Sometimes the jargon used in forums and in the factory repair manuals can be confusing.
Refer to the following if you need help sorting it all out.
Non Automotive:
Frequently used on the automotive forums
AFAIR -As Far As I Remember
FLAPS -Friendly Local Auto Parts Supply.
LOL -Laughing Out Loud
FSM -Field Service Manual
RTFM -Read The Factory Manual
Automotive:
ABS -Anti-Lock Brake System
ALDL -Assembly Line Diagnostic Link
BCM -Body Control Module. This is the computer the controls the functions on the car like the Climate Control, Lighting systems and many other systems other than the engine controls.BCM is also used in reference to the Blower Control Module.
CPS is used frequently in reference to the Crank(shaft) Position Sensor
CRT -Cathode Ray Tube (In reference to the GCC -Graphic Control Center)CTS -Coolant Temperature Sensor . Measures the temperature of the engine coolant and sends that information to the ECM for fuel and spark calculations.
DVM -Digital Volt Meter
EBCM -Electronic Brake Control Module
ECM -Engine Control Module. This is the computer that runs the engine systems, gathers information and makes corrections to the systems as needed.
ECC -Electronic Climate Control. This is the control panel for the '90 & '91 models
EGR -Exhaust Gas Recirculation (valve) . Primarily used as an emission control it has a major benefit of cooling the combustion chambers, which helps control detonation.
GCC -Graphic Control Center
ICM -Ignition Control Module . Ignition system control module is located under the coils.
IPC -Instrument Panel Cluster. This is the panel in the dash that displays engine functions, speed ect.
MAF -Mass Air Flow (sensor) . This sensor tells the ECM how much air is entering the throttle body. The most common MAF’s are the “heated wire” type.
MAP -Manifold Absolute Pressure (sensor). This sensor is used in place of a MAF on some systems; it measures pressure within the intake manifold and sends the readings to the ECM for fueling calculations
MAT -Manifold Air Temperature (sensor). This device measures the temperature of the air in the inlet tract.
O2 -Commonly used to refer to the oxygen sensor. This sensor “reads” the oxygen content of the exhaust gasses and reports that to the ECM..
PCM -Powertrain Control Module. This serves the same function as the ECM, except that it also controls the transmissions in vehicles equipped with “electronic” transmissions.
PSI - Pounds per Square Inch (Pressure)
TPS -Throttle Position Sensor . This is a potentiometer that tells the ECM how far open the throttle blades are. Its readings are in percentage and voltage (0-5 vdc)
VSS -Vehicle Speed Sensor. This sensor tells the ECM how fast the vehicle is moving.
WSS - Wheel Speed Sensor
Thanks to 88atta, member of the Reatta forums, for this information.
