Automotive terms Modern J-K-L

Automotive Technical terms and abbreviations overview used in the industry, Guide and explanations.

The following are examples of Mid Modern technical terms J K and L recommended for general use worldwide. For in-depth specific terms also see terms for historic vintage and specific areas such as Paint.

JOURNAL:
The bearing surface within which a shaft operates.

JUMPER CABLES:
Two heavy duty wires with large alligator clips used to provide power from a charged battery to a discharged battery mounted in a vehicle.

JUMPSTART:
Utilizing the sufficiently charged battery of one vehicle to start the engine of another vehicle with a discharged battery by the use of jumper cables.

KEY:
A small block usually fitted in a notch between a shaft and a hub to prevent slippage of the two parts.

KICKDOWN:
Detent downshift system; either linkage, cable, or electrically controlled.

KILO:
A prefix used in the metric system to indicate one thousand.

KNOCK:
Noise which results from the spontaneous ignition of a portion of the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinder caused by overly advanced ignition timing or use of incorrectly low octane fuel for that engine.

KNOCK SENSOR:
An input device that responds to spark knock, caused by over advanced ignition timing.

LABOR TIME:
A specific amount of time required to perform a certain repair or diagnostic service as defined by a vehicle or after-market manufacturer.

LACQUER:
A quick-drying automotive paint.

LATE:
Shift that occurs when engine is at higher than normal rpm for given amount of throttle.

LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE (LED):
A semiconductor diode that emits light as electrical current flows through it; used in some electronic display devices to emit a red or other color light.

LIGHT THROTTLE:
Approximately one-fourth of accelerator pedal travel.

LIMITED SLIP:

A type of differential which transfers driving force to the wheel with the best traction.

LIMP-IN MODE:
Electrical shutdown of the transmission/ transaxle output solenoids, allowing only forward and reverse gears that are hydraulically energized by the manual valve. This permits the vehicle to be driven to a service facility for repair.

LIP SEAL:
Molded synthetic rubber seal designed with an outer sealing edge (lip) that points into the fluid containing area to be sealed. This type of seal is used where rotational and axial forces are present.

LITHIUM-BASE GREASE:
Chassis and wheel bearing grease using lithium as a base, Not compatible with sodium-base grease.

LOAD DEVICE:
A circuit's resistance that converts the electrical energy into light, sound, heat, or mechanical movement.

LOAD RANGE:
Indicates the number of plies at which a tire is rated. Load range B equals four-ply rating; C equals six-ply rating; and, D equals

LOAD TORQUE:
The amount of output torque needed from the transmission/transaxle to overcome the vehicle load.

LOCKING HUBS:
Accessories used on part-time four-wheel drive systems that allow the front wheels to be disengaged from the drive train when four-wheel drive is not being used. When four-wheel drive is desired, the hubs are engaged, locking the wheels to the drive train.

LOCKUP CONVERTER:
A torque converter that operates hydraulically and mechanically. When an internal apply plate (lockup plate) clamps to the torque converter cover, hydraulic slippage is eliminated.

LOCK RING:
See Circlip or Snapring