The Lincoln Mark VII Club

THE LINCOLN
MARK VII CLUB

Glossary of Lincoln Mark VII Terms
A/C Air Conditioning. ABS Anti-Lock Braking System. They prevent the wheels from locking up and provide the shortest stopping distance on slippery surfaces or in the event of a panic stop. ACC A/C Clutch Compressor signal input to the EEC-IV processor relating status of the A/C clutch. ACCS A/C Cycling Switch. A/C P A/C Pressure Cut-out switch. A/C DV Air Cleaner Duct and Valve motor. A/T Automatic Transmission. ACD Air Conditioner Demand Switch ACV (Thermactor) Air Control Valve. Aero Aerodynamically styled headlamps integrated into the front bumper for a sleeker, more streamlined appearance. AIR BPV (Thermactor) Air Bypass Valve. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE Temperature or air surrounding an object. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes use sensors at each wheel to detect lockup. The system automatically pumps the brakes to release lockup and regain control. AVOM Analog Volt-Ohm Meter. Axle ratio The number of output shaft (on front-wheel-drive vehicles) or driveshaft (on rear-wheel-drive vehicles) revolutions required to rotate the drive wheels one full turn, typically about 3.00:1. Higher ratios (3.50:1) provide more torque to the drive wheels, resulting in better acceleration or easier trailer towing. Lower ratios (2.50:1) offer improved fuel efficiency by reducing engine rpm for a given road speed. BACKSPACE Backspace is the distance between the wheel mounting face and the inner edge of the wheel rim. BASE IDLE Idle RPM determined by throttle lever hardest on throttle body while idle speed control is fully retracted and disconnected. BATT Battery. BOB Break Out Box. An EEC-IV test device which connects in series with the processor and the EEC-IV harness and permits measurements of processor inputs and outputs. BOO Brake On-Off input to the EEC-IV processor indicating a braking drive mode. BOOST Turbo charger boost solenoid or it’s control circuit. CATS see CATALYST CATALYST The first two muffler like devices in the exhaust system containing a monolithic substrate (a honeycomb structure) that is coated with catalytic metals such as platinum or palladium. When hot exhaust gases come in contact with these metals, a chemical reaction takes place to consume unburned hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides. CATALYTIC CONVERTER see CATALYST CEL see CHECK ENGINE LIGHT Camshaft An engine shaft that uses inclined lobe sections, or cams, to open the valves that control the flow of intake and exhaust gases. Camshafts may be mounted in the block, where they operate the valves via pushrods. In performance-oriented vehicles using an overhead cam layout, camshafts are typically mounted in the cylinder head. In this case, the camshafts are driven by a belt or chain and operate the valves directly, although they can also operate indirectly via rockers. CFC Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compounds contribute to the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer. To help protect the environment, all new Lincoln vehicles use CFC-free air-conditioning refrigerants. CFI Central Fuel Injection. A computer controlled fuel metering system which sprays atomized fuel into a throttle body mounted atop an intake manifold. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT A dash panel light used either to aid in the identification and diagnosis of EEC system problems or to indicate that maintenance is required on older vehicles. CURB IDLE COMBUSTION CHAMBER The portion of the engine's cylinder where the air/fuel mixture is ignited and converted into mechanical energy. The optimized shape of the clamshell combustion chamber design often used in Lincoln engines promotes complete burning (for low emissions) and high efficiency (for good fuel economy). CYLINDERS The chambers inside the engine, containing the pistons. The valves control the fuel-air mixture, which is then compressed and ignited by a spark. The force of this ignition moves the pistons, creating the engine power. DIFFERENTIAL A gear set used in a vehicle's final-drive assembly that allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds. During cornering, this allows the wheels at the outside of the turn to rotate faster than the wheels on the inside of the turn. DRIVESHAFT The rotating shaft that transfers power from the transmission to the rear-wheel axle. EAS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED AIR SYSTSEM Working in tandem with shocks, the air springs expand or compress to absorb road bumps, providing a smoother, more controlled ride. Engine block The largest single component or unit designed to house cylinders, cooling jacket, crankcase and all other elements of the engine. Firing Order/Spark sequence The sequence that results in the ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder's combustion chamber. High-tension voltage jumps across the spark plug or device inserted into the combustion chamber. This creates a spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture, which in turn powers the engine .Keyless Entry Keypad Programmable numeric pad allows keyless vehicle entry. Limited-slip differential The limited-slip feature locks the differential when wheel slip occurs. Liter The measurement of engine displacement volume used in combustion. In other words, the total engine cylindrical volume used to produce power. MacPherson strut Named for engineer Earle MacPherson, who developed the design, the MacPherson strut offers a compact, low-friction design used in several Lincoln models. The design combines a reinforced shock-absorber unit with a surrounding coil spring, locating the wheel and supporting the body weight. Offset Offset is the distance between the wheel centerline and the wheel mounting face. Passive anti-theft system The factory installed anti-theft system is defined as a passive anti-theft system because the driver is not required to follow any procedure to arm the system. It automatically becomes armed when the key is removed from the ignition and all doors and hatches are secured. To disarm the system, simply insert and turn the door key. PCV (Positive Crank Case Ventilation) A system which controls the flow of crank case vapors into the engine intake manifold where they are burned in combustion rather than being discharged into the atmosphere. Powerplant