Thursday, 28 March 2024, 9:03 PM
Site: IMI eLearning
Course: IMI eLearning (IMI eLearning)
Glossary: Automotive Glossary
E
E.C. (E)European Commission (Executive). |
E.C.UElectronic Control Unit." |
E.C.U.Electronic Control Unit. |
E.M.F.(emf.)Electro Motive Force. |
E2PROMElectrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory |
EACVElectronic Air Control Valve |
Early Fuel EvaporationEarly fuel evaporation system using a heater element below a carburettor to heat the intake air and improve atomisation at cold engine speeds. Improves driveability and reduces harmful exhaust emissions. |
Earth (Ground)The electrical termination for components connected into a vehicle direct current earth return circuit. On mains electricity a safety route for an electrical short circuit used as a means of protecting people or electrical components from electrical overload.(Ground - US term) |
Earth (Ground) CableThe battery cable connecting the return side of a vehicle circuit to a terminal on the battery where a ground return circuit is used. (Ground - US term). |
Earth SwitchingUsed to describe a circuit where the switch breaks the earth side of the circuit instead of the supply side. |
Earth SwitcingSee Earth Switching! |
EATXElectronically controlled automatic transmission. |
EBCMElectronic Brake Control Module |
EBMElectronic Body Module |
ECAElectronic Control Assembly |
ECATElectronic Control of Automatic Transmission |
EccentricOff centre. Usually refers to a rotating component with the operational part rotating about the central axis of the shaft. An example is a round cam offset from the shaft axis. |
ECMEngine control module. The electronic control module for engine management systems. |
ECTEngine coolant temperature sensor or sender. |
ECUElectronic Control Unit. |
EDCElectronic Diesel Control. |
Edge-to-edgePainting technique where full panels are sprayed without blending into masked off adjacent panelwork, or where panels are removed from the vehicle to be painted |
EDISElectronic distributor or distributorless ignition system. |
EDPExplanation Demonstration Participation – a reminder of a good way to teach something practical to somebody. |
EECElectronic engine control module. |
EEPROMElectronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory |
EFCElectronic Fuel Control |
EFCAElectronic Fuel Control Assembly |
EFEEarly fuel evaporation system using a heater element below a carburettor to heat the intake air and improve atomisation at cold engine speeds. Improves driveability and reduces harmful exhaust emissions. |
EfficiencyA measure of effectiveness given as a ratio, percentage or decimal value (co-efficient) based on actual and possible performance. |
Efficiency (energy)Energy conversion efficiency is the ratio between the useful output of an energy conversion machine and the input, in energy terms. The useful output may be electric power, mechanical work, or heat. |
EfficientTo produce work without wasting time and energy. |
EffortA force or action that tries to achieve something. |
EFIElectronic fuel injection using sensors, an electronic control unit and fuel injectors to spray fuel into a central throttle body or the inlet ports. Provides very close control of fuel mixture under all operating conditions. |
EGOExhaust Gas Oxygen Sensor. Also HEGO - Heated Exhaust Gas Oxygen Sensor, EOS Exhaust Oxygen Sensor and Lambda sensor. Provides information to the fuel system ECU on the oxygen content in the exhaust gas. |
EGRExhaust gas recirculation. An emission control system that uses an exhaust gas feed into the intake air stream to reduce the mass of oxygen in the air charge and limit the formation of harmful oxides. |
EGRPSEGR Valve Position Sensor |
EGRTEGR Temperature |
EIElectronic Ignition |
Elastic LimitAmount of deflection in a spring that can be tolerated before permanent deformation occurs. |
ElasticityThe property of materials that can deform and return to their original shape without permanent deformation. |
Electric FieldArea round an electric charge in which an electric force is exerted. |
Electrical EnergyThe potential of electricity to do work. |
Electro Motive Force (e.m.f.)Voltage or pressure in a circuit. |
Electro Motive Force (emf.)Electrical energy available to a circuit at the battery or generator. |
Electro PlatingCoating with chromium, silver, etc. by electrolysis. |
Electro-coating (Electrophoretic coating)Electro-coating is an organic coating method that uses electrical current to deposit paint onto vehicle bodies, part, or other assembled products. |
ElectrodeUsually a metallic conductor which conducts electricity into a liquid, a gas, a vacuum or on to the surface of a solid. |
ElectrodepositionA method by which paint is applied electrically by immersing electrodes and the work to be painted in a water-based paint and applying a direct electrical current to them. |
ElectrohydraulicA combination of electrical and hydraulic control systems. |
