PROCESS, BY DOING THIS THE PEAK
COMBUSTION TEMPERATURE IS LOWER AND MAKES FOR A MORE
EFFICIENT BURN OF THE FUEL.
FUEL PUMP:
A FUEL PUMP CAN BE EITHER MECANICAL OR ELECTRONIC. A MECANICAL PUMP IS TYPICALLY USED ON CARBERATED ENGINES,
AND IS MOUNTED ON THE ENGINE AND IS RUN BY A DRIVE GEAR IN THE
ENGINE. THE ELECTRONIC FUEL PUMP CAN BE PLACED IN THE GAS TANK
OR CAN BE MOUNTED NEAR THE GAS TANK ON THE UNDERCARRAGE.
THE SIMPLE FUNCTION OF A FUEL PUMP IS TO PUMP FUEL FROM THE GAS
TANK TO THE ENGINE.
ELECTRICAL FUSE:
A FUSE IS A DEVICE THAT PROTECTS ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FROM EXCESSIVE CURRENT.
FLEX DISC:
A FLEX DISC IS A PART THE TRANSMISSION AND THE DRIVE SHAFT AS WELL AS THE DIFFERANTIAL ARE CONNECTED TO. THIS PART IS MADE OF A VERY STRONG RUBBER COMPOUND, DESIGNED TO DAMPEN THE
TORQUE FROM THE TRANSMISSION TO THE DIFFERENTIAL.
EVAPORATOR:
THIS EVAPORATOR IS PART OF THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM, IT’S FUNCTION IS TO REMOVE HEATED AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, THERE BY COOLING IT TO BE SENT BACK INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR.
FAN BLADE:
A FAN BLADE IS A FAN WITH FOUR OR MORE BLADES PLACED IN AN UNEVEN SPACING (TO REDUCE NOISE AND VIBRATION). THE BLADES
FUNCTION IS TO DRAW AIR THROUGH THE RADIATOR TO COOL THE
ENGINE COOLANT.
FAN CLUTCH:
A FAN CLUTCH IS MOUNTED BETWEEN THE WATER PUMP AND THE FAN BLADE. THE FAN CLUTCH IS A DEVICE THAT IS SENSATIVE TO THE ENGINE SPEED AND THE UNDER THE HOOD HEAT CONDITIONS, AS THE
TEMPURATURE WARRANTS THE FAN CLUTCH WILL INCREASE OR DECREASE FAN SPEED AS NEEDED.
FAN SHROUD:
A FAN SHROUD IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF THE FAN BLADE FUNCTION, IT’S ROUND SHAPE (USUALLY MADE OF PLASTIC) THAT ENCLOSES THE FAN BLADE AROUND THE BLADE EDGE, THIS ALLOWS FOR MORE EFFICIENT AIR FLOW THROUGH THE RADIATOR.
FOG LIGHT:
A FOG LIGHT IS PART OF THE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM, WHEN TURNED ON THE FOG LIGHT BEAMS ARE DIRECTED DOWN TO ILLUMINATE THE ROAD SURFACE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE AUTOMIBLE WITHOUT BLINDING
ON COMING CARS.
GLOW PLUG:
A GLOW PLUG IS A DEVICE THAT LOOKS LIKE A SPARK PLUG, IT’S FUNCTION IS TO CREATE HEAT TO A COLD CYLINDER OF A DEISEL
TO ENABLE IT TO START.
GLOW PLUG RELAY:
THE GLOW PLUG RELAY IS A COMPONENT THAT CONTROLS THE HEAT LEVEL AND TIME DURATION TO THE GLOW PLUGS TO ALLOW FOR A
SUCCESSFUL START OF THE DEISEL ENGINE.
HALOGEN BULB:
A HALOGEN BULB COMMONLY USED AS A HEAD LIGHT ON AN AUTOMOBILE. THIS BULB PRODUCES A BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT THAT IS SIGNIFICANTLY BRIGHTER THAN AN INCANDESENT BULB.
HEATER CORE:
A HEATER CORE IS A RADIATOR LIKE PART THAT HEATS THE INTERIOR OF A CAR BY USING THE ENGINES COOLING SYSTEM.
