17
E GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND SYMBOLS
METER, ANALOG
Current 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
Convert low-voltage DC current
into high-voltage ingition 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.
PHOTODIODE
The photodiode is a
semiconductor which controls the
current flow according to the
amount of light.
FUSE
A thin metal strip which burns
through when too much current
flows through it, thereby stop-
ping 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 fluoresent
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
M
(for High Current Fuse or
Fusible Link.)
(for Medium Current Fuse)