ElectroluminescenceElectroluminescence (EL) is an optical and electrical phenomenon in which a material emits light in response to an electric current passed through it, or to a strong electric field. It is used on in car entertainment systems and instruments on some vehicles. |
ElectrolyteA liquid that conducts electricity. Battery acid is a good example. |
ElectromagnetA magnet formed by a soft iron core and an electrical winding about the core. Becomes a magnet when an electrical current flows through the windings. |
ElectromagneticSee electromagnet. |
Electromagnetic OscillationChanges from one value to another in a circuit. Usually produces a sine wave output or similar. |
Electromagnetic SolenoidA solenoid (coil of wire) that is used to operate an actuator such as a fuel injection. |
Electromagnetic ValveA valve that is operated by a coil of wire, which becomes magnetic when switched on. |
ElectronElectrons form the outer shell layers of atoms and orbit the protons and neutrons in the nucleus. The electrons have negative polarity and are electrically negative in opposition to the positive charge of the protons. |
Electron ShellTerm used to describe the orbit of electrons round a nucleus. |
ElectronicElectrical systems operated or controlled by semi-conductor devices. |
Electronic ControlSystem usually based round an electronic control unit where the operation of the system is pre-programmed. |
Electronic IgnitionPetrol ignition system in which switching semi-conductors make and break the low tension circuit. |
ElectrostaticDescribes the electrical state of something as in static (not flowing) electricity. |
ElementThe basic form of a material. |
Electronic Mail. Messages sent from one person to another electronically via a computer. |
EMCElectromagnetic compatibility. EMC requirements stipulate that a device shall not cause interference within itself or in other devices, or be susceptible to interference from other devices. |
Emergency BrakeA legal requirement for all vehicles provided by a split hydraulic circuit or a mechanically operated parking brake. |
Emery PaperCarborundum grit on a backing sheet. |
EMIElectromagnetic Interference |
Emission ControlSystems on the vehicle to control (limit) toxic emission. |
Emission-controlSystems on the vehicle to control (limit) toxic emission. |
EmitterTerminal of a transistor that becomes conductive when the base is energised. |
EmoticonsA way of expressing emotions in online communication. E.g., :-) |
EMRElectronic Module Retard |
EmulsionA suspension of fine particles in a liquid. The dispersed particles may be binder, pigments, or other ingredients. |
Emulsion TubeCombined main and compensating jet tubes in a carburettor with provision for drawing air into the fuel flow to create an emulsion at higher engine speeds, thus preventing over-richness and improving fuel distribution. |
ENEN European Standard e.g. BS EN 50342-2:2007 relates to: Lead-acid starter batteries and is a combined British and European standard (Dimensions of batteries and marking of terminals) |
EnamelA paint type which forms a film by absorbing oxygen during curing. Characterised by slow drying and having a highly glossy, finished appearance without polishing. |
End FloatLongitudinal play in shaft, intentional or otherwise. |
End PlayAlternative term for end float. Longitudinal play in shaft, intentional or otherwise. |
EnergyAn ability to perform work. SI unit is the 'Joule'. |
EngagementThe act of making a connection between two gears of through a clutch. |
Engaging PinA simple pin used to make a drive connection. |
Engaging PlungerGeneral term to describe a plunger that engages something! Often part of a gearbox. |
Engine AnalyserComplex test equipment used to check a variety of engine operating functions and conditions. An oscilloscope is usually included. |
Engine AnalyzerComplex test equipment used to check a variety of engine operating functions and conditions. An oscilloscope is usually included. |
Engine BlockMain part of the engine that contains the cylinders. |
Engine CompartmentThe space under the bonnet! |
Engine LoadHow hard the engine is having to work. For example, accelerating uphill creates a high load. |
Engine ManagementGeneral term used to describe the control of engine operating functions such as ignition and fuelling. Usually related to electronic control. |
Engine MapA three dimensional map held in a microprocessor that provides an optimum set of values for the control of ignition timing, ignition dwell period and fuel quantities for all engine operating conditions. |
Engine Speed SensorProvides information on engine speed to engine management systems (transducer). |
Engine Support BeamsA bar that is used to support an engine, for example, after the transmission has been removed. |
Engine Temp. SensorEngine temperature sender unit for temperature gauge and engine management systems (thermistor). |
Engine TorqueThe amount of turning force produced by an engine. Usually quoted at a set speed. |
EnrichmentProcess of increasing the mixture strength / reducing the air fuel ratio. |
EOBDEuropean Onboard Diagnostics |
