DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "En"

EN
Acronym for Generator or Alternator
Enable
A microcomputer decision that results in an engine management system being activated and permitted to operate
Enabled Programmable Read Only Memory
See
Enabling Criteria
Each Monitor in an OBD system is designed to test and monitor the operation of a specific part of the vehicle's emissions system: (EGR system, oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, etc.). A specific set of "conditions" or "driving procedures" must be met before the computer can command a Monitor to run tests on its related system. These "conditions" are known as "Enabling Criteria." The requirements and procedures vary for each Monitor. Some Monitors only require the ignition key to be turned "On" for them to run and complete their diagnostic testing. Others may require a set of complex procedures, such as, starting the vehicle when cold, bringing it to operating temperature, and driving the vehicle under specific conditions before the Monitor can run and complete its diagnostic testing.
Enamel
Type of paint that dries to a smooth, Glossy Finish. It is easier to apply than cellulose. If cellulose is applied over it, the cellulose will lift (i.e., peel off).
Also see
Enameling
See
EN block
See
EN-block
One piece -- such as an engine Cylinder block Cast in one piece.
Encapsulated winding
An electrical motor that has its windings structured completely coated with an insulating resin (such as epoxy). This construction type is more designed for exposure to severe atmospheric conditions than is the normal varnished windings.
ENCL
Abbreviation for an electric motor enclosure
Enclave
A model of automobile manufactured by Buick Division of General Motors from 2008-current
Enclosed
See
Enclosed Fan-Cooled Enclosure
See
Enclosed Non-Ventilated Enclosure
See
Enclosure
(ENCL) The term used to describe the electrical motor housing as one of the following types
  1. Drip-proof enclosure,
  2. Open drip-proof enclosure,
  3. Explosion-proof enclosure,
  4. Fan cooled enclosure,
  5. Nonventilated enclosure,
  6. Open enclosure,
  7. Totally enclosed enclosure
Also see
Encore
Encore

Click image for books on
Encore


An automobile manufactured by AMC
End
See
End alignment
See
End bearing
See
End bell
End structure of plate of electric motor which usually holds motor bearings.
End bracket
The cover containing a bearing at each end of a generator or alternator. Also called end cover, End shield, end bell, or end cover plate.
Also see
End cap
The cap covering the end of a piece of trim or of a barrel fuse
End cover
The cover containing a bearing at each end of a generator or alternator. Also called end bracket or end cover plate
End cover plate
The cover containing a bearing at each end of a generator or alternator. Also called end cover or end bracket
End cutters
British term for Side cutters
End cutting
See
End cutting pliers
British term for Side cutters
Also see
End dump
A term used to describe various dump trucks or trailers that tilt to unload at the rear.
End float
See
End form
Any type of connector at the end of a hose or pipe.
End Frame
See
End gap
See
End gas
The last part of the Fuel-air mixture that has been introduced into the Cylinder but has not yet been consumed in the normal Flame-front reaction.
End Gasket Kit
See
End gear
See
End gears
See
End hexagon screwdriver
See
End lease
See
End lift
See
Endo
(Short form for end-over-end). The maneuver of flying unexpectedly over the Handlebars, thus being forcibly ejected from the bike as in "If you hit that log you'll go endo."
End-of-lease purchase price
If there is a purchase option in the lease contract or agreement, this will be the agreed upon price for the purchase of the vehicle at the end of the lease-the stated residual value. This price may also include additional fees.
End-of term interest rate
See
Endoscope
An instrument used to see into the interior of hollow cavities such as box sections
Endothermal
Chemical reaction in which heat is absorbed.
End piece
See
End Plate
See
End play
  1. The looseness in bearing clearance in an axial direction.
  2. Slight movement of shaft along its center line.
Also see
End plug
The caps that fit onto or into the ends of the handlebars
End shield
That part of the electrical motor housing which supports the bearings and acts as a protective guard to the electrical and rotating parts inside the motor. This part is frequently called the end bracket or end bell.
