DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ci"

CI
  1. Acronym for compression ignition
  2. Acronym for coil ignition
CI-4
CI-4

API CI-4 Category

An API classification for Diesel engine oil for use in high speed, four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2004 exhaust emission standards, to be implemented October 2002. These oils are compounded for use in all applications with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 0.05% by weight. These oils are especially effective at sustaining engine durability where EGR and other exhaust emission componentry may be used. Optimum protection is provided for control of corrosive wear tendencies, low and high temperature stability, soot handling properties, piston deposit control, valve train wear, oxidative thickening, foaming and viscosity loss due to shear. CI-4 oils are superior in performance to those meeting API CH-4, CG-4, and CF-4 and can effectively lubricate engines calling for those API Service Categories.
CI-4 Plus
API CI-4 Plus

API CI-4 Plus Category

An API classification for Diesel engine oil used in conjunction with API CI-4, the "CI-4 PLUS" designation identifies oils formulated to provide a higher level of protection against soot-related viscosity increase and viscosity loss due to shear in diesel engines. Like the words Energy Conserving, CI-4 PLUS appears in the lower portion of the API Service Symbol.
CID
Acronym for Cubic inch displacement.
Ciera
Oldsmobile Ciera Books

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Oldsmobile Ciera

A model of automobile manufactured by the Oldsmobile division of General Motors from 1982-96
CIF
  1. Acronym for cargo, insurance and freight -- cargos for which the seller pays for the transportation and insurance up to the port of destination.
  2. Acronym for cost, insurance, freight -- A type of sale in which the buyer of the product agrees to pay a unit price that includes the f.o.b. value of the product at the point of origin plus all costs of insurance and transportation. This type of a transaction differs from a delivered purchase, in that the buyer accepts the quantity as determined at the loading port (as certified by the Bill of Lading and Quality Report) rather than pay based on the quantity and quality ascertained at the unloading port. It is similar to the terms of an f.o.b. sale, except that the seller, as a service for which he is compensated, arranges for transportation and insurance.
CIH
Acronym for camshaft in head
CIH engine
A type of overhead valve engine (OHV) where the camshaft is enclosed within the cylinder head not placed on top of it. It is not the same as an overhead camshaft (OHC).
Cigar lighter
A device which heats up an element when engaged. In turn, the lighter can ignite something flammable like a cigarette. The Socket can also be used to power other electrical Components requiring 12 volts.
Cigar lighter
A device which heats up an element when engaged. In turn, the lighter can ignite something flammable like a cigarette. The socket can also be used to power other electrical Components requiring 12 volts.
CIM
Acronym for computer-integrated manufacturing.
Cimarron
Cadillac Cimarron Books

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Cadillac Cimarron

A model of automobile manufactured by the Cadillac division of General Motors from 1982-88
CIP
Acronym for Carriage and Insurance Paid To where the seller has the same obligations as under CPT but with the addition that the seller has to obtain cargo insurance against the buyer's risk of loss of or damage to the goods during the carriage.
Circle
Circle diameter
Circlip
A flat retaining ring in the shape of an incomplete circle where the ends at the gap may have small holes for inserting special pliers to spread the circlip apart. Also called a Snap ring.
Circlip pliers
Circuit
  1. A source of electricity (Battery), a Resistance unit (Headlight, etc.) and wires that form a path for the flow of electricity from the source through the unit and back to the source. The path of electrical Current through an Electrical system.
    Also see
  2. The path of the fuel in the Carburetor.
  3. The course over which vehicles are raced particularly if it is somewhat circular.
  4. Tubing, piping, or electrical wire installation which permits flow to and from the energy source.
  5. A conductor or a system of conductors through which electric current flows.
Circuit board
Circuit breaker
A protective device that will make and break the flow of Current when current draw becomes excessive or overloaded. Unlike the Fuse, it does not blow out but vibrates on and off thus giving the Driver some light to stop by.
Circuit Current
Circuit diagram
A wiring diagram showing the path of the electrical connections and the various colors of the wires.
Circuit Ground
Circuiting
Circuit-mile
The total length in miles of separate circuits regardless of the number of conductors used per circuit.
Circuit, parallel
Arrangement of electrical devices in which the current divides and travels through two or more paths and then returns through a common path.
Circuit, pilot
Secondary circuit used to control a main circuit or a device in the main circuit.
Circuit protector
Electrical device which will open an electrical circuit if excessive electrical conditions occur.
Circuitry
Circuit, series
Electrical wiring; electrical path (circuit) in which electricity to operate second lamp or device must pass through first; current flow travels, in turn. through all devices connected together.
Circuit tester
A tool which looks like a screwdriver with a light at the end of the handle as well as a long wire with an alligator clip. The pointed end touches the hot wire while the alligator end touches or clips to the ground. If there is continuity and power, the light in the handle will glow.
Circuit Voltage
Circular headlamp
The older type of headlight which may be the larger one (7 inch) with both high and low beam or the smaller one (5.75 inch) dedicated to either low or high beam.
Circular mil
Unit of area equal to the area of a circle one mil in diameter
Circulating pump
A centrifugal pump, like an automotive water pump, which moves the liquid in a closed system.
Circulation
Circumference
Circumferential break
An injury to the tread or sidewall of a tire which encircles the tire.
Circumferential crack
A crack in the grooves of the tread which may be evident around the whole tire.
CIS
  1. Acronym for continuous injection system. A Bosch fuel injection system which injects a steady stream of pressurized fuel into each intake port. CIS was once widely used throughout the industry
  2. Acronym for Cylinder Identification Signal
CIS-E
A CIS system with electronic controls
CIS-III
Acronym for electronic continuous injection system -- a Bosch L or LH-Jetronic type system
CIS-Lambda
A CIS system with an oxygen sensor
CIS with Lambda
Cisitalia
A vehicle brand of which the 1946-49 GT (Pininfarina) models are milestone cars.
Citation
Chevrolet Citation Books

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Chevrolet Citation

A model of small car produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors from 1981-85.
Citizens band radio
A CB radio which is used to communicate over a specified frequency. In the U.S.A. the two-way radio required no license by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); but in other countries (e.g., Canada) a license was required. It was most popular during the 1970s; but it is still used by truckers and motorists for everything from traffic condition reports to emergency calls to idle chatter.
Citroen
Citroen Books

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Citroen

A vehicle brand of which the 1955-64 models D8 and ID 19 are milestone cars.
City car
A compact vehicle used for driving within a city rather than on the highway. It is usually only 10 to 12 feet (300 to 360 cm) long.
City cycle
An adult bicycle or tricycle used for riding within the city. Also called an urban cycle.
City kitty
Trucker slang for woman city police officer as in "You got a city kitty at the next corner up here."
Civic
Honda Civic

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Honda Civic

A model of automobile manufactured by Honda