EBC

Electronic Boost Controllers - Adds an air control solenoid (electronically controlled valve (aka. ECV)) and/or a stepper motor controlled by an electronic control unit. The same general principle of a manual controller is present, which is to control the air pressure presented to the wastegate actuator. Further control and intelligent algorithms can be introduced, refining and increasing control over actual boost pressure delivered to the engine.

EBD

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution - optimizes the performance of the car's ABS anti-lock braking system. ABS prevents an individual wheel from locking by cutting brake pressure as soon as a skid is detected. EBD takes this approach into another dimension. It can, for instance, adjust the braking force between the front and rear wheels to suit the car's load and road conditions, or brake the wheels on one side slightly harder than the other to maintain stability during a corner.

EBM

Electronic Brake Management - is the parent system that controls BMW stability and braking systems. These include ABS, ASC+T, DBC, and DSC. Based on input from various sensors, EBM determines to what degree each or all of the stability and braking systems will be activated.

EBS

Electronic Braking Systems - A Drive-by-wire sub-system which controls the braking of a vehicle.

EBV

Elektronische Bremskraft Verteilung (German) aka. EBD

ECCS

Electronic Concentrated Controlled System - Nissan's Engine Management System. An electronically controlled system that gives continuous, precision control to a number of engine operating characteristics -- air/fuel mixture ratio, ignition timing, idle speed, exhaust gas recirculation. This system provides optimum driveability, fuel economy, power and emissions control.

ECD

Electro Chromatic Device - In bright, sunny conditions, the ECD prevents reflections and glare from impeding your view of the instrument panel. Sensors monitor light levels. When they detect strong sunlight, the electro chromatic glass on the instrument panel automatically becomes less transparent, which eliminates any glare or reflection.

ECM

Electronic Control Module - is the main brain of the EFI system . The ECM will read inputs from all the sensors on the Vehicle, process information, and calculate how to activate its various outputs.

ECU

Electronic Control Unit - is the main brain of the EFI system . The ECU will read inputs from all the sensors on the Vehicle, process information, and calculate how to activate its various outputs.

ECVT

Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission - No gear changes. Optimum efficiency whatever the driving conditions. ECVT is designed to make best use of the hybrid's petrol and electric motors by seamlessly blending an infinite number of gear ratios as you drive. It does this by combining planetary gears with a standard differential and results in stepless acceleration.

EDC

Electronic Diesel Control - The development of the automotive diesel engine is governed primarily by requirements for clean exhaust, improved fuel economy, and the optimization of derivability. These stipulations are placing increasingly stringent demands upon the fuel-injection system, namely: • sensitive controls; • ability to process additional parameters; • tighter tolerances and increased accuracy even over very long periods of operation.

EDC

Electronic Damper Control - A processor-controlled wheel suspension system that adjusts the shock absorbers to changing road or driving conditions. EDC regulates damper forces electronically, adapting to road, load and driving conditions.

EDL

The electronic differential lock (EDL) permits smooth, comfortable starts on road surfaces that do not have a uniform coefficient of friction. If a wheel starts to spin, EDL brakes it as necessary so that power is transmitted to the wheel with the better traction.

EFI

Electronic Fuel Injection - A system which essentially works like a Carburetor. It meters a specific amount of fuel into the engine as per the demand of the engine. Sensors on the engine tell the computer (ECM / ECU) what is happening and the ECM determines the proper amount of fuel to give the engine. There are 2 types of systems used and of them two methods for measuring engine fuel demand. The two basic systems used are Port and Throttle Body Injection.

EGO

Exhaust Gas Oxygen - A small sensor inserted into the exhaust system of a petrol engine to measure the concentration of oxygen remaining in the exhaust gas to allow an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) to control the efficiency of the combustion process in the engine. In most modern automobiles, these sensors are attached to the engine's exhaust manifold to determine whether the mixture of air and gasoline going into the engine is rich (too little oxygen) or lean (too much oxygen).

