METER, ANALOGCurrent flow activates a magnetic
coil which causes a needle to
move, thereby providing a relative
display against a background
calibration.
LED (LIGHT EMITTING DIODE)
Upon current flow, these diodes
emit light without producing the
heat of a comparable light.
IGNITION COIL
Converts low±voltage DC current
into high±voltage ignition current
for firing the spark plugs.
1. SINGLE
FILAMENT
GROUND
The point at which wiring attaches
to the Body, thereby providing a
return path for an electrical circuit;
without a ground, current cannot
flow. 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.
BATTERY
Stores chemical energy and
converts it 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.
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.
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.
The numbers indicate the cross±
section surface area of the wires. HORN
An electric device which sounds a
loud audible signal.
LIGHT Current flow through a filament
causes the filament to heat up
and emit light.
METER, DIGITAL Current flow activates one or
many LED's, LCD's, or fluorescent
displays, which provide a relative
or digital display.
MOTOR A power unit which converts
electrical energy into mechanical
energy, especially rotary motion.
CIGARETTE LIGHTER
An electric resistance heating
element.
DISTRIBUTOR, IIA Channels high±voltage current
from the ignition coil to the
individual spark plugs. 2. DOUBLE
FILAMENT
HEADLIGHTS
FUEL
(for High Current Fuse or
Fusible Link)
(for Medium Current Fuse)
M
16
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND SYMBOLS
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