DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Fi"

F.I.:

Abbreviation for "fuel injection."

FI:

Acronym for "fuel injection."

FIA:

Acronym for "Fédération Internationale de lAutomobile" -- An international umbrella motoring organization to which national motoring organizations are affiliated

Fiat:

A vehicle brand of which the 1925-1948 models with required application are classic cars.
Click image for books on Fiat

Fiber:

See:
carbon fiber
glass fiber
milled glass fiber

Fiberform:

A patented process used in building composite automobile bodies.

Fiberglass:

A mixture of glass fibres and resin that when cured (hardened) produces a very light and strong material. It is used to build boats, car bodies, repair damaged areas, etc. It can also be spelled "Fibreglass." Also called "glass reinforced plastic."

Fibreglass:

A mixture of glass fibres and resin that when cured (hardened) produces a very light and strong material. It is used to build boats, car bodies, repair damaged areas, etc. It can also be spelled "Fiberglass."

Fibreglass body:

A body shell which is molded in one piece from fiberglass and has the advantage of lightweight and freedom from corrosion

Fibreglass mat:

A layer of chopped but irregular individual fibreglass strands dressed with a chemical to hold them loosely together, which when a resin is applied hardens into a strong material for repairing holes, e.g. in car bodies

Fiber optics:

The transfer of light through glass fibers. Cadillac, for instance, transfers the light of the headlight or taillight through fiber optics showing that the lights are actually on; rather than just an electrical connection which shows that the indicator light works.

Fiber reinforced plastic:

(FRP) Continuous mat or woven fibers impregnated with plastic resins to form a lightweight but extremely strong solid. These plastics are stronger per pound than steel. Commonly used fibers are aramid (kevlar), carbon fiber, nomex, and glass. These fibers are used alternatively to provide various levels of strength and weight.

Field:

1. A particular body of interest or expertise.
2. The area covered or filled with an electric, magnetic, or gravitational force.

Also See:
magnetic field
primary magnetic field

Field coil:

Insulated wire wrapped around an iron or steel core. When current flows through the wire, a strong magnetic force field is built up.

Field intensity:

The force acting on a unit electric charge or unit magnetic pole placed at a given point.

Field pole:

Part of stator of motor which concentrates magnetic field of field winding.

Field terminal:

(F) The input terminal on a generator

Field testing:

The testing of a vehicle or component as it would appear under normal conditions

Field trial:

The testing of a vehicle or component as it would appear under normal conditions

Field weakening:

The introduction of resistance in series with the shunt-wound field of an electric motor to reduce the voltage and current that weakens the strength of the magnetic field and thereby increases the motor speed

Field winding:

That part which produces a constant-strength magnetic field in an electric motor or generator, the field core being on the stator or the rotor depending on the type of motor or generator

Fierceness:

The tendency of a clutch to engage suddenly so that it is difficult to proceed smoothly from a stop

Fiero:

A model of automobile manufactured by Pontiac division of General Motors
Click image for books on Fiero

FIEV:

Acronym for "Fédération des Industries des Equipements pour Véhicules" (i.e., The French Vehicle Equipment Industries Association)

Fifth:

The top gear in a five-speed transmission

Fifth gear:

The top gear in a five-speed transmission

Fifth wheel:

1. A wheel that is temporarily attached to a vehicle to test the accuracy of the speedometer, etc.
2. A recreational trailer which has its tongue attached to the bed of a truck.
3. A coupling device attached to a tractor or dolly which supports the front of a semitrailer and locks it to the tractor or dolly. The fifth wheel's center is designed to accept a trailer's kingpin, around which the trailer and tractor or dolly pivot in turns.

Fifth-wheel travel trailer:

A recreational trailer which is towed by a pickup truck. The tongue of the trailer fits into the bed of the truck. Like a travel trailer, it comes with all the amenities of home. The master bedroom is over the truck bed. They have an extension on the front of the box that extends over the tow vehicle and a horizontal plate that looks like a wheel (hence the name "fifth wheel") that rests on the tow vehicle for support. This hitch arrangement requires special equipment on the tow vehicle. The trailer is outfitted with a fifth-wheel hitch (also known as a gooseneck hitch). The hitch arrangement makes towing easier by placing the trailer load in the center of the tow vehicle instead of behind it. The extension on the front of the box also serves as a bedroom in most fifth wheels. Fifth-wheel trailers usually provide cooking facilities, a refrigerator, heater, air conditioner, a self-contained toilet, a shower, water tanks (fresh water, grey water, black water), faucets, sinks, a LP (propane) gas supply, and a separate 100-125 volt electrical system. Some have built-in washer and dryer, slide-out room extension. They can sleep up to six people. Prices range from $15,000 to $150,000.