HOOD PAD :
A HOOD PAD IS MADE OF FOAM AND IS ATTACHED TO THE HOOD OF AN AUTOMOBILE. THE FUNCTION OF A HOOD PAD IS TO DAMPEN SOUND,
AND ACTS AS A HEAT SHIELD TO PROTECT THE HOOD PAINT FROM ESTREME HEAT.
HOOD RELEASE HANDLE:
THE HOOD RELEASE HANDLE IS LOCATED UNDER THE DASH BOARE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE HANDLE OPERATES A CABLE THAT WHEN PULLED WILL RELEASE THE HOOD LATCH AT THE FRONT OF CAR.
HOOD RELEASE STRAP:
THE HOOD RELEASE STRAP IS LOCATED BEHIND THE CAR’S GRILL, WHEN THE HOOD RELEASE HANDLE IS PULLED THE CABLE CAUSES THE STRAP TO EXTEND OUT OF THE GRILL. AT THIS POINT PULL ON THE STRAP TO
RELEASE THE SAFTY HOOK SO THE HOOD CAN BE OPENED.
THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE IS A SOLENOID THAT CONTROLS IDLE SPEED.
IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR:
AN IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR IS AN ELECTRO/MECHANICAL DEVICE THAT IS TIMMED TO THE ENGINE AND DISTRIBUTES AN ELECTRICAL CHARGE TO THE SPARK PLUG.
IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR CAP:
AN IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR CAP IS TYPICALLY A ROUND CAP WITH RECEPTORS FOR A SPARK PLUG WIRE. THE CAP ITSELF IS MADE OF A NON-CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL WITH A CONDUCTOR MOLDED INTO IT.
IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR:
THE IGNITION ROTOR IS MOUNTED TO THE DISTRIBUTOR AND SPINS AROUND WITH THE DISTRIBUTOR, THE ROTOR HAS A CONDUCTOR THAT AS IT SPINS WILL COME IN CONTACT WITH THE CAP CONDUCTOR AND
SENDS THE CHARGE TO THE SPARK PLUG.
IGNITION SWITCH:
THE IGNITION SWITCH IS MOUNTED TO THE IGNITION LOCK HOUSING AND SUPPLIES POWER TO ALL THE PRIMARY ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS.
IGNITION LOCK HOUSING:
THE IGNITION LOCK HOUSING IS A MECHANICAL DEVICE THAT HOLDS THE IGNITION TUMBLER, AND IGNITION SWITCH. THIS PART ALSO LOCKS THE STEERING WHELL WHEN THE KEY IS REMOVED.
KICKDOWN SWITCH:
A KICKDOWN SWITCH IS ATTACHED TO THE TRANSMISSION AND IT’S FUNCTION IS TO DOWN SHIFT WHEN THE CAR IS MOTION AND THE GAS
IS PUSHED DOWN TO THE FLOOR TO PASS ANOTHER CAR OR FOR A QUICKER ACCELERATION.
KNOCK SENSOR:
A KNOCK SENSOR SIGNALS THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT WHEN IT DETECTS A DETONATION IN THE CYLINDER, THEN RETARDS THE TIMMING UNTIL DETONATION IS COMPLETE.
A STANDARD MOTOR MOUNT IS MADE OF A HARD RUBBER AND STEEL. A HYDRAULIC MOTOR MOUNT ARE MADE THE SAME WAY BUT HAS A FLUID CENTER. THE FUNCTION OF A MOTOR MOUNT IS TO SUPPORT A MOTOR OR TRANSMISSION ABOVE THE CAR’S FRAME. MOTOR MOUNTS REDUCE THE VIBRATION OF THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WHILE IN OPERATION.
MUFFLER:
A MUFFLER IS PART OF AN EXHAUST SYSTEM OF A CAR. IT IS DESIGNED TO REDUCE THE NOISE LEVEL OF A RUNNING ENGINE BY HAVING THE EXHAUST PASS THROUGH NOISE CANCELING CHAMBERS WHILE ALLOWING THE EXHAUST GASSES TO ESCAPE.