The engine or motor in a vehicle. Powertrain The combination of components that produces and transmits power to the drive wheels, including the engine, transmission and live axle (rear-wheel-drive vehicles), or engine and transaxle (front-wheel-drive vehicles). Also known as drivetrain. Rack and pinion steering Rack and pinion systems use a geared rack and pinion to control steering. The design is considered superior for feel. Revolutions per minute (rpm) The expression of engine speed derived from the number of crankshaft rotations measured over 60-seconds. Passenger vehicle engines generally produce peak horsepower between 4,000 and 5,000 rpm. Shock absorbers Also known as "dampers," these suspension components cushion vehicle response to uneven road conditions by converting motion to heat. Damping happens when a piston forces hydraulic fluid through small passages inside the cylindrical housing. To prevent the fluid from losing its efficiency under heavy loads, many dampers also have a gas-pressurized chamber that keeps the fluid pressurized to eliminate aeration. These are known as gas-pressurized hydraulic shock absorbers. Spark plug wires The connections allowing the spark created in the cylinder's combustion chamber to ignite the compressed fuel-air mixture. This ignited mixture then moves the piston inside the cylinder, which in turn creates engine power. Eliminating the need for spark plug wires in effect eliminates the "middleman," resulting in increased efficiency and power, as well as a better spark. Spark sequence/Firing Order The sequence that results in the ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder's combustion chamber. High-tension voltage jumps across the spark plug or device inserted into the combustion chamber. This creates a spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture, which in turn powers the engine. Stabilizer bar Also known as an anti-roll bar. A solid rod or tube suspension element that reduces body lean in corners by resisting the unequal motion between the wheels at either side of the vehicle. Can be installed at the front end, rear end or both. Straight-line tracking Refers to a vehicle's ability to travel in a straight line when facing crosswinds, road imperfections or other environmental factors that may affect handling. Tachometer The gauge that indicates rpm, or engine revolutions per minute. Torque A turning or twisting force that produces rotation, expressed in pound-feet. Torque affects the vehicle's performance when accelerating, carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer or car. The measurement of a vehicle's torque determines whether that vehicle accelerates well at low speeds or at high speeds. Torque converter The coupling device between the engine and automatic transmission that transfers rotation hydraulically rather than through friction clutches used with manual transmission systems. The torque converter can multiply torque and provide a smooth flow of power with minimal slippage loss. Torsional strength The amount of torsional strength, or rigidity, determines a vehicle's ability to respond to uneven road or off-road conditions. Vehicles with high torsional strength reduce road vibrations for a smoother ride and better handling. Traction control Traction refers to the vehicle's grip on the road. With the proper traction, tires transfer the vehicle's power to the road, allowing the driver to experience the full benefit of the engine. Traction control: limits wheel slip on slippery or loose driving surfaces controls traction through brake intervention and engine torque modulation monitors front brake application to prevent front brake overheating operates at all driving speeds Transaxle In front-wheel drive, the transaxle combines the transmission and driving axles in a compact unit, saving weight and space inside the passenger compartment. Unsprung weight Components such as tires, wheels and brakes are not supported by the suspension and are considered unsprung weight. Reducing unsprung weight improves ride and handling by allowing the tires to respond more rapidly to road irregularities. V-8 Two banks of four cylinders each arranged in a V, creating a more compact engine with less engine vibration. Lincoln V-8 engines have four valves per cylinder. Four-valve cylinder designs remain the leading edge in powertrain engineering, because they use two intake and two exhaust valves per cylinder. This boosts power by improving the flow of air-fuel mixture into the engine and exhaust gas out of the engine. Also, because each valve can be smaller and lighter than the valves in a two-valve design, maximum rpm—thus power—can be greater. The layout of the four-valve combustion chamber additionally places the spark plug in the ideal central position for complete combustion, improving performance and lowering exhaust emissions. Valve Valves open and close to control the flow of liquid or gas, and the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders. Four valves per cylinder increase flow, efficiency and performance, as well as improving engine ventilation — both intake and exhaust — power at high rpm. Ventilated disc brakes Unlike drum brakes, disc brakes use disc-shaped rotors and brake pads lined with a heat-resistant material. When the brake pedal is depressed, the brake pad presses against the rotor attached to the wheel, slowing the vehicle down. Disc brakes dissipate heat and retain braking power better than drum brakes. Ventilated disc brakes have ventilation holes, additionally improving heat dissipation. Wheel slip Occurs with a lack of traction, or grip on the road—most common on wet road surfaces. In wheel slip, the wheels spin in place without propelling the vehicle. This wears the tires, in addition to making it difficult for a driver to steer the vehicle in the desired direction. Traction control limits wheel slip under acceleration. Wheelbase The distance between the front- and rear-wheel center points. Longer wheelbases contribute to improved ride comfort, interior roominess and stable handling. Yaw control A system that automatically monitors and compares vehicle yaw rates (side-to-side movement) with steering-wheel orientation and other parameters. This helps detect tire slippage while cornering, so that individual brakes may be applied or engine power reduced in order to return the vehicle to the intended path.