Fifty-fifty power split:

An arrangement in a four-wheel drive transmission where equal amounts of power are delivered to the front and rear wheels

Filament:

A fine wire inside a light bulb that heats to incandescence when current passes through it. The filament produces the light.
Also See:
double filament bulb

Filament bulb:

See:
double filament bulb

File:

1. A flat or rounded tool with a rough surface of hardened steel. When it is rubbed against metal, it removes small bits of metal leading to a smaller amount of base metal.
2. The action of removing metal by using a file.

Also See:
bastard file
body file
bumping file
coarse-cut file
coarse file
flat file
half-round body file
hand file
ignition file
ignition point file
key file
magneto file
millsaw file
multi-cut file
multi-purpose file
panel file
points file
rat-tail file
round file
single-cut file
thread file
warding file

File card brush:

A brush with angled wire bristles for cleaning between the teeth on a file or the threads on a bolt.

File handle:

A wood or plastic handle, which it fitted to the back end of a file.

Filing:

See:
draw-filing

Fill:

See:
radiator fill hole

Filler:

1. Paste usually with a polyester base which, when mixed with a hardener, forms a surface which can be sanded smooth and is suitable for repairs to dented or rusted bodywork. Also called "filler paste."
2. A primer filler.
3. An inert material added to paper, resins, and other substances to modify their properties and improve quality.
4. An opening through which some liquid can be poured (i.e., oil or gasoline).
5. Substances added to friction materials to obtain specific performance characteristics.

Also See:
anti-chipping filler
battery filler
body filler
bumper filler
flip-top filler cap
fuel filler tube
fuel filler flap
glass reinforced filler paste
high-build filler
oil filler cap
plastic filler
polyester filler
primer filler
quarter light filler panel
quarter window filler panel
two-pack filler

Filler cap:

A cover which seals off a filler hole.
Also See:
flip-top filler cap
oil filler cap

Filler door:

A hinged door (usually less than six inches square and painted the body color) which covers the gas cap and filler neck on some models.

Filler flap:

See:
fuel filler flap

Filler neck:

A funnel shaped part which is connected to the main container (gas tank, radiator, windshield washer reservoir, etc.) and is usually covered with a cap.
Also See:
fuel filler neck

Filler panel:

See:
quarter light filler panel
quarter window filler panel

Filler paste:

See:
glass reinforced filler paste

Filler port:

The passage through which brake fluid flows from the reservoir to the cylinder bore, refilling the low pressure ahead of the cup on the return stroke. Also called an "inlet port" or "intake port."

Filler rod:

A metal wire that is melted and added to the welding puddle to produce the necessary increase in bead thickness.
Also See:
welding rod

Filler strip:

A free flowing rubber used under the tread of a tire when added thickness is needed.

Filler tube:

See:
fuel filler tube

Fillet:

1. A round joint between two parts connected at an angle.
2. Weld metal in the internal vertex, or corner, of the angle formed by two pieces of metal, giving the joint additional strength to withstand unusual stresses.

Also See:
leg of fillet weld

Fillet weld:

Metal fused into a comer formed by two pieces of metal whose welded surfaces are approximately 90° to each other.
Also See:
leg of fillet weld
throat of a fillet weld

Fill hole:

See:
radiator fill hole

Filling:

Repairing of holes or dents in bodywork with filler paste or body lead

Filling station:

A British term for a gas station

Fillister screw:

A set screw with a deep rounded head

Fill line:

See:
battery fill line

Fill plug:

A small screw-in plug in the steering box or similar, which is removed for topping up with oil.

Fill up:

1. To put in the full amount of fuel as in "Fill up the gas tank, I'm down to a quarter of a tank." Often said, "Fill 'er up" or "Fill her up."
2. The amount needed to make a full tank as in "I need a fill up."