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH:
THE NEUTRAL SAFTY SWITCH IS MOUNTED ON A AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AT THE SHIFTING SHAFT. IT’S FUNCTION IS NOT TO
ALLOW THE ENGINE TO START IN ANY GEAR OTHER THAN PARK OR NEUTRAL..
OIL FILTER:
AN OIL FILTER DECONTAMINATES OIL THAT CONTAINS IMPURITES. THE FILTRATION OF OIL IS ESSENTIAL FOR ENHANCING THE LIFE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE ENGINE.
OIL LEVEL SENSOR:
AN OIL LEVEL SENSOR MONITERS THE OIL LEVEL LOCATED IN THE OIL PAN WHEN THE OIL LEVEL REACHES A SPECIFIC LEVEL THE SENSOR WILL ACTIVATE THE CHECK OIL LEVEL LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.
OIL PUMP:
AN OIL PUMP IS A MECHANICAL DEVICE THAT PUMPS OIL THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE, LUBRICATING ALL MOVING PARTS, SUCH AS CRANKSHAFTS
CAMS, LIFTERS, ETC.
OXYGEN SENSOR:
AN OXYGEN SENSOR IS MOUNTED IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM BEFORE AND AFTER THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE SENSOR GENERATES A SMALL
VOLTAGE RELATIVE TO THE AMOUNT OF OXYGEN PRESENT IN THE EXHAUST GASES AND RELAYS THIS TO THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT SO IT
CAN ADJUST TO THE PROPER AIR FUEL MIXTURE.
PCV VALVE:
THE PCV VALVE IS A POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION VALVE, IT’S A ONE WAY VALVE THAT RELEASES GASES THAT BUILD UP IN THE ENGINE WHILE IT IS RUNNING.
POWER STEERING PUMP:
THE POWER STEERING PUMP IS A DEVICE THAT WHEN IN OPERATION PUMPS POWER STEERING FLUID THROUGH THE STEERING SYSTEM TO
MAKE STEERING AND CONTROLING AN AUTOMIBLE EASIER TO OPERATE.
POWER STEERING GEAR BOX:
THE POWER STEERING GEAR IS CONNECTED DIRECTLY TO THE STEERING COLUMN AND WHEN IN OPERATION
AND WHEN IN OPERATION WILL MOVE THE TIE RODS AND STEERING LINK IN THE DIRECTION THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES.
THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR IS A TUBEULER PART WITH TIE RODS ON THE END OF IT, WITH ONE ROUND GEAR AND A LONG FLAT GEAR WHEN THE ROUND GEAR ROTATES IT CAUSES THE FLAT GEAR TO
MOVE IN A SIDE TO SIDE MOTION. THE RACK AND PINION GEAR IS
CONNECTED DIRECTLY TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP VIA A HIGH PRESSURE HYDRAULIC HOSE.
RECEIVER DRIER:
A RECEIVER DRIER IS A TANK IN THE AC SYSTEM THAT REMOVES MOISTURE FROM THE SYSTEM, AND STORES EXTRA FREON IN ITS TANK.
RELAYS:
A RELAY IS AN ELECTRICAL SWITCH WHICH ALLOWS A LOWER POWER TO CONTROL A HIGHER POWER. A SMALL CURRENT WILL CAUSE THE RELAY GATE TO CLOSE ALLOWING A LARGER CURRENT TO FLOW THROUGH IT. MANY OF THE SYSTEMS ON A MODERN CAR ARE CONTROLED BY RELAYS SUCH AS OVERLOAD RELAY, WINDOW RELAYS, A/C SYSTEM RELAYS, WIPER RELAYS, ABS RELAYS, AND FUEL PUMP RELAYS.
RADIATOR :
A RADIATOR CONSISTS OF TWO TANKS ATTACHED TO NUMBER OF TUBES ATTACHED IN SERIES. WHEN THE RADIATOR IS IN OPERATION THE COOLANT IN THE SYSTEM IS CIRCULATED BY THE WATER PUMP. WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION THE AIR FLOWS THROUGH THE RADIATOR HITTING AN ACCORDIAN TYPE FIN BETWEEN THE TUBES AND COOLS THE
COOLANT AS IT CIRCULATES.
