FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Glossary of Acronyms

ABS Antilock Brake System

ACM Airbag Control Module

AECM Airbag Electronic Control Module (ACM)

ASDM Airbag System Diagnostic Module (ACM)


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

BUX Built-Up Export

CAB Controller Antilock Brake

CKP Crankshaft Position Sensor

CMP Camshaft Position Sensor

CTM Compass/Temperature Mirror

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

DAB Driver Airbag

DLC Data Link Connector

DTC Diagnostic Trouble Code

DLC Data Link Connector (previously called engine diagnostic connector)

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

ECT Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve And System

EMIC Electro/Mechanical Instrument Cluster

Generator Previously Called Alternator

Hard Start The engine takes longer than usual to start, even though it is able to crank normally.

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.

IAC Idle Air Control Motor

IAT Intake/Inlet Air Temperature Sensor

JTEC Combined Engine And Transmission Control Module

LSIACM Left SIACM

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

MAP Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor

MIL Malfunction Indicator Lamp

MTV Manifold Tuning Valve

O2S Oxygen Sensor

PAB Passenger Airbag

PCI Programmable Communication Interface (vehicle communication bus)

PCM Powertrain Control Module

PDC Power Distribution Center

PCV Positive Crankcase Ventilation

PEP Peripheral Expansion Port

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

PWM Pulse Width Modulated

RKE Remote Keyless Entry

RSIACM Right SIACM

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 Side Airbag

SBEC Single Board Engine Controller

SIACM Side Impact Airbag Control Module

SKIM Sentry Key Immobilizer Module

SKIS Sentry Key Immobilizer System

SQUIB also called Initiator (located in rear of Airbag Module)

Start & Stall The engine starts but immediately dies.

Surge Engine RPM fluctuation without corresponding change in throttle position sensor

TCM Transmission Control Module

TPS Throttle Position Sensor

TRS Transmission Range Sensor

VFD Vacuum Fluorescent Display

VTSS Vehicle Theft Security System

VSS Vehicle Speed Sensor/Signal