Glossary of Lincoln Mark VII Terms

A/C
Air Conditioning.

ABS
Anti-Lock Braking System. They prevent the wheels from locking up and provide the shortest stopping distance on slippery surfaces or in the event of a panic stop.

ACC
A/C Clutch Compressor signal input to the EEC-IV processor relating status of the A/C clutch.

ACCS
A/C Cycling Switch.

A/C P
A/C Pressure Cut-out switch.

A/C DV
Air Cleaner Duct and Valve motor.

A/T
Automatic Transmission.

ACD
Air Conditioner Demand Switch

ACV
(Thermactor) Air Control Valve.

Aero
Aerodynamically styled headlamps integrated into the front bumper for a sleeker, more streamlined appearance.

AIR BPV
(Thermactor) Air Bypass Valve.

AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
Temperature or air surrounding an object.

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes use sensors at each wheel to detect lockup. The system automatically pumps the brakes to release lockup and regain control.

AVOM
Analog Volt-Ohm Meter.

Axle ratio
The number of output shaft (on front-wheel-drive vehicles) or driveshaft (on rear-wheel-drive vehicles) revolutions required to rotate the drive wheels one full turn, typically about 3.00:1. Higher ratios (3.50:1) provide more torque to the drive wheels, resulting in better acceleration or easier trailer towing. Lower ratios (2.50:1) offer improved fuel efficiency by reducing engine rpm for a given road speed.

BACKSPACE Backspace is the distance between the wheel mounting face and the inner edge of the wheel rim.

BASE IDLE
Idle RPM determined by throttle lever hardest on throttle body while idle speed control is fully retracted and disconnected.

BATT
Battery.

BOB
Break Out Box. An EEC-IV test device which connects in series with the processor and the EEC-IV harness and permits measurements of processor inputs and outputs.

BOO
Brake On-Off input to the EEC-IV processor indicating a braking drive mode.

BOOST
Turbo charger boost solenoid or it’s control circuit.