ROCKER COVER:
THE ROCKER COVER OR VALVE COVER IS A PAN LIKE PART THAT COVERS THE VALVE TRAIN MOUNTED TO THE CYLINDER HEAD. THIS COVER KEEPS OIL IN AND DIRT OUT.
ROCKER COVER GASKET:
THE ROCKER COVER GASKET SUPPLIES A RUBBER SEAL BETWEEN THE VALVE COVER AND THE CYLINDER HEAD.
SPARK PLUG:
A SPARK PLUG IS A DEVICE THAT IS CONNECTED TO THE CYLINDER HEAD AND IS ATTACHED TO A COIL. WHEN A CHARGE IS APPLIED THE SPARK PLUG CREATES A SPARK THAT IGNITES THE FUEL IN THE CYLINDER.
STARTER RING GEAR:
THE RING GEAR IS A ROUND MACHINED PEACE OF STEEL THAT IS BOLTED TO THE FLYWHEEL AND WORKS IN CONJUCTION WITH THE STATER TO START THE ENGINE.
STARTER MOTOR:
THE STARTER MOTOR IS AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE WITH A SMALL GEAR ON IT THAT MATCHES THE GEARING ON THE RING GEAR. WHEN ELECTRICITY IS APPLIED IT ENGAGES THE RING GEAR AND SPINS THE
ENGINE TO START IT.
SMOG PUMP:
A SMOG PUMP IS A BELT DRIVEN PUMP THAT FORCES AIR INTO THE EXHAUST PORTS. THE OUTSIDE AIR WILL STIMULATE THE CONTINUED
BURNING OF THE EXHAUST GASES LEAVING THE EXHAUST PORT AND ENTERING THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
STEERING DAMPNER:
A STEERING DAMPNER IS A SHOCK LIKE PART THAT IS CONNECTED TO THE STEERING SYSTEM AT THE CENTER LINK AND THE FRAME. WHEN
A CAR IS IN THE PROCESS OF STEERING THIS SHOCK APPLIES SOME RESISTANCE DURING THE TURN STABALIZING THE CONTROL OF THE
AUTOMOBILE. WHEN THE TURN IS COMPLETE THIS SHOCK ALSO ASSISTS
BRINGING THE STTRING BACK TO CENTER.
THERMOSTAT:
A THERMOSTAT IS A DEVICE THAT CONTROLS THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE IN THE ENGINE. WHEN THE ENGINE IS FIRST STARTED
THE COOLANT IS COLD AND THE THERMOSTAT ONLY ALLOWS A SMALL
AMOUNT OF COOLANT TO CIRCULATE FROM THE ENGINE, AS TH ENGINE.
TEMPERATURE INCREASES THE THERMOSTAT CONTINUES TO OPEN
UNTIL PROPER ENGINE TEMPERATURE IS MET.
TEMPERATURE SENSOR:
THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR TRACKS THE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND RELAYS THIS INFORMATION TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS TEMPERATURE GAGE INSIDE THE CARS INTERIOR.
TIMMING CHAIN :
A TIMMING CHAIN IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF AN ENGINE. WHEN AN ENGINE IS PROPERLY TIMED WITH THE CAM OR CAMS AND THE CRANKSHAFT, THE TIMMING CHAIN IS INSTALLED, THIS CHAIN ALLOWS
THE ENGINE TO RUN AT ANY SPEED AND STAY SYNCHRONIZED.
TIMMING CHAIN TENSIONER:
THE TIMMING CHAIN TENSIONER APPLIES A SPRING LOADED FORCE TO THE TIMMING CHAIN, TO HELP KEEP THE CHAIN IN TIME WITH THE CAMSHAFT AND CRANKSHAFT.
