An O-ring is a type of gasket or seal that prevents liquids or gases from leaking and contaminating other parts. An O-ring typically fits into an engineered groove. When compressed between two parts, it shifts towards the side with the least amount of pressure to create a tight seal.
A hydraulically activated, electronically controlled unit injector (HEUI) relies on O-rings to prevent fuel and oil from mixing, which can result in a series of performance problems.
The o-ring and seal pick is a tool that helps mechanics remove o-rings without scratching the surface of the o-ring groove. O-rings can be found in many parts of a vehicle, including the cooling system and engine. They seal the joints between separate parts and prevent fluids and gases from leaking. These joints are sensitive to any scratches since any imperfections can cause issues with the seal. This can cause the seal to fail and cause issues depending on the part.
The object sensor module is the device that determines how close an object is to your vehicle’s side or rear. Sometimes called a blind spot detection module, it alerts you to potential collisions.with other vehicles, people, and objects in the vicinity. The location varies between vehicles with some GM vehicles mounting two modules in the rear end. Rear parking assist systems rely on the readings of object sensor modules to help you safely drive in reverse.
The Occupant Detection Sensor is a sensor that detects when someone is sitting in the passenger seat of a car. This pressure sensor is typically located inside the passenger seat, where it sends a signal to the powertrain control module (PCM). Based on the signal sent by the occupation detection sensor, the PCM turns the air bag on or off. Some sensors also read the passenger’s seating position and determine whether or not they’re wearing a seat belt.
The Odometer Drive Gear is a gear found in a vehicle’s odometer. There are inner and outer gears, both of which are essential for an odometer to function properly. One is typically smaller than the other, but their design varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Issues with the odometer drive gear, such as broken or missing teeth, can lead to intermittent or complete odometer failure depending on the severity.
Off-road bumpers, sometimes called off-road bull bars, are specially designed for off-road use. It provides extra protection when driving through tough terrains.
Unlike standard factory bumpers, off-road bumpers are built to withstand the challenges of driving off the beaten path and better protect the vehicle’s front components.
The off-road jack is a specialized hydraulic tool that can lift an off-road vehicle with significant weight and high road clearance, allowing you to access the bottom of your car for inspections and repairs. This tool might be needed if you regularly go off-roading and might have to raise your off-road vehicle to examine and repair its underside.
The Offroad Light is a type of automotive light that is best suited for off-roading. Offroad lights act as supplementary lights to your headlights by improving visibility when you’re driving on poorly lit roads in mountains, deserts, and other places away from the city. Light-emitting diodes (LED) are among the most popular types of offroad lights, but other types include high-intensity discharge (HID) lights and halogen lights. You can also find different shapes and sizes of offroad lights, such as light bars and cube lights.
An Offroad Light Cover is a cap that goes over a vehicle’s offroad lights, protecting them from UV damage and inclement weather conditions. These light covers are made from different materials, from cloth to plastic, and differ in shape depending on the type of offroad light they were designed to cover. Some states legally require drivers to cover their offroad lights when driving on local roads and highways. These laws differ per state.
An offroad light kit is a set of automotive lighting, like spotlights or floodlights, designed for off-road use. These lights are meant to keep your ride safe in low-light conditions. Offroad light kits usually consist of LED or HID lights, mounting brackets, wiring harnesses, and switches.
The oil control valve regulates and controls the flow of oil into the engine’s camshaft. It’s an essential component for engines that use variable valve technology (VVT) because it’s essentially used to set the timing.
You can typically find the oil control valve on the top of the engine on the cylinder head. It’s worth mentioning that vehicles that use VVT have one oil control valve per camshaft.
The oil cooler is a smaller radiator that helps cool engine oil. Just like a regular radiator, oil passes through the oil cooler’s coils, which allows heat to radiate into the surrounding air. Like the radiator, the oil cooler is pivotal in preventing the engine from overheating. More importantly, it keeps the oil temperature low and within its ideal operating temperature. If engine oil overheats, it is less able to lubricate your vehicle’s engine and prevent wear.