CATS
see CATALYST

CATALYST
The first two muffler like devices in the exhaust system containing a monolithic substrate (a honeycomb structure) that is coated with catalytic metals such as platinum or palladium. When hot exhaust gases come in contact with these metals, a chemical reaction takes place to consume unburned hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER
see CATALYST

CEL
see CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

Camshaft
An engine shaft that uses inclined lobe sections, or cams, to open the valves that control the flow of intake and exhaust gases. Camshafts may be mounted in the block, where they operate the valves via pushrods. In performance-oriented vehicles using an overhead cam layout, camshafts are typically mounted in the cylinder head. In this case, the camshafts are driven by a belt or chain and operate the valves directly, although they can also operate indirectly via rockers.

CFC
Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compounds contribute to the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer. To help protect the environment, all new Lincoln vehicles use CFC-free air-conditioning refrigerants.

CFI
Central Fuel Injection. A computer controlled fuel metering system which sprays atomized fuel into a throttle body mounted atop an intake manifold.

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
A dash panel light used either to aid in the identification and diagnosis of EEC system problems or to indicate that maintenance is required on older vehicles.

CURB IDLE

COMBUSTION CHAMBER
The portion of the engine's cylinder where the air/fuel mixture is ignited and converted into mechanical energy. The optimized shape of the clamshell combustion chamber design often used in Lincoln engines promotes complete burning (for low emissions) and high efficiency (for good fuel economy).

CYLINDERS
The chambers inside the engine, containing the pistons. The valves control the fuel-air mixture, which is then compressed and ignited by a spark. The force of this ignition moves the pistons, creating the engine power.

DIFFERENTIAL
A gear set used in a vehicle's final-drive assembly that allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds. During cornering, this allows the wheels at the outside of the turn to rotate faster than the wheels on the inside of the turn.

DRIVESHAFT
The rotating shaft that transfers power from the transmission to the rear-wheel axle.

EAS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED AIR SYSTSEM
Working in tandem with shocks, the air springs expand or compress to absorb road bumps, providing a smoother, more controlled ride.

Engine block
The largest single component or unit designed to house cylinders, cooling jacket, crankcase and all other elements of the engine.

Firing Order/Spark sequence
The sequence that results in the ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder's combustion chamber. High-tension voltage jumps across the spark plug or device inserted into the combustion chamber. This creates a spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture, which in turn powers the engine

.Keyless Entry Keypad
Programmable numeric pad allows keyless vehicle entry.

Limited-slip differential
The limited-slip feature locks the differential when wheel slip occurs.

Liter
The measurement of engine displacement volume used in combustion. In other words, the total engine cylindrical volume used to produce power.

MacPherson strut
Named for engineer Earle MacPherson, who developed the design, the MacPherson strut offers a compact, low-friction design used in several Lincoln models. The design combines a reinforced shock-absorber unit with a surrounding coil spring, locating the wheel and supporting the body weight.

Offset
Offset is the distance between the wheel centerline and the wheel mounting face.

Passive anti-theft system
The factory installed anti-theft system is defined as a passive anti-theft system because the driver is not required to follow any procedure to arm the system. It automatically becomes armed when the key is removed from the ignition and all doors and hatches are secured. To disarm the system, simply insert and turn the door key.

PCV (Positive Crank Case Ventilation)
A system which controls the flow of crank case vapors into the engine intake manifold where they are burned in combustion rather than being discharged into the atmosphere.

Powerplant
The engine or motor in a vehicle.

Powertrain
The combination of components that produces and transmits power to the drive wheels, including the engine, transmission and live axle (rear-wheel-drive vehicles), or engine and transaxle (front-wheel-drive vehicles). Also known as drivetrain.

Rack and pinion steering
Rack and pinion systems use a geared rack and pinion to control steering. The design is considered superior for feel.

Revolutions per minute (rpm)
The expression of engine speed derived from the number of crankshaft rotations measured over 60-seconds. Passenger vehicle engines generally produce peak horsepower between 4,000 and 5,000 rpm.

Shock absorbers
Also known as "dampers," these suspension components cushion vehicle response to uneven road conditions by converting motion to heat. Damping happens when a piston forces hydraulic fluid through small passages inside the cylindrical housing. To prevent the fluid from losing its efficiency under heavy loads, many dampers also have a gas-pressurized chamber that keeps the fluid pressurized to eliminate aeration. These are known as gas-pressurized hydraulic shock absorbers.