End Shifter
See
End speed
See
End stud
Also see
Endurance Limit
The maximum stress that a metal will withstand without failure during a specified large number of cycles of stress.
Endurance test
A test of a material or system over a long period to determine when it will fail
Enduro
Off-road competition against the clock and usually over long distances
Enduro bike
A mountain bicycle for cross-country endurance races; generally lightweight, mid-travel (3 to 4 inches), dual suspension designs to balance performance and long-ride comfort
Energize
To activate (a Solenoid, Relay, etc.) by providing sufficient energy
Energizing
See
Energy
Capacity (actual or potential) for doing work. It is measured in joules or kilowatt-hours.
Also see
Energy-absorbing
The ability to absorb impact forces
Energy absorbing bumper
See
Energy-absorbing bumper
See
Energy absorbing steering column
A Steering column which collapses when the vehicle is involved in a crash.
Energy audit
Process of accurately determining the current energy consumption for a given area.
Energy battery
See
Energy coil
See
Energy conservation
Process, upon reviewing the calculations for determining head loads, of instituting changes that will result in energy savings.
Energy conversion
The changing of one form of energy into another or into work, such as that in the combustion process, the heat of which is used to turn the engine and thus create motion
Energy efficient motors
Virtually interchangeable with standard motors, but differences in construction make them more energy efficient. Are also known as high-efficiency motors and premium motors.
Energy efficiency ratio
(EER) The ratio of the rated cooling capacity in BTU per hour divided by the amount of electrical power used in watts.
Also see
Energy ignition
See
Energy ignition system
See
Energy ignition system with electronic spark timing
See
Energy Information Administration
(EIA) An independent agency within the U.S. Department of Energy that develops surveys, collects energy data, and does analytical and modeling analyses of energy issues. The Agency must satisfy the requests of Congress, other elements within the Department of Energy, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Executive Branch, its own independent needs, and assist the general public, or other interest groups, without taking a policy position.
Energy Management
See
Energy management control system
Controllers used in a system which optimizes total energy usage in a building or residence.
Energy Policy Act of 1992
(EPACT) This U.S. legislation created a new class of power generators, exempt wholesale generators, that are exempt from the provisions of the Public Holding Company Act of 1935 and grants the authority to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to order and condition access by eligible parties to the interconnected transmission grid. It deals with alternative transportation fuels. It accelerates the purchase requirements for AFVs by the federal fleet, proposes eliminating the cap on CAFE credits that manufacturers can earn by producing dual- and flexible-fuel vehicles and requires fleets in large urban areas to purchase AFVs. Establishes tax incentives for purchasing AFVs, converting conventional gasoline vehicles to operate on alternative fuels and installing refueling or recharging facilities by the private sector.
Energy Protection Agency
See
Energy retarder
See
Energy source
Any substance or natural phenomenon that can be consumed or transformed to supply heat or power. Examples include petroleum, coal, natural gas, nuclear, biomass, electricity, wind, sunlight, geothermal, water movement, and hydrogen in fuel cells.
Energy Systems
See
Energy utilization index
(EUI) A number which is used to compare energy usages for different areas. It is calculated by dividing the energy consumption (in BTUs) by the square footage of the conditioned area.
Engage
  1. To come into contact and be locked together (with another part).
  2. To bring (a part) into contact with another so that it is locked to it
Engagement
The result of bringing into locking contact (e.g., of the Clutch), or selection of a Gear
Engaging the throttle
The action of causing the throttle linkage to move so that more fuel enters the engine to increase the speed of the vehicle.
Engine
Engine

Click image to supersize
Engine

A machine for changing fuel energy to mechanical energy. The term applies to the primary source of power generation. In Britain there is a desire to make a clear distinction between engine and motor so that motor refers only to electric power units (i.e., starter motor) and engine for gasoline or diesel powered units. However, in the U.S.A. the term motor can apply to both types. Yet, even in Britain, combustion driven vehicles are called motor cars and motorcycles.
