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D GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND SYMBOLS
BATTERY
Stores chemical energy and convertsit into electrical energy. Provides DC current for the auto's various electrical circuits.
CAPACITOR (Condenser)
A small holding unit for temporary storage of electrical voltage Capacitors with a ground connection are frequently called Condensers.
CIGARETTE LIGHTER
An electric resistance heating element.
CIRCUIT BREAKER
Basically a reusable fuse, a circuit breaker will heat and open if too much current flows through it. Some units automatically reset when cool, others must be manually reset.
DIODE
A semiconductor which allows current flow in only one direction.
DIODE, ZENER
A diode which allows current flow in one direction but blocks reverse flow only up to a specific voltage. Above that potential, it passes the excess voltage. This acts as a simple voltage regulator.
DISTRIBUTOR, IIA
Channels high-voltage current from the ignition coil to the individual spark plugs.
FUSE
A thin metal strip which burns through when too much current flows through it, thereby stopping current flow and protecting a circuit from damage.
FUSIBLE LINK
A heavy-gauge wire placed in high amperage circuits which burns through on overloads, thereby protecting the circuit.
GROUND
The point at which wiring attaches to the chassis, thereby providing a return path for an electrical circuit; without a ground, current cannot flow.
HEADLIGHTS
Current flow causes a headlight filament to heat up and emit light. A headlight may have either a single (1) filament or a double (2) filament.
1. SINGLE FILAMENT
2. DOUBLE FILAMENT
HORN
An electric device which sounds a loud audible signal.
IGNITION COIL
Converts low-voltage DC current into high-voltage ignition current for firing the spark plugs.
LIGHT
Current flow through a filament causes the filament to heat up and emit light.
LED (LIGHT EMITTING DIODE)
Upon current flow, these diodes emit light without producing the heat of a comparable light. Used in instrument displays.
METER, ANALOG
Current flow activates a magnetic coil which causes a needle to move, thereby providing a relative display against a background calibration.
METER, DIGITAL
Current flow activates one or many LED's, LCD's, or flourescent displays, which provide a relative or digital display.
FUEL
MOTOR
A power unit which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, especially rotary motion.
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