3
Chaptererpter
After studying this chapter, you will be able to:
Identify and describe primary parts within
major automotive systems.
Explain the frequent electronic interaction of
major automotive systems or circuits.
Describe and compare major automobile
design variations.
Identify and locate the most important sys-
tems used to operate conventional and hybrid
passenger vehicles.
Comprehend later textbook chapters with a
minimum amount of diffi culty.
Correctly answer ASE certifi cation test ques-
tions that require a general understanding of
the major parts and systems of a vehicle.
The term automobile is derived from the Greek
word autos, which means self, and the French word
mobile, which means moving. Today’s “self-moving”
vehicles are engineering marvels of safety and
dependability. Over the last century, engineers and
skilled workers the world over have used all facets
of technology (application of math, science, physics,
engineering, and other subjects) to steadily give us a
more effi cient means of transportation.
You are about to begin your study of the design,
construction, service, maintenance, and repair of mod-
ern passenger vehicles. This chapter provides a “quick
look” at different makes and models of cars and how
they operate. By knowing a little about all major sys-
tems, you will be better prepared to learn the more
detailed information presented later in this textbook.
Today, a vehicle is as much electronic as it is
mechanical. Failure of one computer-controlled sys-
tem can affect the operation of a seemingly unrelated
system. This makes a thorough understanding of the
whole automobile and its major systems critical.
Tech Tip
Try to learn something new about the
automotive industry every day. In addition to
studying this book and doing all the hands-
on activities, you can read automotive
magazines, browse the Internet, and watch
“motor-sport” television programs. Increasing
your knowledge daily will help you become a
better technician with little effort!
Parts, Assemblies, and Systems
A part, sometimes called a component, is the
smallest removable item on a car. A part is not nor-
mally disassembled. It is often a one-piece casting or
forging made of metal or plastic. An electrical com-
ponent is a part in an electrical circuit or system.
An assembly is a set of fi tted parts designed
to complete a specifi c function. For example, the
engine is an assembly that converts fuel into use-
able power to move the vehicle. Technicians must
often take assemblies apart and put them back
together during maintenance, service, and repair
operations. See Figure 1-1.
An automotive system is a group of related parts
and assemblies that performs a specifi c function (job
or task). For example, your vehicle’s steering system
contains the steering wheel, steering shaft, steer-
ing gears, linkage rods, and other parts. These parts
allow you to control the direction of the wheels and
tires for maneuvering (turning) your vehicle.
Another example of a familiar system is the brake
system. This system is a group of parts that performs
a very important task—slowing and stopping your
vehicle quickly and safely.
Figure 1-2 shows the major systems of a vehicle.
Memorize the name and general location of each
The
Automobile1
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