Film:

A thin layer or coating of something.
Also See:
anodic coating
anodic film
heavy film build
lubrication film
natural oxide film
paint film

Film, adhesive:

A thin layer of dried adhesive. Also describes a class of adhesives provided in dry film form with or without reinforcing fabric and which are cured by means of heat and pressure

Film build:

See:
heavy film build

Film strength:

The ability of a liquid like oil to withstand pressure

Filter:

1. A device designed to remove foreign substances or particles from air, oil, gasoline, water, etc.
2. A device used either with the drier or as a separate unit to remove foreign material (contaminants) from the refrigerant

Also See:
absolute filter
air cleaner
air filter
bypass filter
canister air filter
centrifugal force air filter
centrifugal oil filter
ceramic filter
charcoal filter
cuno filter
diesel particulate filter
fuel filter
full-flow filter
full-flow oil filter
full flow filter
full flow oil filter
gas filter
in-line fuel filter
inline fuel filter
integral fuel filter
micro oil filter
oil filter
oil filter cartridge
oil filter hole
oil filter housing
oil filter bypass valve
oil filter wrench
partial flow filter
pod filter
sock filter
surface-type filter
vacuum filter

Filter bypass:

See:
oil filter bypass valve

Filter bypass valve:

Also See:
oil filter bypass valve
oil filter bypass valve

Filter cartridge:

The replaceable porous part of some oil filters and air filters; but often refers to the whole filter. Also called "filter element."
Also See:
oil filter cartridge

Filter element:

The replaceable porous part of some oil filters and air filters; but often refers to the whole filter. Also called "filter cartridge."
Also See:
air filter element

Filter hole:

See:
oil filter hole

Filter housing:

See:
oil filter housing

Filter port:

See:
breather port

Filter screen:

A piece of wire mesh in a pipe or surrounding an air filter which is designed to collect dirt and foreign matter

Filter wrench:

An oil filter wrench for removing the oil filter.
Also See:
chain filter wrench
oil filter wrench

Filtration:

The removal of dirt or suspended particles from a liquid or the air with the aid of a filter.
Also See:
air filtration

Filtration system:

See:
air filtration system

FIM:

Acronym for "Fédération Internationale Motorcylistes," the governing body of international motorcycle sports

Fin:

1. A thin metal object projecting from a surface and is used to dissipate heat. It is found on radiators and air-cooled engines.
2. Wings and airfoils used to improve a vehicle's aerodynamics, stability, or possibly aesthetics.

Also See:
tail fin

Final drive:

This is the end of the drive train before power is transmitted to the wheels. In a typical car, the engine (or electric motor) transmits its power through some sort of clutch into a transmission. Then the power is transmitted to differential gears that adjust the engine speed to the most efficient use intended. These final drive differential gears are either at the front axle or rear axle, depending on the vehicle's layout. A typical family car or one intended for high speeds will have a low numerical ratio, to give it speed and good fuel efficiency. A truck or performance car is likely to have a high numerical ratio for better pulling power or for better acceleration

Final drive gear:

The last gear in a drivetrain before the driven wheels. Usually it is in the differential.

Final drive ratio:

This is the ratio that describes the difference between the number of times the driveshaft must turn before the axle shaft turns once. In a final drive ratio of 3.55:1, for example, the driveshaft must turn 3.55 times before the axle will turn once. The number of teeth on the ring and pinion gears determine the ratio. In most instances, the ratio is not a simple number like 3.00:1 because the same teeth on the drive and driven gears would always meet and cause wear.

Final purchase price:

This price is equivalent to the amount you would pay for the vehicle if you were buying or financing rather than leasing. The final purchase price does not include any "down" payment by the lessee.

Finance and control:

Ownership of company (i.e., Canadian, U.S., Japanese, German, etc.); public or private; capital investments: Buildings, machinery and equipment, tooling programs.

Finance company:

See:
captive finance company

Fine:

1. Something that is made of very small particles.
2. The position of threads on a bolt or nut that are very close together.
   Also See:
   national fine thread

Fine-structure constant:

A dimensionless constant, equal to 7.297351 x 10^-3 (approximately 1/137), given by 2π times the square of the electron charge, divided by the product of the speed of light and Planck's constant.

Fine thread:

See:
national fine thread

Finger:

A protruding piece which engages or triggers something.
Also See:
clutch semi-centrifugal release fingers
clutch release finger
release finger

Fingers:

See:
clutch semi-centrifugal release fingers
release fingers

Finger tight:

The torque required when securing something without the use of a wrench; but using only one's fingers.

Finish:

1. The final coat of paint applied to a vehicle.
   Also See:
   original finish.
2. The overall look of a vehicle so that the paint, for instance, is evenly applied, there are no bare spots, etc. Usually this word is used in the expression "fit and finish."
3. Surface refinement as in smooth finish.

