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Compressor

1. A component of the refrigeration system that pumps refrigerant and increases the pressure of the refrigerant vapor. 2. A device used to pump air.

Compressor Crankshaft Seal

A term used for compressor shaft seal.

Compressor Surge

A condition when boost in a turbocharged or supercharged engine tries to flow back up into the turbo or supercharger. This reverse-flowing boost tries to stop the compressor from spinning, which not only causes turbo lag when shifting gears on a manual transmission vehicle, it also causes wear and tear on the turbocharger.

Compressor-discharge Pressure Switch

A pressure-operated electrical switch that opens the compressor-clutch circuit during high-pressure conditions.

Compressor-protection Switch

An electrical switch installed in the rear head of some compressors to stop the compressor in the event of a loss of refrigerant.

Compressor-shaft Seal

An assembly consisting of springs, snap rings, O-rings, seal sets, a shaft seal, and a gasket mounted on the compressor crankshaft to permit the shaft to be turned without a loss of refrigerant or oil.

Computer

A machine capable of following instructions to alter data in a desirable way and to perform most of these operations without human intervention.

Computer Based Training (CBT)

A type of education in which the student learns by executing special training programs on a computer.

Computer Chip

The programmable silicon chip inside a vehicle's engine management computer or powertrain management computer. It is possible to swap chips in some vehicle's computers for a performance improvement. (If not, it is necessary to swap computers or have the existing computer reprogrammed.) Often, a high-performance chip is recommended if a number of performance modifications have been made that significantly enhance airflow (especially the installation of a supercharger or turbocharger). The new chip will ensure that the proper amount of fuel is supplied to the engine for optimum power output. High-performance chips also can enhance transmission performance in a powertrain management computer.

Computer Literacy

The level of expertise and familiarity someone has with computers.

Computer Reprogramming

If it is not possible to remove and replace the computer chip in a vehicle's engine management computer, the alternative is to swap computers or reprogram the existing computer. Often, a computer will need to be reprogrammed if a number of performance modifications have been made that significantly enhance airflow (especially the installation of a supercharger or turbocharger). Reprogramming will ensure that the proper amount of fuel is supplied to the engine for optimum power output. In some new vehicles, a change as simple as installing a different size tire requires reprogramming the computer, since the computer "objects" to any change that might affect fuel economy. To reprogram a computer, it can be removed from the vehicle and shipped to a company that specializes in reprogramming, or it can be reprogrammed while it's still in the vehicle using a computer reprogramming kit.

Computer Reprogramming Kit

A kit that connects to a vehicle's computer and changes that computer's programming. Computer reprogramming can improve a vehicle's performance on its own, or it can be done to compensate for other modifications that have been made, ranging from the addition of a supercharger to the installation of a taller tire.

Computer-aided Manufacturing

The use of computer technology in the management, control, and operation of manufacturing.

Computer-command Control (CCC)

A term given a computer that controls the function and operation of an automotive system, or sub system.

Computer-controlled Brakes

A system having a sensor on each wheel, feeding electrical impulses into an on-board computer. As the vehicle is stopped, each wheel is stopped or slowed down at the same rate, reducing sideways skidding during rapid braking.

Computer-controlled Suspension System

A system in which a computer-controlled actuator is positioned in the top of each shock absorber or strut. The shock absorber or strut actuators rotate a shaft inside the piston rod, and this shaft is connected to the shock valve.

Computer-generated Code

A term more commonly known as trouble code.

Computerese

The jargon and other specialized vocabulary of those working with computers and information-processing systems.

Computerize

1. To equip a business or organization with computers in order to facilitate or automate procedures. 2. To convert a manual operation into one that is performed by a computer.

Computerized Air Suspension

A type of suspension system equipped with rubber air bas controlled by an air compressor to maintain a specific ride height determined by vehicle load and road-surface conditions.