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AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICAL TERMS A

AAA
Abbreviation for the American Automobile Association. AAA, in conjunction with various local motor clubs, often certifies various repair facilities. The approved facilities must meet certain minimum standards of service to be listed in the local AAA directory.

ABS
Acronym for "Anti-lock Brake System." Vehicles equipped with ABS use wheel speed sensors and a computer-controlled brake pressure regulator to prevent wheel lock-up during sudden stops. When the computer senses one wheel is slowing faster than the others (indicating it is about to lock-up and skid), the computer reduces brake pressure to that wheel by momentarily isolating brake pressure, releasing pressure then reapplying pressure in rapid sequence. This allows the wheel to regain traction so the vehicle does not skid. ABS also allows the driver to maintain steering control while braking hard on wet or slick surfaces. ABS improves braking safety on wet or slick surfaces. For more information about antilock brakes, see Antilock Brakes.

ABS WARNING LIGHT
An indicator light on the instrument panel that warns the driver when there is a problem with the ABS system. When the ignition is first switched on, the ABS warning light should come on and remain on for several seconds for a bulb check. If the light fails to go out or comes on while driving, it signals a potential problem with the ABS system. The ABS system is usually disabled if the ABS warning light is on while driving (this should have no effect on normal braking -- unless the brake warning light is also on). The light is also used for diagnostic purposes when retrieving flash codes (trouble codes) from the ABS module.

ACCUMULATOR-DRYER
A container for receiving refrigerant liquid, vapor and oil from the evaporator. Its primary function is to separate the vapor from the liquid and oil, then release the vapor to the compressor. The accumulator also contains desiccant to absorb moisture.

ACKERMAN PRINCIPLE
The creation of toe-out when turning to minimize tire wear. To create the proper geometry, the steering arms are angled to turn the inside wheel at a sharper angle than the outside wheel. This allows the inside wheel to follow a smaller radius circle than the outside wheel.

ACTIVE SUSPENSIONS
A computerized hydraulic suspension system that uses hydraulic "actuators" instead of conventional springs and shock absorbers to support the vehicles weight. A "chassis computer" monitors ride height, wheel deflection, body roll and acceleration to control ride and body attitude. Bumps are sensed as they are encountered, causing the computer to vent pressure from the wheel actuator as the wheel floats over the bump. Once the bump has passed, the computer opens a vent that allows hydraulic pressure to extend the actuator back to its original length. The only production active suspension was used on the Infiniti Q45.

AIR CONDITIONING (A/C)
A system that cools and dehumidifies air entering the passenger compartment. The system uses a refrigerant to cool the air and carry heat away from the passenger compartment. Major system components include a compressor, condenser, evaporator, accumulator or receiver/dryer, and orifice tube or expansion valve. Do not intermix different types of refrigerants in an A/C system. Use the type specified by the vehicle manufacturer (R12 for most 1994 & older vehicles, or R134a for most 1995 and newer vehicles). For more information, see Troubleshooting Air Conditioning Problems. Also see Retrofit.

AIR DELIVERY SYSTEM
Also called plenum, HVAC unit or evaporator housing. This component contains the air ducts, doors and blower fan that deliver air through or around the evaporator and heater cores. It then delivers air to various passenger compartment outlets and ducts.

AIR FILTER
A filter used to keep dirty air from entering the engine. The filter element is typically resin impregnated cellulose fibers (paper) with a mixture of synthetic fibers. The filter is located in a housing that is attached to the throttle body, or in a housing that sits atop the carburetor. See Check Your Air Filter

AIRFLOW SENSOR
A device that is used in many electronic fuel injection systems (See Electronic Fuel Injection) for measuring the volume of air entering the engine. Some use a spring loaded vane while others use a hot wire or heated filament to sense air flow.

AIR/FUEL RATIO
This is the relative proportion of air and fuel delivered by the carburetor or fuel injection to the engine. The "ideal" air/fuel ratio is 14.7 parts of air to every one part fuel. Less air or more fuel and the mixture is said to be rich. More air or less fuel and the mixture is said to be lean. Rich mixtures provide more power but also use more fuel and increase exhaust emissions. Lean mixtures use less fuel, but if too lean cause misfiring at idle. An engine requires a richer mixture when starting (See Choke) and while warming up. The air/fuel ratio at idle can be adjusted by turning the idle mixture screw on the carburetor (See Idle Mixture). To alter the mixture above idle, the main metering jets inside the carburetor must be changed. With electronic fuel injection, no changes can be made because the mixture is determined by the duration (on time) of the injector(s). The longer the injectors are on, the richer the mixture (See Electronic Fuel Injection).