Spark plug wires
The connections allowing the spark created in the cylinder's combustion chamber to ignite the compressed fuel-air mixture. This ignited mixture then moves the piston inside the cylinder, which in turn creates engine power. Eliminating the need for spark plug wires in effect eliminates the "middleman," resulting in increased efficiency and power, as well as a better spark.

Spark sequence/Firing Order
The sequence that results in the ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder's combustion chamber. High-tension voltage jumps across the spark plug or device inserted into the combustion chamber. This creates a spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture, which in turn powers the engine.

Stabilizer bar
Also known as an anti-roll bar. A solid rod or tube suspension element that reduces body lean in corners by resisting the unequal motion between the wheels at either side of the vehicle. Can be installed at the front end, rear end or both.

Straight-line tracking
Refers to a vehicle's ability to travel in a straight line when facing crosswinds, road imperfections or other environmental factors that may affect handling.

Tachometer
The gauge that indicates rpm, or engine revolutions per minute.

Torque
A turning or twisting force that produces rotation, expressed in pound-feet. Torque affects the vehicle's performance when accelerating, carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer or car. The measurement of a vehicle's torque determines whether that vehicle accelerates well at low speeds or at high speeds.

Torque converter
The coupling device between the engine and automatic transmission that transfers rotation hydraulically rather than through friction clutches used with manual transmission systems. The torque converter can multiply torque and provide a smooth flow of power with minimal slippage loss.

Torsional strength
The amount of torsional strength, or rigidity, determines a vehicle's ability to respond to uneven road or off-road conditions. Vehicles with high torsional strength reduce road vibrations for a smoother ride and better handling.

Traction control
Traction refers to the vehicle's grip on the road. With the proper traction, tires transfer the vehicle's power to the road, allowing the driver to experience the full benefit of the engine. Traction control:

limits wheel slip on slippery or loose driving surfaces

controls traction through brake intervention and engine torque modulation

monitors front brake application to prevent front brake overheating

operates at all driving speeds

Transaxle
In front-wheel drive, the transaxle combines the transmission and driving axles in a compact unit, saving weight and space inside the passenger compartment.

Unsprung weight
Components such as tires, wheels and brakes are not supported by the suspension and are considered unsprung weight. Reducing unsprung weight improves ride and handling by allowing the tires to respond more rapidly to road irregularities.

V-8
Two banks of four cylinders each arranged in a V, creating a more compact engine with less engine vibration. Lincoln V-8 engines have four valves per cylinder. Four-valve cylinder designs remain the leading edge in powertrain engineering, because they use two intake and two exhaust valves per cylinder. This boosts power by improving the flow of air-fuel mixture into the engine and exhaust gas out of the engine. Also, because each valve can be smaller and lighter than the valves in a two-valve design, maximum rpm—thus power—can be greater. The layout of the four-valve combustion chamber additionally places the spark plug in the ideal central position for complete combustion, improving performance and lowering exhaust emissions.

Valve
Valves open and close to control the flow of liquid or gas, and the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders. Four valves per cylinder increase flow, efficiency and performance, as well as improving engine ventilation — both intake and exhaust — power at high rpm.

Ventilated disc brakes
Unlike drum brakes, disc brakes use disc-shaped rotors and brake pads lined with a heat-resistant material. When the brake pedal is depressed, the brake pad presses against the rotor attached to the wheel, slowing the vehicle down. Disc brakes dissipate heat and retain braking power better than drum brakes. Ventilated disc brakes have ventilation holes, additionally improving heat dissipation.

Wheel slip
Occurs with a lack of traction, or grip on the road—most common on wet road surfaces. In wheel slip, the wheels spin in place without propelling the vehicle. This wears the tires, in addition to making it difficult for a driver to steer the vehicle in the desired direction. Traction control limits wheel slip under acceleration.

Wheelbase
The distance between the front- and rear-wheel center points. Longer wheelbases contribute to improved ride comfort, interior roominess and stable handling.

Yaw control
A system that automatically monitors and compares vehicle yaw rates (side-to-side movement) with steering-wheel orientation and other parameters. This helps detect tire slippage while cornering, so that individual brakes may be applied or engine power reduced in order to return the vehicle to the intended path.