Also see
Engine adapter
A unit that allows a different engine to be installed in a vehicle and still bolt up to the original Transmission.
Engine analyzer
An electronic engine testing device which (because of its size) used to be placed in a cabinet or a movable stand. The modern units are often hand-held and are connected to the vehicle's diagnostic socket (as in the case of the diagnostic read-out box), which provides data on all aspects of the engine's state of tune
Engine bay
The engine compartment.
Engine block
Engine Block

Click image to supersize
Engine Block

The Cylinder block.
Engine block heater
See
Engine brake
A system that is independent of the conventional braking systems which assists in the slowing of a vehicle. A driver would normally down-shift to slow his descent down a hill, using engine compression. The engine brake increases the effectiveness of this retarding force. The most common type is called a "Jake Brake" because the predominant manufacturer is Jacobs Vehicle Equipment Co. Other types of retarders include exhaust retarders, transmission-mounted hydraulic retarders and axle-mounted electromagnetic retarders. Also called Energy retarder, or simply Retarder.
Engine braking effect
A retarding effect of an engine when the vehicle is in gear with the throttle closed. Also called a jake brake
Engine calibration unit
An electronic component which can be specifically programmed to the design of each car model to control the M/C solenoid. Plugs into the ECM. Also called a PROM.
Engine capacity
The Swept volume of an engine
Engine compartment
The space where the engine is mounted. Also called the engine bay.
Also see
Engine control
See
Engine control module
(ECM) An advanced electronic computer which monitors engine conditions and then controls engine settings to optimize the combustion of the air/fuel mixture.
Engine control system
See
Engine-control system
A Computer that regulates the operation of the engine by monitoring certain engine characteristics (rpm, Coolant temperature, Intake airflow, etc.) through a network of Sensors and then controlling key variables (fuel metering, spark Timing EGR, etc.) according to pre-programmed schedules.
Engine coolant
Antifreeze liquid used in the engine's cooling system
Engine coolant temperature sensor
(ECT)
  1. The Thermistor sensor that provides coolant temperature information to the computer. Used to alter spark advance and EGR flow during warm-up or an overheating condition
  2. A sensor which provides an electrical output proportional to the engine coolant temperature.
Engine cover
The Panel which conceals the engine in a Mid-engine car. Also called Access panel.
Also see
  • Hood (British bonnet) which covers the engine only in a front-mounted engine.
Engine damage
Breakage, deformation, or scoring of the internal parts of an engine due to running at very high rpms for an extended period of time or with insufficient lubrication. A rod could break off and drive a hole into the cases; a valve could break off or imbed itself into the top of a piston; the piston could heat and expand and thus seize against the cylinder walls; or other types of damage could occur.
Engine depression
Low pressure on the engine side of the throttle caused by piston suction in the inlet manifold
Engine diagnostic connector
The electrical connector for plugging in the engine analyzer, forming an interface between the engine electronic controls and diagnostic unit, and used to read the engine data as well as any fault codes stored in the memory of the engine controller
Engine displacement
To determine, multiply the Volume of the space through which the Head of the piston moves in the full length of its stroke by the number of Cylinders in the engine. The result is given in cubic inches or liters.
Engineering
See
Engineers
See
Engine flywheel
A spinning plate located at the end of the Crankshaft that engages the clutch disk, causing the engine and the transmission to turn at the same rate of speed. The flywheel is also designed to dampen engine vibration caused by the firing of pistons.
Also see
Engine hoist
Small crane for lifting an engine out of a motor vehicle, formerly incorporating a block and tackle, but now usually hydraulically operated.
Also see
Engine identification number
(EIN) A number stamped on the engine which may or may not match the number on the vehicle identification plate. Also called engine number
Engine knock
When the engine is operating, an audible noise may be heard when the fuel in the cylinders is ignited too early and/or spontaneously, resulting in colliding flame fronts and shock waves which cause high thermal and mechanical stress, and can severely damage the engine.