AIR INJECTION
Supplies fresh air to the exhaust system, which helps oxidize HC and CO, and, gives the catalytic converter the extra air it needs to oxidize those pollutants. Some vehicles use an air pump while others use an aspirator system to route air into the exhaust.

AIR INLET DOOR
A movable door in the air distribution assembly that allows either passenger compartment or outside air to be delivered to the air conditioning air distribution system.

AIR PUMP
An emission control device on some engines that pumps air into the exhaust system so the catalytic converter can "reburn" pollutants in the exhaust.

AIR SHOCKS
A type of overload shock absorber that can be inflated with air to increase the suspensions load carrying ability.

AIR SPRINGS
Air-filled rubber or elastomer bags that are pressurized to provide support to the suspension. Air springs are used in place of conventional coil springs on some vehicles. Aftermarket air springs can be installed inside coil springs or between the axle and frame to provide additional lift support for handling overloads or towing.

AIR SUSPENSION
A type of suspension that uses air springs instead of conventional steel springs. Computer operated vents on the air springs, suspension sensors and an onboard air compressor allow the system to maintain ride height and vary the suspensions ride characteristics. See Servicing Air Ride Suspensions.

AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
This sensor measures the temperature of air in the intake stream or intake manifold. An air temperature value is needed by the PCM to calculate the air/fuel ratio, as air density changes with temperature. The Intake Air Temperatrue (IAT) sensor is usually mounted in the intake manifold, or incorporated into the mass airflow sensor. See Air Temperature Sensors.

ALCOHOL
Alcohol is used as a gasoline additive to boost the octane rating of the fuel (See Octane and Gasohol) and to oxygenate the fuel (makes it burn cleaner). Two types of alcohol may be used: ethanol or methanol. Ethanol is the most commonly used alcohol. It is made by distilling fermented corn, sugar beets or sugar cane. Ethanol is the same kind of grain alcohol that goes into booze. Methanol, on the other hand, is made primarily from coal, and is highly poisonous. Ethanol blend fuels typically have a 10 percent ethanol content. Methanol blends are limited to 5 percent because methanol can be corrosive in higher concentrations. For more information, see E85 Ethanol Fuel and Alternative Fuels.

ALIGNMENT
Although most people think of the front wheels when alignment is mentioned, it actually refers to all four wheels. All four wheels should be perpendicular to the road and parallel to one another for the best handling, traction and tire life. If the wheels are out of alignment, rapid or uneven tire wear, and/or a steering pull to one side can result. Four wheel alignment, as opposed to a basic two wheel alignment, is very important today especially on vehicles with independent rear suspensions and/or front-wheel drive. The three basic alignment angles are toe, camber and caster, but on some new cars caster and camber may not have factory adjustments. For these vehicles, aftermarket alignment kits may provide some adjustment. (See Camber, Caster and Toe). See Wheel Alignment.

ALIGNMENT SHIMS
Metal or plastic spacers used in the alignment process to alter camber, caster and/or toe. On rear-wheel drive applications, shims may be added to or removed from stacks of shims on the front control arms to change camber and/or caster. On front-wheel drive applications, partial shims or full contact shims may be positioned behind the rear axle spindle to vary rear toe and/or camber. Camber shims are also available for 4x4 axle applications. Some shims are adjustable or can be indexed various ways to provide incremental alignment corrections.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
A vehicle (usually a car) where all four wheels are driven. Most are fulltime systems for year-round driving, and use a viscous fluid coupling center differential instead of a transfer case to route drive torque to all four wheels. This allows the front and rear wheels to turn at slightly different speeds when turning on dry pavement.