EGR

Exhaust Gas Recirculation - System designed to reduce emissions. To be precise, it lowers the amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust emissions. Nitrogen oxides are formed at very high combustion temperatures. What the EGR system actually does is direct part of the exhaust gases back into the intake manifold, which in turn helps reduce the combustion temperature and consequently lower the amount of NOx in the exhaust gases. The EGR flow is controlled by the engine computer which opens or closes the EGR valve depending on the operating conditions. One of the most common problems related to EGR is that the passages or the EGR valve itself getting clogged with carbon deposits causing restrictions to the EGR gas flow. This turns the "check engine" light on and sets the code, for example, PO401 - insufficient EGR flow (this was a common problem for the Acura / Honda V6 engine, for example). This problem happens mostly if a car is driven for only short trips so it can't warm up fully, or when the oil is not changed regularly.

Electric Power Steering

Although hydraulic steering systems are used very often in automobiles, electric power steering is becoming more and more widespread. This system offers the benefits of greater fuel efficiency, thanks to its ability to supply its own energy needs according to the current driving conditions, and less tyre wear. In addition, the system requires less space than an hydraulic system, and is remarkably low-maintenance.

Electrolyte

Any solution that conducts an electrical current, such as a mixture of sulfuric acid and distilled water found in automotive batteries.

Electromechanical Parking Brake

Working together with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), the electromechanical parking brake controls all braking processes whenever the vehicle is not moving. If the engine is running, it operates hydraulically via the DSC brake system. If the engine is switched off, electromechanical brake cables support the function of the conventional handbrake. The electromechanical parking brake can be activated by pressing a button on the instrument panel or, depending on your BMW model, on the centre console. It also offers an autostop and hillhold function.

Electronic Throttle Butterfly Control

Replaces the mechanical connection between the accelerator pedal and the throttle with an electronic signal. Also known as "drive by wire", this system send digital information about the position of the accelerator to the central engine management unit. The position of each of the individual throttle butterfly valves is then adjusted by a tiny electric motor. The system requires a mere 120 milliseconds to fully open the throttle butterflies, about the same time it takes a skilled driver to fully apply the accelerator pedal. This allows the driver to apply engine power with greater precision and ensures particularly smooth, shudder-free motoring, above all at low engine speeds.

EMV

Electro Multi Vision Display - is touch-screen colour LCD display set in the car's centre console. It's a piece of intelligent high technology that provides an interactive information resource. It gives you information and control over the audio system as well as many of the cars optional systems such as navigation, and shows rear view pictures from the Parking Assist Monitor. It can also present a comprehensive list of trip data, including details such as outside temperature, average fuel efficiency for the last tank of petrol used, current fuel efficiency and the distance driven since journey started.

Engine - Advanced Materials - Friction And Inertia

1. Aluminium pistons and cylinder liner (including Nikasil and FRM) Whether an engine responsive and high-revving depends very much on the inertia of reciprocating parts, i.e., Crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods. While crankshaft material is still bounded to steel for the reason of strength, pistons of high-performance engines are usually made of aluminium. The lighter the pistons, the higher rev and power the engine obtains. Using alloy pistons is not very costly, what prevent most mass production all-alloy engines from using them is the friction generated between pistons and cylinder walls. It is commonly known that the contact between two aluminium surfaces results in high friction - much higher than between cast-iron and aluminium. Therefore many engines with aluminium block have to employ cast iron pistons.

Engine - Advanced Materials - Weight Reduction

1. Aluminium Head and Block All-aluminium engines (head and block made of aluminium alloy) are increasingly popular. Mass production all-alloy engines such as Rover K-series, BMW M52 straight-six, Nissan VQ-6, Jaguar AJ-V8, Mercedes V6 / V8, GM LS1and Northstar V8, Peugeot's 2-litre four and GM's new four-cylinder family proved that aluminium block will spread to nearly all cars in the near future. Aluminium head has been popular much earlier and most engines now employ it. Car makers favour it not really for weight reduction, but for its better cooling property. As 4-valve head generates more heat than 2-valver, aluminium cylinder head seems to be a good solution.