Engine layout
  1. The type of engine, with reference to the arrangement of its cylinders and their number (as in a flat four, V-twin, or straight eight).
  2. The location of the engine in the vehicle (as in a front mount, mid-mount, or rear engine).
  3. The placement of the engine in the engine compartment e.g., a Transverse or In-line engine
Engine Light
See
Engine management system
(EMS) An electronic engine control system which covers at least the functioning of the fuel injection and ignition, but may also include emission controls and self-diagnostics
Engine map
As an engine speeds up, the timing needs to be advanced. On older vehicles, this is accomplished mechanically with a counterweight advance in the Distributor. In modern vehicles, the timing can be advanced progressively by means of a computer chip which is programmed to provide the ideal timing. It also provides other factors in some engines such as the opening and closing of valves, etc.
Also see
Engine misfire
See
Engine modifications
Alterations to the specification of the engine to increase power output, improve economy, reduce emissions, etc.
Engine mount
One of two or more supports that connect the transmission and engine to the vehicle's chassis. Composed of rubber and steel, the engine mounts absorb the motion (twisting, vibrating, etc.) produced by the operation of the engine and transmission. They also assist in reducing the noise and motion transmitted to the passenger compartment. The most efficient recently developed mounts are hydraulic, in some cases electronically-controlled.
Engine mounting
A flexible support for the engine in which an elastic medium, usually rubber, is interposed between the lugs on the engine and the frame of the vehicle
Engine noise
The amount of noise produced by the engine when it is running. Engine noise is more noticeable with a diesel at lower speeds
Engine number
(EIN) A number stamped on the engine which may or may not match the number on the vehicle identification plate. Also called engine identification number
Engine oil
Oil within the engine used to lubricate the moving components. At one time the oil was a single grade, but modern engines use Multi-viscosity oil.
Also see
Engine oil classification
The API classification system for the designation of gasoline and diesel engine oils, which reflects the quality, performance, and suitability of the oils for various engines. The S classification was for gasoline engines while the C classification was for diesel engines.
Also see
Engine oil gallery
A series of passages, usually drilled, through which oil circulates to key sections of the engine and to the crankshaft
Engine oil pan
See
Engine oil level warning light
A light on the Instrument panel which comes on when the oil in the Sump falls below a certain level
Engine overhaul
When an old engine burns too much oil and loses power, it is dismantled and restored to the manufacturer's original tolerances by replacement of worn parts, reboring the cylinders, regrinding the crankshaft, etc.
Engine overheating
A condition that occurs when the coolant in the cooling system is so hot the metals in the engine are at a temperature that may cause damage to them. In addition, the engine runs poorly and usually stalls.
Also see
Engine parameters
A term used in the context of emission controls for those engine characteristics sensitive to engine performance, such as power/bhp, general engine performance, and fuel economy
Engine performance tester
An engine analyzer
Engine sequence test
The test which determines how well oil will prevent engine rusting, corrosion, scuffing, wear, and the formation of Sludge and Varnish.
Engine size
The engine displacement or capacity. The total volume within all cylinders of an engine when pistons are at their lowest positions. The engine is usually measured in liters or cubic inches of displacement (CID). Generally, larger engines result in greater engine power, but less fuel efficiency. There are 61.024 cubic inches in a liter.
Engine speed
The number of revolutions per minute (rpm) at which the engine Crankshaft turns. The vehicle itself may be stationary or in motion.
Engine speed limiter
A device which acts as a governor which cuts the power when a certain number of rpm is reached
Engine speed sensor
In most cases, a Magnetic pick-up that scans the Flywheel teeth and produces one output signal per scanned tooth, or a Hall generator in the Distributor, whose signals are passed to the Electronic control unit
Engine subframe
A separate frame in which the engine is mounted
Engine temperature sensor
A sensor used to monitor the temperature of the engine
Engine timing
  1. The point of time when the spark ignites the air/fuel mixture (Ignition timing)
  2. The setting of the valves when they open or close (Valve timing)
Engine tune-up
A procedure for inspecting, testing, and adjusting an engine, and replacing any worn parts, to restore the engine to its best performance
Engine type
Over the years of engine development, several types or configurations have been made. All of them relate to the position of the valves and the Camshaft(s) that operates them.
