432 ENGLISH GLOSSARY
LP-gas See liquefied petroleum gas .
M85 Internal combustion engine fuel containing 85% methanol and
15% gasoline.
Magnetic pulse generator The pulse generator consists of a trigger
wheel (reluctor) and a pickup coil. The pickup coil consists of an iron core
wrapped with fine wire, in a coil at one end and attached to a permanent
magnet at the other end. The center of the coil is called the pole piece.
Magnetic sensor Uses a permanent magnet surrounded by a coil
of wire. The notches of the crankshaft (or camshaft) create a variable
magnetic field strength around the coil. When a metallic section is close
to the sensor, the magnetic field is stronger because metal is a better
conductor of magnetic lines of force than air.
Magnetic-resistive sensor A sensor that is similar to a magnetic
sensor but, instead of producing an analog voltage signal, the electron-
ics inside the sensor itself generate a digital on/off signal or an output.
Malfunction indicator lamp This amber, dashboard warning light may
be labeled check engine or service engine soon.
MAP sensor A sensor used to measure the pressure inside the intake
manifold compared to a perfect vacuum.
Married coil Also called a tapped transformer.
Mass air flow sensor Measures the density and amount of air flowing
into the engine, which results in accurate engine control.
Mechanical returnless fuel system A returnless fuel delivery system
design that uses a mechanical pressure regulator located in the fuel tank.
Mega Million. Used when writing larger numbers or measuring a large
amount of resistance.
Membrane electrode assembly The part of the PEM fuel cell that
contains the membrane, catalyst coatings, and electrodes.
Mercury A heavy metal.
Meter accuracy The accuracy of a meter measured in percent.
Meter resolution The specification of a meter that indicates how
small or fine a measurement the meter can detect and display.
Methanol Typically manufactured from natural gas. Methanol con-
tent, including cosolvents, in unleaded gasoline is limited by law to 5%.
Methanol-to-gasoline A refining process in which methanol is con-
verted into liquid gasoline.
Methyl alcohol See methanol .
Methyl tertiary butyl ether A fuel oxygenate that is permitted in un-
leaded gasoline up to a level of 15%.
Metric bolts Bolts manufactured and sized in the metric system of
measurement.
Micro (μ) One millionth of a volt or ampere.
Micron Equal to 0.000039 in.
Milli (m) One thousandth of a volt or ampere.
Millisecond sweep The scope will sweep only that portion of the pat-
tern that can be shown during a 5- or 25-ms setting.
MSDS Material safety data sheet.
MTHF Methyltetrahydrofuron. A component of P-series nonpetroleum-
based fuels.
Multiplexing A process of sending multiple signals of information at
the same time over a signal wire.
Mutual induction The generation of an electric current due to a
changing magnetic field of an adjacent coil.
Naturally (normally) aspirated An engine that uses atmospheric
pressure for intake.
Inductive reactance An opposing current created in a conductor
whenever there is a charging current flow in a conductor.
Inert Chemically inactive.
Inertia switch Turns off the electric fuel pump in an accident.
Initial timing Where the spark plug fires at idle speed. The computer
then advances the timing based off engine speed and other factors.
Injection pump Delivers fuel to the injectors at a high pressure and at
timed intervals. Each injector sprays fuel into the combustion chamber
at the precise moment required for efficient combustion.
Input conditioning What the computer does to the input signals to
make them useful; usually includes an analog to digital converter and
other electronic circuits that eliminate electrical noise.
Input Information on data from sensors to an electronic controller is
called input. Sensors and switches provide the input signals.
Intercooler Similar to a radiator, wherein outside air can pass through,
cooling the pressurized heated air.
Intermediate oscillations Also called the “ringing” of the coil as it is pulsed.
Inverter An electronic device used to convert DC (direct current) into
AC (alternating current).
Iridium spark plugs Use a small amount of iridium welded onto the
tip of a small center electrode 0.0015 to 0.002 inch (0.4 to 0.6 mm) in
diameter. The small diameter reduces the voltage required to jump the
gap between the center and the side electrode, thereby reducing possi-
ble misfires. The ground or side electrode is usually tipped with platinum
to help reduce electrode sap wear.
ISC Idle speed control motor.
KAM Keep-alive memory.
Keyword A type of network communications used in many General
Motors vehicles.
Kilo Means 1,000; abbreviated k or K.
Knock sensor A sensor that can detect engine spark knock.
Leak defection pump Chrysler uses an electric pump that pressu-
rizes the fuel system to check for leaks by having the PCM monitor the
fuel tank pressure sensor.
Lean indicator Oxygen.
LED test light Uses an LED instead of a standard automotive bulb for
a visual indication of voltage.
Lift pump The diesel fuel is drawn from the fuel tank by the lift pump
and delivers the fuel to the injection pump.
Linear air–fuel ratio sensor See lean air–fuel ratio sensor.
Linear EGR Contains a stepper motor to precisely regulate exhaust
gas flow and a feedback potentiometer that signals to the computer the
actual position of the valve.
Linesman’s gloves Type of gloves worn by technicians when working
around high-voltage circuits. Usually includes a rubber inner glove rated
at 1,000 volts and a protective leather outer glove when used for hybrid
electric vehicle service.
Liquefied petroleum gas
Sold as compressed liquid propane that is of-
ten mixed with about 10% of other gases such as butane, propylene, buty-
lenes, and mercaptan to give the colorless and odorless propane a smell.
Logic probe A type of tester that can detect either power or ground.
Most testers can detect voltage but some cannot detect if a ground is
present without further testing.
Low-grade heat Cooling system temperatures that are very close to
the temperature of the ambient air, resulting in lowered heat transfer
efficiency.