Also See:
acrylic finish
baking finish
krinkle finish
metallic finish
one-coat finish
original finish
specular finish

Finish coat:

The final color coat applied to a vehicle.

Finish hammer:

A pounding device used for detail work in shaping a panel after it has been brought approximately into the right shape.

Finishing enamel:

The paint used as the top coat of a painting system -- usually before a clear coat is applied. Also called "finishing paint."

Finishing hammer:

See:
pick and finishing hammer

Finishing paint:

The paint used as the top coat of a painting system -- usually before a clear coat is applied. Also called "finishing enamel."

Finish restorer:

A polish or rubbing compound with very slight abrasive which is used to remove an oxidized paint surface to bring back its original lustre.

Finishing stone:

A fine grain stone used at the completion of the honing process to give a smooth surface.

Finite-element analysis:

A reduction of a complex structure to its basic component parts so that these can be studied in a computer, especially in a CAD process. Also called "FE analysis"

Finning:

An arrangement of fins on a surface to aid cooling by improving the heat transfer rate, typically found on air-cooled engines

Fins:

A series of blades such as are found in the internal design of the torque converter. To create mechanical torque from hydraulic pressure, oil is forced under pressure through the torque converter. The inside of the converter is made up of layers of steel fins which zigzag in direction and vary in size. First the fins are large but as the layers go on, the fins decrease in size. This design generates greater hydraulic pressure as the oil passes through the converter, the strong flow of oil creates a fluid coupling which operates like a clutch, driving the wheels.
Also See:
cooling fins

Fire:

1. To start an engine as in "I will fire up this engine."
2. To ignite the air-fuel mixture.

Also See:
backfire

Fire appliance:

A British term for fire engine

Fireball combustion chamber:

A combustion chamber design developed by the Swiss engineer May and introduced on Jaguar's V-12 engine in 1981

Firebird:

A model of automobile manufactured by Pontiac division of General Motors Click on the image for books on Firebird

Fire engine:

A vehicle built on a special truck chassis equipped with fire-fighting items such as ladders, pumps, hoses, etc.

Fire extinguisher:

A cylinder filled with a powder, foam, or liquid which can be sprayed on a fire to put it out.

Fire point:

The temperature at which the vapor continues to burn.
Also See:
flash point.

Fire ring:

The circle of metal in a head gasket just where the piston comes through

Firewall:

The metal partition between the driver's compartment and the engine compartment. On front engine vehicles, it is located below the windshield; but on rear engine vehicles, it is located below the backlight (i.e., back window). It protects the driver and passengers from engine fires, noise, and fumes. The British term is "bulkhead."

Firing:

The process of igniting the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.
Also See:
backfiring
shunt firing

Firing end:

Part of the spark plug which extends into the combustion chamber

Firing order:

The sequence or order in which cylinders must be fired: 1, 5, 3, 6, 2, 4, etc. It differs from the cylinder sequence which starts with cylinder number one and goes to the last cylinder: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Firing stroke:

The power stroke

Firm:

A business or institution comprising sole proprietorships, partnerships, companies and other forms of organizations.

First:

The lowest gear in a transmission. In a bicycle, it is the gear ratio where the drive sprocket is the smallest and the driven sprocket is the largest. This gear is the best for starting from a stop or going up a hill.

First-aid kit:

A box containing bandages, antiseptic ointment, and other basic medical requirements for treating injuries.

First gear:

The lowest gear in a transmission. In a bicycle, it is the gear ratio where the drive sprocket is the smallest and the driven sprocket is the largest. This gear is the best for starting from a stop or going up a hill.

First law of thermodynamics:

The natural law that states energy can neither be created nor destroyed, and that energy can only be converted into another form.

FISA:

Acronym for "Fédération Internationale du Sport Automobile" which is the governing body of motor sport

Fish eye:

A small pit that forms in the finish coat of paint, usually due to insufficient or improper cleaning of the old coat.

Fish eyes:

Small pits that form in the finish coat of paint, usually due to insufficient or improper cleaning of the old coat.

Fit:

1. Contact area between two parts.
   
2. The way in which two parts come together.
   
3. To attach or put into place.

Also See:
clearance fit
drive fit
force-fit
force fit
hubcentric fit
interference fit
press fit
running-fit
shrink fit
sliding-fit

Fit and finish:

The evaluative standard of a vehicle's cosmetics. Good fit and finish means all the body panels and trim are evenly spaced, aligned, and secure. The paint is evenly applied with no bubbles or pit marks.

