Glossary “plunging constant velocity joint” Definition:
Usually the inner CV joint. The joint is designed so that it can telescope slightly to compensate for suspension motions.
p
ply rating (PR)
Glossary “ply rating (PR)” Definition:
Method used to indicate relative tire strength, formerly used to designate the load-carrying capacity of a tire. The ply rating does not necessarily indicate the actual number of plies: a four-ply rated tire, for example, may have two plies but is considered as strong as a standard four-ply tire.
PM
Glossary “PM” Definition:
Preventative Maintenance, or Permanent Magnet
plr
Glossary “plr” Definition:
Acronym form of Pillar.
plug
Glossary “plug” Definition:
1). A spark plug. 2). A threaded, tapered metal pin used to repair cracks in castings, such as an engine block. 3). To fill an opening or hole.
plug weld
Glossary “plug weld” Definition:
A weld made in a circular hole in one member of a joint, fusing that member to another member.
plunge joint
Glossary “plunge joint” Definition:
Inboard CV joint that changes in length like a slip yoke does in a rear wheel drive vehicle.
plow
Glossary “plow” Definition:
Condition in cornering when the slip angles of the front tires are greater than the slip angles of the rear tires and the front end tends to break loose and slide.
pliers
Glossary “pliers” Definition:
Hand tool used for working with wires, clips and pins. They will grip and hold parts.
plies
Glossary “plies” Definition:
Cord plies that surround both beads and extend around the inner surface of the tire to enable the tire to carry its load.
PLM
Glossary “PLM” Definition:
Power Liftgate Module
plotting color
Glossary “plotting color” Definition:
Process of identifying paint color in a graphic way based on value, hue and chroma.
platinum (Pt)
Glossary “platinum (Pt)” Definition:
A rare, valuable metallic element which is highly resistant to corrosion, and is used as a catalytic agent in automotive catalytic converters of the oxidizing type.
plenum
Glossary “plenum” Definition:
1). Chamber containing air under pressure. 2). Chamber containing a gas such as air or an air/fuel mixture under higher than atmospheric pressure.
plenum blower assembly
Glossary “plenum blower assembly” Definition:
Located on the engine side of the cowling, this assembly contains air ducts, air valves, and a blower that permits the selection or air from the outside or inside of the car and directs it to the evaporator or to the heater core if desired.
plenum chamber
Glossary “plenum chamber” Definition:
Area filled with air at a pressure that is slightly higher than the surrounding air pressure, such as the chamber just before the blower motor.
Plexiglas
Glossary “Plexiglas” Definition:
A brand name of a transparent, lightweight plastic material often used for windows in an enclosed race car.
platform
Glossary “platform” Definition:
Basic understructure of a vehicle including all running gear.
plate
Glossary “plate” Definition:
1). Rectangular sheet of spongy lead in a battery. 2). Platform on which an assembly may be mounted. 3). May be used as a spacer.
plate group
Glossary “plate group” Definition:
All of the positive plates and all of the negative plates that make up one battery cell.