EOSEOS Exhaust Oxygen Sensor. Provides information to the fuel system ECU on the oxygen content in the exhaust gas. Also EGO Exhaust Gas Oxygen Sensor, HEGO Heated Exhaust Gas Oxygen Sensor and Lambda sensor. |
EPAEnvironmental Protection Agency |
Epicyclic GearSee Epicyclical Gearing. |
Epicyclical GearingA gear system, consisting in basic form of an internally toothed annulus or ring gear and a central externally toothed sun wheel, with usually three or four planet wheels or gears meshing with the sun wheel and annulus. The planet wheels are often carried as a unit on a planet carrier or spider. Holding the rotation of the planet carrier, annulus or sun wheel will provide a transmission ratio between the two remaining elements. Planetary gear sets can be coupled to increase the available number of ratios. |
EpitrochoidAn epitrochoid is a shape traced by a point attached to a circle of radius r rolling around the outside of a fixed circle of radius R, where the point is a distance d from the centre of the exterior circle. It is the shape of the cylinder in a Wankel engine. |
EPOSEGR Valve Position Sensor |
EpoxyA type of paint, adhesive or plastic noted for high mechanical strength, good adhesion and excellent chemical resistance. |
EPROMErasable Programmable Read Only Memory. |
EPTExhaust Electronic Pressure Transducer. |
ESCElectronic Spark Control |
ESTElectronic Spark Timing |
EsterA type of organic compound used as active solvents. |
EstimateAn opinion or judgement. |
ETEmergency Testing – the process by which testing may continue when the computerised system is not available due to a wide scale failure affecting a significant number of VTSs. |
Etch PrimerPrimer with an acid (usually Phosphoric) content. The purpose of the Etch primer in a coating system is to improve the adhesion and corrosion performance of the undercoat system. Their use is recommended when working with ferrous substrates, and essential on non-ferrous substrates |
EtchingThe process of a strong chemical cutting into unprotected parts of a metal. |
EthanolEthyl-alcohol produced from starches and sugar plants and used as an octane enhancer. |
Ethyl AcetateA fast evaporating ester solvent. |
Ethyl AlcoholAn inexpensive, fast evaporating solvent or diluent. |
Ethylene GlycolAnti-freeze. Chemical used to lower freezing point of coolant. |
EUThe European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 27 (as at 2010) member states, located primarily in Europe. Committed to regional integration, the EU was established by the Treaty of Maastricht on 1 November 1993. |
Evaluation CircuitAn electronic circuit used to decide a course of action. |
EVAPEmission control system that uses a charcoal canister to prevent fuel tank vapours from venting to the atmosphere. The vapours are drawn into the engine during specific running conditions to purge the canister. |
EvaporationThe change from liquid to a gas. When solvents leave a wet paint film, they usually do so by evaporation. |
Evaporation RateThe speed at which any liquid evaporates. |
Evaporative CanisterA canister usually containing charcoal that prevents emissions from the fuel tank due to evaporation. |
EvaporatorA radiator in the air conditioning system fitted in the heater and A/C housing. The refrigerant passes through the pipes in the evaporator and vaporises to absorb heat and therefore cool the air stream flowing into the vehicle passenger compartment. |
EvidenceThis is what a candidates needs to produce to prove they have the skills required. |
EVPEGR Valve Position Sensor |
EVRElectronic vacuum regulator solenoid on EGR system. |
Excess Pressure ValveA pressure relief valve that opens if pressure exceeds a set value. Often for safety reasons. |
Exhaust Blow-byGases from the exhaust bypassing a component, for example, the piston rings or a valve in a turbocharger. |
Exhaust EmissionsSubstances vented into the atmosphere from an exhaust system. |
Exhaust Gas AnalyserAn instrument for measuring the constituent gases in the exhaust. |
Exhaust Gas AnalyzerSee Exhaust Gas Analyser. |
Exhaust Gas RecirculationAn emission control system that uses an exhaust gas feed into the intake air stream to reduce the mass of oxygen in the air charge and limit the formation of harmful oxides. |
Exhaust ManifoldHeat resisting ducting that connects the exhaust ports of an engine to an exhaust pipe. |
Exhaust PortsOutlets in the cylinder head for the exhaust after the valve opens. In a two-stroke engine the ports are in the side of the cylinder. |
Exhaust StrokeThe last stroke of the four stroke cycle when the burnt gases are expelled to the atmosphere. |
ExpansionAn increase in size. For example, when a metal rod is heated it increases in length and diameter. Opposite of contraction. |
Expansion BoxOpen muffler in the exhaust system to reduce the noise. |
Extender PigmentAn inert, usually colourless and semi-transparent pigment used in paints to fortify and lower the price of pigment systems. |
Extension HousingUsually describes an extra housing on the rear of a transmission gearbox. |
External assessmentA test set externally to check portfolio evidence. |
External CustomerOne outside of an organisation. |