TRANSMISSION:
A TRANSMISSION IS A COMPONENT LOCATED BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND DIFFERENTIAL. THE TRANSMISSION HAS A NUMBER OF GEARS THAT SHIFT FROM A LOW GEAR TO A DRIVE (HIGH) GEAR, THIS ALLOWS THE ENGINE TO RUN AT A RELATIVELY CONSTANT RPM AND GAIN HIGHER SPEEDS WITH A LOWER RPM. WITH A MANUEL TRANSMISSION THE PROCESS IS THE SAME AS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BUT THE DRIVER DOES THE SHIFTING.
A VALVE STEM SEAL KIT ARE SEALS THAT PREVENT OIL FROM ENTERING THE CYLINDER FROM THE HEAD.
VOLTAGE REGULATOR :
A VOLTAGE REGULATOR IS TYPICALY MOUNTED ON THE BACK OF AND ALTERNATOR AND IT CONTROLS THE ELECTRICAL OUTPUT OF THE ALTERNATOR.
WASHER LEVEL SENSOR:
THE WASHER LEVEL SENSOR TRACKS THE LEVEL OF FLUID IN THE WINDSHIELD WASHER SYSTEM. WHEN THE FLUID GETS DOWN TO A PREDETERMINED LEVEL IT SENDS A SIGNAL TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND INDICATS THE NEED TO REFILL THE WASHER TANK.
WASHER PUMP:
THE WASHER PUMP IS A DEVICE THAT PUMPS WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID TO THE WINDSHIELD SO THE WIPERS CAN CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD.
WASHER RESERVOIR:
THE WASHER RESERVOIR IS A TANK THAT HOLDS THE WASHER FLUID AND HOUSES THE WASHER PUMP, LEVEL SENSOR, AND OPTIONAL HEATER
WATER PUMP:
A WATER PUMP CIRCULATES THE COOLANT THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE . A WATER PUMP IS TYPICALLY MADE OF ALUMINIUM WITH AN IMPELLER THAT SPINS TO CIRCULATE THE COOLANT.
WATER PUMP/AUXILIARY:
AN AUXILIARY WATER PUMP IS A SMALL ELECTRIC PUMP MOTOR. IT’S FUNCTION IS TO CIRCULATE COOLANT THROUGH OUT THE HEATING SYSTEM OF THE CAR.
WHEEL AND AXLE SPEED SENSOR:
THE WHEEL AND AXLE SPEED SENSORS ARE ELECTROMAGNETIC SENORS THAT MONITOR THE SPEED OF THE WHEEL AND AXLE AND RELAYS THE INFORMATION TO THE ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM)
WHEEL SPINDLE:
A WHEEL SPINDLE IS A SHAFT MOUNTED TO THE CONTROL ARMS OF A NON POWERED WHEEL, AND SUPPORTS THE WHEEL BEARING, WHEEL HUB AND TIRE OF AN AUTOMOBILE.
WINDSHIELD WASHER HEATER:
THE WINDSHIELD WASHER HEATER IS A PIPE, SHAPED LIKE A COIL THAT IS MOUNTED INSIDE THE WASHER RESERVOIR THAT HAS THE ENGINES HEATED COOLANT CIRCULATE THROUGH IT TO HEAT THE WASHER FLUID
IN THE RESERVOIR.
WINDOW REGULATOR:
A WINDOW REGULATOR IS PART THAT IS ATTACHED TO A DOOR GLASS. THE WINDOW REGULATOR HAS A SERIES OF ARMS AND GEARS THAT WHEN ROTATED MAKES THE DOOR WINDOWS MOVE UP AND DOWN USING A HAND CRANK IN MANUSL REGULATORS, OR AN ELECTRIC MOTOR WITH A SWITCH IN AN ELECTRICAL REGULATOR.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE:
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE REMOVES WATER AND DIRT FROM A WINDSHIELD BY MOVING IN A BACK AND FORTH MOTION ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD.
WIRE HARNESS, ENGINE:
THE MAIN ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS A BUNDLE OF WIRES WITH CONNECTORS ATTACHED TO IT. THIS IS CONNECTED TO THE ENGINES
ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT AND TO THE ENGINE SENSORS, INJECTION
SYSTEM, AND FUEL MONITERING SYSTEMS.