Chapter 36 Lights, Instrumentation, Wipers and Horns Vocabulary

Halogen Lightbulbs

A bulb that uses tungsten and halogen gas to produce light. It is brighter than an incandescent bulb.

Fast Control Area Network (F-CAN)

A computer communication system that operates at 500 kbps (kilobites per second). It is used to control the engine, transmission, air bags, and other more critical systems.

Instrumentation Electronic Control Module

A control module that reacts to signals from vehicle sensors, dash switches, and other ECMs to operate the digital or digital-analog displays in the dash.

Body Control Area Network (B-CAN)

A group of computers that work together to operate the relay modules, entry lights, exterior lights, the horn, interlocking system, key-in reminder, keyless entry, power door locks, set belt reminder, security alarm, turn and hazard signals, wiper-washer system, and other functions. B-CAN communicates at a data rate of about 33kbsps (kilobites per second).

Sealed-Beam Headlamp

Headlamp that has its filament(s) enclosed in a vacuum-sealed glass housing.

Instrument Cluster

Housing and clear plastic cover that holds most of the dash gauges, speedometer, and indicator lights. Digital instrument clusters do not use analog or needle gauges; it uses computer-driven numbers or graphic displays.

Analog Instrument

Instrument that uses rotating needles or dials to indicate the vehicle operating conditions.

Digital Instrument

Instrument that uses various lights and electronic displays to show operating conditions. An electronic control module is needed to act as an interface between the sensor and the digital readout panel.

Brake Light System

Light system commonly made up of a fuse, brake light switch, two rear lamps, and related wiring. The brake light switch is normally mounted on or near the brake pedal.

High-Intensity Discharge Bulb (HID)

Lightbulb that uses a high-voltage electric arc between electrodes to excite xenon vapor in the bulb, producing an extremely bright light.

Odometer Chip

Miniaturized circuit that stores mileage of the vehicle.

Filament

Resistance wire inside a lightbulb that produces heat and the emission of light energy when electrical current is passed through it.

Light-Monitoring System

Safety system that turns on a warning light in the instrument panel when a headlight, brake light or other lights burn out.

Wiper Linkage

Set of arms that transfers motion from the wiper motor transmission to the wiper arms.

Electronic Speedometer

Speedometer that uses integrated circuit chips in the dash or a circuit in the ECM to react to the electrical signals from the vehicle speed sensor.

Multifunction Switch

Switch capable of controlling several circuits. For example, headlights (bright and dim circuits) and turn lights simultaneously.

Headlamp System

System consisting of the battery, headlamp wiring, fuse panel, light switch, dimmer switch, headlamps (headlights), taillights, marker lights and instrument lights.

Muliplex Integrated Control System (MIC)

System that allows several ECMs to communicate with one another by exchanging digital signals over a single wire or connector.

Auto-off Headlamp System

System that automatically turns the headlamps off after a short delay period, once the engine is turned off.

Automatic Headlight Dimmer System

System that uses a light sensor, amplifier, and relay to control the high and low beam headlights.

Rain-Sensing Wiper System

Windshield wiper system that automatically turns the windshield wipers on when water is detected on the windshield. The system uses a moisture sensor with an infrared system to detect water on the outer surface of the windshield.

Headlight Aimer

Devices for pointing the car's headlamps in a specified position.

Incandescent Lightbulb

Bulb that generates light by sending current though a filament (usually tungsten resistance wire) inside a vacuum. This produces heat and the emission of light energy.

Emergency Light System

Circuit containing a switch, flasher unit, turn signal lamps and related wiring which flashes the turn signals when activated to warn of possible hazards.

Monitor

Commonly a liquid crystal or plasma display screen that provides various graphic information from a mapping system, stereo, climate control, and other systems for the driver and passenger.

Flasher

Component that makes and breaks the circuit to make the vehicle lightbulbs flash on and off. Usually, one flasher is used for the turn signals and another for the emergency flasher lights.

Windshield Washer

Consists of a solvent reservoir, pump, rubber hoses, connections, and washer nozzles. The electric pump forces solution onto the windshield.

Heads-Up Display (HUD)

Display that reflects semi-transparent information onto the windshield or a plastic dash panel so that the driver does not have to take his/her eyes off of the road. It complements the conventional displays in the instrument cluster.

Dimmer Switch

Foot or hand-operated switch that operates the high and low beam headlights.

Ballast

Transformer used in high energy discharge lightbulbs.

Flash-to-Pass Feature

Turn signal lever position that allows the driver to flash the high beam lights, indicating to other drivers ahead of the desire to pass.

Illuminated Entry System

Turns on the interior lights when the vehicle door handle is moved or the door is opened. These systems can vary from simple to complex.

Bimetal Gauge

Type of dash gauge that uses two dissimilar types of metals bonded together to cause the gauge needle deflection.

Balancing Coil Gauge

Type of dash gauge that uses two electric coils to cause needle deflection.

Daylight Running Lights

Type of headlight that turns on automatically whenever the ignition key is in the "Run" position.

Mechanical Speedometer

Uses plastic transmission/transaxle drive gears, a metal speedometer cable, a cable housing, and a mechanical speedometer head to convey vehicle speed.

Sending Unit

Variable resistor used in dash gauges to control current flow to gauges.

Turn Signal System

Vehicle system consisting of a fuse, turn signal switch, flasher unit, turn signal bulbs, indicator bulbs, and related wiring. When activated, the right or left side turn lamps flash, along with turn indicator lights in the instrument panel or on the fenders.

Windshield Wiper System

Vehicle system made up of a switch, wiper motor assembly, wiper linkage, wiper arms, wiper blades, and usually a windshield washer system.

Horn System

Vehicle system that uses a switch mounted on the steering wheel and a relay to send current to the horn. The horn uses a coil-operated diaphragm to produce sound waves and an audible sound.