The oil cooler connector joins the oil cooler and one of its hoses. Also called the oil cooler line connector, this part might be needed if the oil cooling lines in your vehicle often come loose. Mounted on the oil cooler, the connectors enable lubricant to flow smoothly between the heat-exchanging device and the engine. The oil cooler needs this part to connect the oil cooling lines and prevent leaks.
An Oil Cooler Gasket Set includes the different gaskets that fit round the oil cooler. These gaskets fit between the oil cooler and the engine block. An oil cooler gasket set prevents oil from leaking out of the oil cooler and going into the cooling system, which can cause engine issues. Oil cooler gaskets are either rubber, metal-backed rubber, or silicone. Rubber is the most common and most affordable type, but silicone is more reliable.
The oil cooler hose or line is a tube that connects the engine to the oil cooler. It acts as a bridge that lets lubricant pass through and creates a cycle between the two parts.
A damaged oil cooler hose can negatively impact the engine cooling process. This usually happens when the cooler hose develops leaks and crimps.
The oil cooler hose should be replaced at least once before the 100,000-mile mark.
The Oil Cooler Line lets engine oil flow continuously between the engine and the oil cooler.
It is prone to crimping and developing leaks, which can result in problems like low engine oil levels, oil leaks, and damaged lines.
An oil cooler line o-ring is a simple seal used in connections to or from your vehicle’s oil cooler. That said, they are crucial to keeping engine oil properly contained. The oil cooler functions much like the radiator. However, it handles engine oil instead of coolant. This means the oil cooler line o-rings need to withstand high temperatures and pressures to prevent oil from leaking out of the system.
The oil cooler mount keeps the oil cooler secure and in place. Oil coolers control oil temperature by cooling it with the help of the coolant passing through the cooling system’s coils. This helps keep the engine at optimal temperature.
The oil cooler mounting kit is a kit that contains various parts for mounting and sealing the oil cooler. This kit might be needed if you will install a new oil cooler or replace damaged or worn-out mounts. Oil cooler mounting kits contain oil cooler mounts and related parts. The oil cooler needs the parts in the mounting kit to support its weight in the engine bay.
The Oil Cooler Screw is a screw for the engine oil cooler, a radiator-like component that keeps your engine oil cool. You can typically find oil coolers in large trucks and high-performance vehicles that need more than just a radiator to keep the engine oil cool. Oil cooler screws help secure the oil cooler’s different parts, including tubes and fins that facilitate good airflow throughout the engine system.
The Oil Cooler Seal is a gasket that sits between the engine and the oil cooler. Made from rubber or silicone, these seals prevent oil from spilling between the connection points between these two components. Without them, the oil that leaks between the connection points escapes, leading to low oil pressure, overheating, and increased engine wear. The seals are typically donut-shaped with thin walls, but their appearance and thickness varies depending on the vehicle make and model.
The oil dipstick is a long, flat metal rod used to measure the levels of oil inside the engine. It also indicates whether the oil needs to be replaced and helps drivers determine leaks.
Some oil dipsticks are marked to help indicate when it’s time to add oil to the engine. They’re usually found inside a tube on the left side of the engine.
An Oil Dipstick Flange Repair Kit usually contains O-ring replacements and a special tool that makes it possible to replace the flange seal without removing the oil pan.
The oil dipstick funnel is a part that guides the oil dipstick into the engine at the correct angle and position. This part might be needed if the factory-issued or current oil dipstick funnel fractures or becomes loose. The funnel is mounted in the engine, and the oil dipstick fits in it. The dipstick needs the funnel to secure it and keep contaminants like dirt and moisture out of the engine.
The Oil Dipstick Seal is a gasket for the engine oil dipstick tube. It’s typically made of thick, durable rubber or silicone, providing a tight seal that prevents engine oil from leaking. It also protects engine oil from dust, debris, and other contaminants that can harm the engine. Oil dipstick tube seals can vary in material, inside diameter, outside diameter, and thickness, so it’s important to find the right seal that fits your vehicle.