Engine Knock

A general term used to describe the sound made by loose or worn mechanical parts in an engine, such as a bearing.

Engine Mapping

The development of any control system comes from knowledge of the plant, or system to be controlled. In the case of the automobile engine, this knowledge of the plant (the engine) comes primarily from a process called engine mapping. For engine mapping, the engine is connected to a dynamometer and operated throughout its entire speed and load range. Measurements are made of the important engine variables while quantities, such as the air/fuel ratio and the spark control, are varied in a known and systematic manner. Such engine mapping is done in engine test cells that have engine dynamometers and complex instrumentation that collects data under computer control.

Engine Ping

A metallic rattling sound produced by the engine during acceleration. It is usually due to incorrect ignition timing or a poor grade of fuel.

Engine Wear

Can occur on any of the surfaces in relative motion, i.e.piston bearing surfaces, bore, rings, grooves valve train, main and big-end bearings. However, the important wear that controls how long the engine can run between overhauls is mainly that of the bore at the upper limit of top ring travel, the radial wear of the top ring with resultant increase of ring gap and consequent blowby, and the increase of side clearance of the top ring due to ring and groove wear. Such wear may be due to abrasion by engine deposits or by foreign matter that enters through the air intake or the crankcase breathers. Abrasion by engine deposits usually increases with increase in the severity of operating conditions, but that due to adventitious matter is usually independent of operating conditions.

EPB

Electric Park Brake (aka. electromechanical parking brake ) system replaces mechanical parking brakes and the bulky mechanisms associated with them such as hand levers or foot pedals in the interior of the vehicle, and cable mechanisms and cables running through the vehicle. A car equipped with an EPB can also be a big plus for those older drivers or those with a physical disability.

EPS

Electromechanical Power Steering - The Servotronic control unit adjusts the amount of steering assistance to suit the speed of the vehicle. An electromagnetic valve accurately controls the amount of force applied by the steering hydraulics, enabling outstandingly precise steering that suits your current driving situation. Conventional power steering systems, by contrast, regulate the power steering in relation to the engine's RPM. The electromechanical steering system uses an electric motor to achieve the same effect.

Ergonomics

In a car, it refers to the design and positioning of controls, switches, instruments, seats, pedals and the steering wheel so they are properly located for easy and comfortable operation.

ESP

Electronic Stability Control makes the vehicle easier to control in handling situations close to the limit It reduces the danger of swerving and thus improves directional stability. ESP identifies the car's intended direction and response. It applies the brakes on individual wheels, thereby generating one-sided forces that help to keep the car moving in the desired direction.

ETCS-i

Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence - The principle behind ETCS-i is used on all modern racing cars and is sometimes called drive-by-wire. When you depress the accelerator peddle, the engine instantaneously receives an electroic signal demanding more power. By replacing the traditional, less efficient cable link between pedal and engine, ETCS-i can provide better fuel economy, faster responses and smoother acceleration.

EVC

Exhaust Valve Closing: The point at which the exhaust valve returns to its seat, or closes. This valve timing point usually occurs early in the intake stroke. Although EVC does not have substantial effects on engine performance, it contributes to valve overlap (the termination point of overlap) that can have a significant effect on engine output.

EVO

Exhaust Valve Opening: The point at which the exhaust valve lifts off of its seat, or opens. This valve timing point usually occurs late in the power stroke. EVO usually precedes BDC on the power stroke to assist exhaust-gas blowdown. This EVO timing point can be considered the second most important cam timing event.

