E

EARTH - Term referring to a ground.

ECA - Electronic Control Assembly

E-CELL - A cell which deplates material from the anode to the cathode as a current in the microampere range is passed through it. When the anode is completely deplated, the E-cell becomes open which turns on a three stage transistor to switch a signal output.

ELECTRODE - Posts or plates which have an electrical potential with respect to each other, such as in a spark plug or battery. Electrodes are either positive or negative.

ELECTROLYTE - Active chemical filler in a battery.

ELECTROMAGNETIC - Refers to a device which incorporates both electronic and magnetic principles together in its operation.

ELECTROMECHANICAL - Refers to a device which incorporates both electronic and mechanical principles together in its operation.
ELECTROMECHANICAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - Instrument cluster, first introduced on Taurus/Sable models, that utilizes magnetic gauges and an "overlapping subassemblies" design. Use of the "overlapping sub-assemblies" design eases service because individual gauge sub-assemblies can be removed as individual pieces.

ELECTRON - Negatively charged portion of an atom that orbits around the nucleus of the atom.

ELECTRONIC - An operation, produced or caused by the action of electrons or by devices which function as a result of electron action. Electronic is often used to describe the control of systems or devices by the use of small electrical signals and various semiconductor devices and circuits.

EMF - Electromotive force or voltage.

EMITTER - One of three elements or terminals of a transistor that emits the electrons that the collector collects.

ENABLE - A type of microcomputer decision which results in an automotive system being activated and permitted to operate.

ENERGIZED - Having the electrical current or electrical source turned on.