An Oil Dipstick Tube is the tube that contains the oil dipstick. It connects to the engine and holds a certain amount of oil relative to the oil levels in the system. This allows the dipstick to function as a metering stick should it be taken out of the oil dipstick tube. The tube is sometimes affixed to the outside of the engine with access to the crankcase via a small hole on the engine’s side. Transmission oil dipstick tubes also exist.
An oil drain plug is a large nut or screw that covers the drain opening at the bottom of the oil pan underneath your vehicle’s engine. The oil drain plug is a helpful component that allows mechanics to easily drain your vehicle’s oil during an oil change. Oil drain plugs can come in various materials like steel, carbon steel, aluminum, or plastic. The plugs typically come with a washer to keep the screw from loosening, as an oil drain plug coming loose would be catastrophic to the engine.
The Oil Filler Cap is designed to seal the oil fill opening to prevent leaks after refilling your vehicle’s engine oil and block contaminants from entering the engine. It is usually located on the driver’s side of the engine bay.
In some vehicles, the oil filler cap is labeled “engine oil” or other variations for easy identification.
The oil filler cap gasket is a simple rubber seal that fits around the engine’s oil filler cap. The oil filler cap covers the oil fill opening. Without this seal, oil from the engine can seep out around the oil filler cap and leak into surrounding components. The oil filler cap gasket needs to withstand high temperatures since oil can easily heat up to around 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
The oil filler tube is a part that lets you refill the engine with fresh lubricant. This part might be needed if the current or stock oil filler tube has developed a leak or another issue that would require it to be replaced. Oil filler tubes are connected to the oil pan, and the oil filler cap covers their end. The engine relies on the oil filler tube to help replenish the oil reservoir with fresh lubricant.
The Oil Filler Tube Seal prevents oil from leaking from the engine oil filler tube, which is where you pour motor oil into your engine. Attached to the oil filler tube, the seal is typically located on the driver’s side of the engine bay. It also prevents dirt, moisture, and other contaminants from entering the system and potentially damaging the engine. Most oil filler tube seals are made from durable rubber.
The oil filter traps large particles that come from the engine oil and prevents them from entering the lubricating system passages.
Most oil filters are made from porous paper or closely packed cloth fibers. The oil filter lets microscopic particles pass through, which are small enough that they won’t cause any damage when they flow through the bearing oil film.
The Oil Filter Adapter is a component that connects the oil filter and the engine block to regulate and filter oil for the engine to function optimally. It provides filtering capabilities for the larger six-cylinder continental engine.
Transmission and Engine
The Oil Filter Bypass Valve is attached to the oil filter, and it serves as an alternate route for oil to flow through whenever the filter gets clogged or if the oil is too thick. It opens whenever the oil filter is clogged to divert the oil flow, letting it bypass the filter via an external tube. This makes it possible for oil to reach the engine without having to go through a clogged filter.
An oil filter cover is part of the engine’s lubrication unit. It’s a protective enclosure for the oil filter element. Its primary function is to shield the filter from contaminants like dirt/debris and keep oil from leaking.
The oil filter housing is an assembly where the oil filter is mounted. These housings are designed to withstand the oil pressure pushed through the oil filter. It’s often made of aluminum or plastic, with some models having different sensors and components.
An oil filter housing cap fits over the housing to create a tight seal. The cap is usually treated as a filter drain piece since one end is flared. Inserting a piece of tubing drains the oil without making a mess.
The Oil Filter Housing Check Valve, also known as the anti-drain back valve, prevents engine oil from being siphoned from the filter when the engine is shut off. The engine will still turn without a check valve, but the lack of oil can cause the moving parts to wear prematurely.
The Oil Filter Housing Gasket is located between the housing and the engine/cylinder heat, sealing the connection between the two. It prevents oil leaks and maintains proper oil flow to improve engine performance.
