Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Glossary of Acronyms

ABS Antilock Brake System

ACM Airbag Control Module

AECM Airbag Electronic Control Module (ACM)

APM Adjustable Pedals Module

ASD Automatic Shut Down Relay

ASDM Airbag System Diagnostic Module (ACM)

ATC Automatic Temperature Control

Backfire, Popback Fuel ignites in either the intake or the exhaust system.

BCM Body Control Module

CAB Controller Antilock Brake

CKP Crankshaft Position Sensor

CMP Camshaft Position Sensor

CMTC Compass/Mini-Trip Computer

CPA Connector Positive Assurance

Cuts Out, Misses A steady pulsation or the inability of the engine to maintain a consistent rpm.

DAB Driver Airbag

DCHA Diesel Cabin Heater Assist (Cabin Heater)

Detonation, Spark Knock A mild to severe ping, especially under loaded engine conditions.

DLC Data Link Connector (previously called engine diagnostic connector)

DTC Diagnostic Trouble Code

DR Driver

EBL Electric Back Lite (rear window defogger)

ECM Engine Control Module

ECT Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve and System

EVIC Electronic Vehicle Information Center

FCM Front Control Module

GCC Gulf Coast Countries

Generator Previously called alternator hard The engine takes longer than usual start to start, even though it is able to crank normally.

HE Hall Effect

Hesitation, Sag, Stumble There is a momentary lack of response when the throttle is opened. This can occur at all vehicle speeds. If it is severe enough, the engine may stall.

HVAC Heater, Ventilation, Air Conditioning

IAC Idle Air Control Motor

IAT Intake Air Temperature Sensor

IPM Integrated Power Module

JTEC Jeep/Truck Engine Controller (Combined Engine and Transmission Control Module)

Lack of Power, Sluggish The engine has less than expected power, with little or no increase in vehicle speed when the throttle is opened.

LDP Leak Detection Pump

LDU Lower Drive Unit

LHD Left Hand Drive

MAP Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor

MIC Mechanical Instrument Cluster

MIL Malfunction Indicator Lamp

MSMM Memory Seat/Mirror Module

MTV Manifold Tuning Valve

MTC Manual Temperature Control

O2S Oxygen Sensor

OBD On-Board Diagnostics

ODO Odometer

ORC Occupant Restraint Controller (Airbag Control Module)

PAB Passenger Airbag

PASS Passenger

PCI Programmable Communication Interface (vehicle communication bus)

PCM Powertrain Control Module

PCV Positive Crankcase Ventilation

PDC Power Distribution Center

PEP Peripheral Expansion Port

PLG Power Liftgate

PLGM Power Liftgate Module

Poor Fuel Economy There is significantly less fuel mileage than other vehicles of the same design ad configuration.

PSD Power Sliding Door

PSDM Power Sliding Door Module

PWM Pulse Width Modulated

RHD Right Hand Drive

RKE Remote Keyless Entry

Rough, Unstable, or
Erratic Idle/Stalling The engine runs unevenly at idle and causes the engine to shake if it is severe enough. The engine idle rpm may vary (called hunting). This condition may cause stalling if it is severe enough.

SAB Seat Airbag

SBEC Single Board Engine Controller

SBT Seat Belt Tensioner

SIACM Side Impact Airbag Control Module

SKIM Sentry Key Immobilizer Module

SKIS Sentry Key Immobilizer System

SQUIB also called Initiator (located inside airbag)

SRS Supplemental Restraint System

Start & Stall The engine starts but immediately dies.

Surge Engine rpm fluctuation without corresponding change in Throttle Position Sensor.

TCM Transmission Control Module

TPM Tire Pressure Monitor

TPS Throttle Position Sensor

TRS Transmission Range Sensor

VFD Vacuum Fluorescent Display

VSS Vehicle Speed Sensor/Signal

VTSS Vehicle Theft Security System