Fit kit:

A set of four clips that hold a roof rack on a car.

Fitment:

See twin fitment

Fitting:

A small part that is attached to a larger apparatus.
Also See:
air hold fitting
bayonet fitting
grease fitting
zerk fitting

Fittings:

See fitting

Five-door:

Body design typical of station wagons and most hatchbacks, with four side doors and a tailgate.

Five-door hatchback:

Essentially unknown among domestic models in the mid-1970s, the four-door hatchback became a popular model as cars grew smaller and front-wheel-drive versions appeared. Styling was similar to the original two-door hatchback, except for two more doors. Luggage was carried in the back of the car itself, loaded through the hatch opening, not in a separate trunk.

Five-link rear suspension:

Independent rear suspension layout also used on live rear axles, in which each wheel is guided by two trailing links, two transverse links and a common track rod

Fivers:

Colloquial term for fifth-wheel travel trailer

Five speed transmission:

See five-speed transmission.

Five-speed transmission:

A manual transmission with five forward gears. Generally the fifth gear is an overdrive to allow the wheels to turn faster than the engine. See overdrive.

Five-valve head:

A cylinder head which has five valves per cylinder, usually three intake valves and two exhaust valves

Fix:

1. To attach something securely.
   
2. To repair something

Fixed anchor:

A non-adjustable anchor pin. It can be riveted or welded to the backing plate, or it can pass through the backing plate and attach to a part of the suspension system

Fixed-anchor grind:

A variation of undersize grinding that compensates for the size and location of a fixed shoe anchor.

Fixed caliper:

A disc brake caliper rigidly mounted to the steering knuckle or spindle or control arm. It can have one or two pistons on each side of the disc and does not float or slide.

Fixed-caliper disc brake:

A disc brake with a caliper which cannot move, the caliper consisting of two halves which are bolted together and contain at least one cylinder and piston each

Fixed-cam brake:

A drum brake in which the cam is rigidly mounted in the backplate

Fixed-choke carburetor:

A carburetor where the choke tube or venturi is of predetermined size

Fixed contact:

The stationary point in a set of contact breaker points -- the other point moves

Fixed cup:

The right-hand cup of the bottom bracket of a bicycle, ordinarily not loosened or removed during bottom bracket disassembly.
Also See:
adjustable cup

Fixed displacement pump:

A pump in which the displacement per cycle cannot be varied.

Fixed drive:

A power transmission without differential action at the driven axle or between the driven axles in a four-wheel drive layout

Fixed gear:

A cog attached to a hub without a freewheel; it always turns as fast as the bicycle's wheel so that you cannot coast.

Fixed head:

1. A non-removable cylinder head cast in one piece with the cylinder block. These heads were used in early automobile engines and, more recently, in some motorcycle engines.
   
2. A British term for a solid non-removable roof, or coupe.

Fixed idle-air bypass:

Some Rochester Quadrajet carburetors have idle air passages from the air horn to a point just below the throttle plates. Extra air through these passages allows the throttle plates to be more closed at idle, reducing the signal applied to the discharge nozzles for the main metering circuit and eliminating nozzle drip at idle

Fixed-jet carburetor:

This is the most common type of carburetor in which the jets and choke are of a predetermined size. The opposite is a variable-jet carburetor

Fixed orifice tube:

A device that converts high pressure liquid refrigerant into low pressure liquid refrigerant (thus lowering its boiling point) before it passes through the evaporator. The expansion valve replaces the thermostatic expansion valve. Also called an expansion tube

Fixed price selling:

Published fixed price displayed on a new vehicle eliminating need for negotiation.

Fixed Tandem:

An assembly of two axles and suspension that is attached to the chassis in one place, and cannot be moved fore and aft. Compare Sliding Tandem

Fixed wheel:

Same as fixed gear, the kind of rear wheel found on track bicycles.

Fixing bolt:

A bolt used to hold a crankarm on an axle in a cotterless crankset.
Also See:
crankarm fixing bolt

Fixte:

A bicycle with a single rear gear that does not allow for coasting. In other words, you have to pedal all the time.

Fixture:

Device for holding goods in process while working tools are in operation that does not contain any special arrangements for guiding the working tools.

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