The Oil Filter Housing Mount secures the oil filter housing, preventing it from moving or getting displaced. Essentially, it’s the part that secures the housing, which is the part that secures the oil filter.
It’s important to keep the oil filter steady and secure because it keeps clean oil circulating throughout the engine. Without it, engine oil can’t flow through the oil filter efficiently, and contaminated oil would damage the engine over time.
The Oil Filter Housing Return Tube lets engine oil flow smoothly in the oil filter housing to ensure proper filtration.
The oil filter o-ring is an o-shaped gasket that’s supposed to fit on a specific groove on the oil filter housing cap. This o-ring prevents oil from spilling out of the oil filter housing. Because of the high temperatures and pressures inside the oil filter housing cap, the gasket needs to be in tip-top condition to eliminate the possibility of leaks. Hence, the oil filter o-ring is replaced after every oil change as a preventative measure.
An oil filter relocation kit is an aftermarket modification that allows drivers to move the location of their vehicle’s oil filter to a more accessible location. The kit typically includes hoses, fittings, and a mounting bracket.
An oil filter support is a piece of hardware for some vehicles that allows their vehicle to fit newer oil filters. The oil filter support is a cylindrical piece of plastic that’s installed inside a vehicle’s oil filter housing alongside the cartridge oil filter. This piece of hardware is more eco-friendly and allows you to install an oil filter with a larger diameter opening.
The oil filter wrench is a tool that’s used to move oil filters and canister caps. This tool might be needed to remove the oil filter. Oil filter wrenches can grasp slippery oil filters and canister caps while avoiding crushing or damaging the plastic parts. This tool makes it safe to remove spin-on oil filters.
The oil level sensor measures how much oil is in the engine. It warns drivers when the oil is running low.
This electric sensor works with a float switch that activates a warning signal when oil levels are low. This activates the oil level warning light on the vehicle’s dashboard to inform the driver that it’s time for a refill.
The oil level sensor is typically found in the oil pan.
The oil level sensor cover is a metal cover that covers the hole where the oil level sensor is inserted. The oil level sensor is typically located on the oil pan under the engine, since this is where the oil accumulates. Since the oil pan gets quite hot during use, the oil level sensor cover is typically made from steel to withstand the oil’s high temperatures. Additionally, the oil sensor cover is bolted onto the oil pan to ensure it doesn’t leak.
The Oil Level Sensor Gasket is a small seal that sits between the oil level sensor and the upper sump. This gasket is typically made of durable rubber, allowing it to flex to prevent oil from leaking through the pan. When engine oil leaks out of the sensor, it can damage the engine and its surrounding components. Because of this, the gasket is designed to withstand the most challenging conditions within the engine compartment, including temperature variations, oil exposure, and pressure changes.
The oil level sensor O-ring is a part that seals the connection between the oil level sensor and the oil pan. This seal might be needed when there’s a leak around the oil level sensor or when you need to replace the device and its O-ring. Oil level sensor O-rings are found in the oil pan, and they help prevent leaks. The oil pan relies on the oil level sensor O-ring to prevent engine oil leaks in the reservoir.
The Oil Line is a type of hose that transfers oil between the oil cooler and an internal access point in the engine. This helps cool down the oil, which prevents engine oil from breaking down too fast. Oil lines can vary in length, diameter, and material, and they’re usually made of high-quality metal such as stainless steel. You can buy an oil line individually or as part of a kit with the necessary bolts.
The Oil Line Fitting is a type of adapter that attaches to different areas along a vehicle’s oil line. It connects the line to other oil system components and also creates a leak-proof seal to prevent oil leakage. Oil fittings are metal and meant to withstand the pressures and high temperatures present along a vehicle’s oil lines. These fittings have a screw-type end that connects to the relevant components and an open end into which the hose of the oil line slots.