Engine warning light
See
Engler viscosity
A viscosity obtained by dividing the out-flow time in seconds for 200 ml. of the material being tested, by the time in seconds for 200 ml. of water at 20°C to flow out of an Engler viscosimeter.
Enrichment
Making the air/fuel mixture richer, i.e., increasing the fuel content.
Also see
Enrichment device
A circuit in a Carburetor providing a richer mixture, operated by engine vacuum
Enrichment system
On a carburetor, any device or system which richens the air/fuel mixture for starting, warm-up or acceleration. Also, in some turbocharged systems, an auxiliary fuel injection system designed to add extra fuel to the intake mixture only under boost conditions.
Enrichment unit
A circuit in a Carburetor providing a richer mixture, operated by engine vacuum
Enrichner
A fuel plunger which is used in a Carburetor in place of a Choke. By activating the plunger more gas is permitted into the Intake area to enrichen the Fuel-air mixture for easier starting.
Also see
Entertainment
See
Enthalpy
Total amount of heat in one pound of a substance calculated from accepted temperature base. Temperature of 0°C is the accepted base for water vapor calculation. For refrigerator calculations, the accepted base is -40°C.
Entrain
to add or suspend bubbles or particles in a moving fluid
Entrepreneur
One who undertakes ownership of a business or enterprise
Entrepreneurship
A person's ability to organize, manage, and assume risks of operating a business
Entropy
Mathematical factor used in engineering calculations. Energy in a system.
Entry
See
Entry EGR System
See
Entry-level version
Basic model suitable as someone's first car
Entry model
Basic model suitable as someone's first car
Entry system
See
Envelope
  1. A thin rubber wrapper that surrounds the tread, sidewall and is tucked inside the curing rim during the pre-cured cold process retreading. It protects bonding materials from humidity within the chamber.
  2. A cover enclosing something entirely, such as the glass of a lamp bulb.
Also see
Envelope separator
A porous plastic separator used in maintenance-free batteries to enclose the individual plates completely
Enveloping body
See
Environment
The surrounding conditions.
Environmental assessment
(EA) The study of the impact on wildlife, wetlands, cultural resources, farmland, water and air quality and other environmental issues.
Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS)
  1. An analysis of the environmental impacts of proposed land development and transportation projects; conducted for federally funded or approved projects per NEPA. A draft EIS is circulated to the public and agencies with approval authority for comment.
  2. A report that documents the information required to evaluate the environmental impact of a project. It informs decision makers and the public of the reasonable alternatives that would avoid or minimize adverse impacts or enhance the quality of the environment.
Environmentally aware
An awareness of the dangers and threats to the environment caused by vehicle use and the taking of appropriate action to avoid them
Environmentally friendly
Something that is harmless to the environment, or causing as little harm as possible
Environmental Policy Act
See
Environmental Protection Act
See
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) A U.S. federal agency charged with protecting the natural resources on the nation.
Also see
Environmental Protection Agency certification files
Computer files produced by the EPA for analysis purposes. For each vehicle make, model and year, the files contain the EPA test MPGs (city, highway, and 55/45 composite). These MPG's are associated with various combinations of engine and drive-train technologies (e.g., number of cylinders, engine size, gasoline or diesel fuel, and automatic or manual transmission). These files also contain information similar to that in the DOE/EPA Gas Mileage Guide, although the MPGs in that publication are adjusted for shortfall.
Environment-conscious
An awareness of the dangers and threats to the environment caused by vehicle use and the taking of appropriate action to avoid them
Enzyme
Complex organic substance, originating from living cells, that speeds up chemical changes in foods. Enzyme action is slowed by cooling.

☜ ☞