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
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