The Oil Line Gasket is a gasket that affixes to the oil line, where it seals and holds the line to the other components in the engine. Oil lines are responsible for moving oil between the oil cooler and the engine’s internal access points. They assist in keeping the oil at optimal temperature levels, so the oil doesn’t break down too fast and can continue to lubricate the engine’s components effectively. The gasket prevents the oil from leaking out of the oil line.
The oil pan is a basin underneath a vehicle’s engine that acts like a reservoir for engine oil. Oil pans are secured onto the bottom of the engine using many bolts. There’s an oil pan gasket between the oil pan and the engine to ensure that oil doesn’t leak around the oil pan. As the oil falls from the engine, the oil pan also helps the oil cool before being recirculated back into the engine. For mechanics, oil pans also allow for easy oil changes, since an oil drain plug is typically located at the bottom of an oil pan. Simply removing the plug will drain all the oil pan’s contents.
The Oil Pan Cover protects the oil pan from debris to prevent impact damage. The oil pan is attached to the bottom of the engine and acts as a reservoir for oil that’s pumped through the system to cool and lubricate engine parts.
The Oil Pan Gasket is a part that prevents engine oil from leaking out as it leaves the engine and enters the oil pan. This part might be needed if the current or stock gasket has an oil leak. The oil pan gasket is mounted between the oil pan and the engine, acting as a cushion that dampens potentially damaging vibrations. The engine needs the oil pan gasket to maintain sufficient oil and prevent issues like overheating and wear.
The Oil Pickup Tube is a component in an internal combustion engine’s lubrication system. It draws oil from the oil pan and delivers it to vital engine components. The oil pickup tube ensures the engine receives a steady supply of lubricating oil to help reduce friction, minimize wear, and prevent overheating.
The Oil Pressure Gauge allows drivers to monitor the oil pressure in the engine and determine overall engine health. Adequate oil pressure is needed to ensure proper lubrication of engine components.
The Oil Pressure Gauge Sensor is a component of the oil pressure gauge. It measures how much oil is left in the tank and the amount of oil pressure in a vehicle. The oil pressure gauge helps in monitoring the overall health of a vehicle’s engine. High oil pressure readings may lead to problems like overheating or engine failure.
The Oil Pressure Sender is a type of oil pressure sensor in the engine. Oil pressure senders convert pressure values into electrical signals. It sends data to the engine or machine controller where it is recorded for diagnostics purposes. It can typically be found in the bottom or on the side of an engine.
The Oil Pressure Sensor, also known as the oil pressure sending unit or switch, is screwed into the engine block and grounds the electrical circuit to activate the oil warning light when it detects low oil pressure (3 to 7 psi). In some vehicles, a variable voltage oil pressure sensor may be installed instead of a simple pressure switch.
The Oil Pump directs oil through various parts of the engine, including bearings and pistons. It is typically found in the oil pan in the lower part of the engine.
Engine oil is important because it reduces friction between engine components and allows the motor to move with ease.
The Oil Pump Chain is responsible for linking the camshaft and crankshaft. Over revving and using the wrong engine oil are common mistakes that can damage the oil pump chain.
Once this happens, the crankshaft and camshaft won’t be lubricated properly and the engine might not run at all.
The Oil Pump Chain Tensioner keeps the chain pump tight enough to function under normal operating conditions. It prevents the chains in the engine from coming off the sprockets, allowing the chains to synchronize the rotation of the camshaft and the crankshaft.
Oil pump chains widen and require tightening the more they’re used. Tensioners tighten these chains, securing them on the sprockets.
The Oil Pump Drive Gear is connected to the crankshaft. It’s a gear-type pump with two gears of the same size. The gear forces the oil out to lubricate engine components and prevent damage due to increased friction.
The Oil Pump Gasket is a seal that sits between the oil pump housing and the engine case, preventing oil from leaking from the engine. But over time, heat and thermal expansion can cause the gasket to wear, leading to an oil leak. Oil pump gaskets can vary in size, shape, and material, so it’s important to get one that fits your vehicle. You can get an oil pump gasket individually or as part of a kit that includes other tools necessary for installation.