Exhaust - Variable Back Pressure

More supercars now employ variable back-pressure exhaust. It is somewhat like the variable intake manifold, which is located at the exhaust. Normal exhaust pipes for sports cars collect exhaust pulse from individual cylinders and combine them to a larger pulse, with a corresponding lower pressure behind the pulse. This low pressure actually helps drawing more air / fuel mixture into the cylinder from intake manifolds. This is so-called "reverse supercharging".

Exhaust Emission Controls

These systems are designed to limit harmful gases in an engine's exhaust. Such controls can be grouped into two broad categories: those designed to reduce or eliminate the formation of harmful pollutants in the engine itself (retarded spark settings are one example) and those designed to destroy or otherwise alter the pollutants after they have been formed (air injection and catalytic converters fall into this category). Evaporative emission controls prevent gasoline vapors from escaping into the atmosphere from the fuel tank and the carburetor, and crankcase controls recycle fumes from the crankcase through the engine. Japanese emission requirements are among the most stringent in the world.

Exhaust Manifold

An assembly (usually an iron casting) that connects the exhaust ports to the remainder of the exhaust system. The exhaust manifold may include a heat-riser valve or port that heats the intake manifold to improve fuel vaporization.

Exhaust Manifold - Extractors

The Exhaust manifold is a tube that carries waste products of combustion from the cylinders. On overhead-valve engines (typical engines) it is bolted to the side of the engine cylinder head. Exhaust manifolds may be single iron castings or may be cast in sections. They have a smooth interior surface with no abrupt change in size. Iron castings are cheap for car manufacturers to obtain have a durable life.

Exhaust Ports

Cavities within the cylinder head that form the initial flow paths for the spent gases of combustion. One end of the exhaust port forms the exhaust valve seat and the other end forms a connecting flange to the exhaust manifold or header.

Exhaust Stroke

One of the four 180-degree full "sweeps" of the piston moving in the cylinder of a four-stroke, internal-combustion engine (originally devised by Nikolaus Otto in 1876). During the exhaust stroke, the piston moves from BDC to TDC and forces exhaust gases from the cylinder into the exhaust system. Note: The 180-degree duration of the exhaust stroke is commonly shorter than the period during which the exhaust valve is open, sometimes referred to as the true "Exhaust Cycle." The exhaust stroke is followed by the intake stroke.

Exhaust System

A vehicle's exhaust system is a complex automotive parts assembly. And it consists of an exhaust manifold or extractors, pipe work, Catalytic Converter (s), a muffler and in some cases an exhaust tip. The theory behind the exhaust system is to perform a series of important functions, including the ability to: » Carry engine exhaust gases safely to the rear of the vehicle. » Reduce the engine sound level. » Maintain engine performance. » Reduce harmful emissions through the use of a catalytic converter.

Exhaust Valve

The valve located within the cylinder head that control the flow of spent gases from the cylinder. The exhaust valves are precisely actuated (opened and closed) by the camshaft, usually through lifters, pushrods, and rockerarms. Exhaust valves must withstand extremely high temperatures (1500 degrees-F or higher) and are made from special steels, e.g., SAE J775 that has excellent strength at high temperatures and good resistance to corrosion and wear.

External Lighting - Headlight - Taillight

The lights on your car are of vital importance. They are one of the most crucial safety items, just like the brakes or steering system. While having one light such as a taillight or headlight burn out won't mean you'll lose control of your car, it's still important in terms of your being able to see where you're going and others being able to see you. The inspection of vehicle lighting begins with the periodic checking of operation. Of course, headlights are easy. For taillights, you might need someone to stand behind the vehicle while you operate the running lights, brake lights and turn signals. You can also check for the function of these items by backing the vehicle up near a window and looking at the reflection through the back window. Your car's owner's manual is one of the most important tools for replacing vehicle lighting. You don't need to run off to the dealership just to replace a taillight, headlight or any other light in your car. Merely take a look at the manual, and it will tell you how to access the lights and the type of replacement to acquire. Most auto parts stores stock a full line of vehicle lights.