ALTERNATOR
The component in a vehicles charging system that makes electricity. The alternators job is to keep the battery fully charged, and to provide additional current to meet the demands of the ignition system, lights and other accessories. Vehicles equipped with air conditioning and numerous electrical accessories require an alternator with a higher output capacity than a vehicle without such amenities. Alternator capacities are rated in amps, with typical outputs ranging from 50 to 80 amps. When the alternator or its control device, the "voltage regulator," goes bad, the alternator light on the dash will glow red. If a vehicle has a charge indicator, it will show a continual discharge or low voltage. Without the supply of electricity to keep it charged, the battery soon goes dead. Sometimes a slipping drive belt is all that is wrong but usually the alternator and/or regulator need to be replaced. See Alternator Testing.

AMBIENT AIR
Air outside the vehicle passenger compartment.

AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE
The temperature of the air outside the vehicle. The value is measured with an air temperature sensor. See Air Temperature Sensors.

AMBIENT COMPRESSOR SWITCH
Energizes the compressor clutch when ambient air temperature is above 32 degrees F. This switch also prevents compressor clutch engagement at temperatures below 32 degrees F.

ANTIFREEZE
Antifreeze protects the cooling system against both freezing and boiling over. When used at normal strength (50% antifreeze, 50% water), it can lower the freezing point of the coolant to -34 degrees F. and raise its boiling temperature to 276 degrees F. Never use straight antifreeze in a cooling system. Always mix it with at least 50% water. Most antifreeze is 95% ethylene glycol (EG). The only differences between brands of antifreeze are the type and/or quantity of anti-corrosion additives used. Ethylene glycol never wears out but the corrosion inhibitors do. That is why antifreeze should be changed every two years (except for long life antifreezes, which have special additive packages that allow them to go up to 5 years/150,000 miles between changes). For the environmentally concerned, propylene glycol (PG) antifreeze is also available at slightly higher cost. PG antifreeze is less toxic than ethylene glycol. See Types of Antifreeze.

ASE
Abbreviation for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. ASE certifies professional automotive technicians in various areas of repair expertise. A technician who has passed one or more tests is allowed to wear the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence on his uniform, and any repair facility that employs certified mechanics can display the ASE sign. See ASE website.

ASPIRATOR VALVE
A one-way valve attached to the exhaust system of an engine that admits air during periods of vacuum between exhaust pressure pulses. Used to help oxidize HC and CO, and to supply additional air which the catalytic converter may require. Can be used instead of a belt-driven air injection pump in some applications. Called "Pulse-Air" in GM systems.

ASR
Automatic Slip Regulation. See Traction Control.

ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
Air pressure at any given altitude: 14.69 psi at sea level. This pressure decreases as altitude increases.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
A type of transmission that shifts itself. A fluid coupling or torque converter is used instead of a manually operated clutch to connect the transmission to the engine. Newer automatics use electronic controls to regulate shifting and torque converter lockup. See Automatic Transmission Diagnosis.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF)
A special kind of oil for use in automatic transmissions. There are several types: Dexron II, Dexron III, Type F, Mercon, Mercon V, Chrysler 7176 and several varieties of Chrysler ATF-Plus. All are "friction-modified" lubricants except Type F. Dexron II and Mercon have similar additive packages as do Dexron III and Mercon V. Even so, use only the type of ATF specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Using the wrong type of ATF can cause transmission problems. If you do not know what type of fluid the transmission takes, READ THE OWNERS MANUAL! Some dipsticks are also marked as to the type of ATF required. "Universal" ATF fluids are available that supposedly meet the OEM requirements for many friction-modified applications, but make sure the label says it meets the specific vehicle requirements before using. The newer ATFs such as Dexron III and Mercon V are longer lived than earlier ATFs, but can still oxidize if the transmission runs too hot. Trailer towing is especially hard on ATF unless the transmission is equipped with an auxiliary oil cooler. Recommended change interval for older vehicles is every 24,000 to 30,000 miles. For newer vehicles, see the owners manual. See Automatic Transmission Fluid Types & Appolications.

AXLE, FRONT
A crossbeam that supports the weight of the vehicle (typically a truck) and is connected to the spindles with king pins.

AXLE,REAR
May refer to the drive axles that connect both rear wheels to a center differential in a rear-wheel drive vehicle, or a crossbeam that connects both rear wheels and supports the rear of the vehicle in a front-wheel drive application.

AZEOTROPE
Refers to a blend of two or more refrigerants that will not separate fractionate) and have different temperature and pressure characteristics than any of the separate ingredients.

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