The Oil Pump Screen acts as a filter that traps debris and helps the oil pump deliver clean oil throughout the system. It’s generally recommended to replace the screen when changing the oil pump to ensure that no debris can escape the filter and cause the pump to lock up.
The Oil Pump Sleeve supports and aligns the oil pump drive shaft by reducing friction between the shaft and its housing to ensure smooth operation and proper alignment. Oil pump sleeves are often made of plastic or metal.
The Oil Pump Vacuum Line, also known as the oil pump vacuum hose, is the part of the oil pump that circulates engine oil throughout a vehicle’s engine.
The oil pump lubricates all the moving parts of the engine, reducing friction to maximize both the engine’s performance and longevity. The vacuum line itself is the hose that transports oil throughout the engine.
The oil return tube removes lubricant from the turbo and redirects it to the oil pan.
A clogged oil return line will cause engine oil pressure to force oil past the turbocharger’s shaft rings, eventually reaching the intake and exhaust manifolds.
The Oil Strainer is a wire mesh screen attached to the oil pump inlet. It prevents much of the dirt and grit in the oil from flowing through to the rest of the engine. It keeps impurities at the top of the crankcase, lowering the risk of clogging the trainer screen. Strainers also have a bypass that reroutes the oil when the oil strainer’s screen is clogged. Oil strainers are made from mesh or porous material to allow the oil to flow through without much obstruction.
The Oil Temperature Sensor monitors the oil temperature in the engine. In most cases, oil temperature readings are displayed on the dashboard via an oil temperature gauge.
A faulty oil temperature sensor can’t inform the powertrain control module if the engine is overheating, which can result in major engine damage.
An Output Shaft Bearing is a component that supports the output shaft by securing it in place within the transfer case or transmission. It also prevents the shaft from wobbling when it rotates to ensure smooth and efficient power transfer.
The Overdrive Kickdown Switch is the component responsible for managing the transition between overdrive and other lower gears. It completes the circuit on the lower terminals, which grounds the coil and the overdrive solenoid. This leads to the disengagement of the overdrive, which will only re-engage when the gas pedal is released. It is typically found underneath the gas pedal
Overdrive is a transmission setting that lowers engine RPM, makes the engine more fuel-efficient, and quieter when cruising on the highway. The overdrive relay is an electronically controlled switch that controls your vehicle’s overdrive setting. There are situations when you’ll need to switch overdrive on and off through a button on the dashboard or shifter. This button sends a signal to the overdrive relay and tells the automatic transmission to switch to or from overdrive.
The overdrive solenoid O-ring is a gasket that helps seal the automatic transmission’s governor cover. This part might be needed if the current or factory-issue overdrive solenoid O-ring requires replacement after wearing out or failing. Overdrive solenoid O-rings fit between the governor and its cover and help maintain the correct hydraulic pressure in the automatic transmission. The governor needs the overdrive solenoid O-ring to shift between gears smoothly, improving the vehicle’s road handling.
The Overdrive Switch is a switch that allows the driver to operate a vehicle’s overdrive feature, which reduces an engine’s revolutions per minute (RPMs) at higher speeds. Overdrive switches are typically mounted on or around the shifter. Turning the overdrive on will illuminate the corresponding overdrive indicator light in the gauge cluster. In newer vehicles, you don’t have to press the overdrive switch to turn it on. The powertrain control module (PCM) will automatically engage the overdrive function.
The Overhead Console is a panel inside the vehicle’s cabin that controls various features such as dome lights, courtesy lights, and windows. Some even control side mirror positions. The overhead console is located on the vehicle’s ceiling. This provides easy access to all the controls on the console. Some overhead consoles also provide a bit of storage space for maps, sunglasses, and so on. Overhead console controls and designs differ depending on the vehicle’s make and model.
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