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Common Automotive (& Shorthand) Acronyms
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VileZambonie:
Acronym Definitions
4X2 Four Wheels, Two of which are Drive Wheels
4X4 Four Wheels, Four of which are Drive Wheels
2WD Two Wheel Drive
4WD Four Wheel Drive
ABDC After Bottom Dead Center
ABS Anti-Lock Brake System or Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene [plastic] (depending on context)
AC Alternating Current
A/C Air Conditioning
ACC Accessory [power]
A/F (also AFR) Air/Fuel Ratio
AFAIK As Far As I Know
AFB Aluminum Four Barrel [carburetor]
Ag Silver [chemical element] (from Latin, argentum) (relevance: a metal component of specialized solder)
a/g Anything
AIR Air Injection Reactor (aka, Secondary Air Injection)
aka (also, AKA and a.k.a.) Also Known As
ALCL Assembly Line Communications Link
ALDL Assembly Line Diagnostic Link
ALT Alternator
AM Amplitude Modulation
APP Accelerator Pedal Position [sensor]
ARB Air Resources Board
ASM Assembly
A/T Automatic Transmission or Transaxle
ATDC After Top Dead Center
ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid or After The Fact (depending on context)
ATM At The Moment or Automatic Teller Machine (depending on context)
AUX Auxilliary
AVS Air Valve Secondary [carburetor]
AWD All-Wheel Drive
AXL Axle
B1 Bank 1
B1 S1 Bank 1 Sensor 1
B1 S2 Bank 1 Sensor 2
B2 Bank 2
B2 S1 Bank 2 Sensor 1
B2 S2 Bank 2 Sensor 2
B+ Battery Positive [voltage] (constant battery power)
B- Battery Negative [voltage] (ground)
BARO Barometric [pressure sensor] (aka, Atmospheric Pressure Sensor)
BAT (also, BATT) Battery
BBC Big Block Chevy [engine]
BBL (also, bbl) Barrel (usually preceded by the number of throttle plates, 1 - 4, in a throttle body)
BBDC Before Bottom Dead Center
BCM Body Control Module
BDC Bottom Dead Center
BDCI Bottom Dead Center Intake [stroke]
BDCP Bottom Dead Center Power [stroke]
BHP Brake Horsepower
BMW Bayerische Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works)
BPP Brake Pedal Position [sensor]
BTC Before Top Center
BTDC Before Top Dead Center
BTU British Thermal Unit
BTW By The Way
C Celsius (aka, Centigrade) (temperature)
c- Centi- (1/100 multiplier)
CAC Charge Air Cooler (Inter-Cooler) or Cab and Chassis (depending on context)
CAN (also, CAN bus) Controller Area Network [bus]
CARB California Air Resources Board
carb Carburetor
C/B Circuit Breaker
cc Cubic Centimeters
CCC (aka, C3) Computer Comand Control
CCOT Cycling Clutch Orifice Tube [air-conditioning system]
CCW Counterclockwise [rotation]
CEL Check Engine Light (equivalent to MIL, SES)
CFI Continuous Fuel Injection
CFM Cubic Feet per Minute
CID Cubic Inch Displacement
CIS Continuous Injection System
CIS-E Electronic Continuous Injection System
CKP Crankshaft Position Sensor
CL Closed Loop
CLCC Closed Loop Carburetor Control
cm Centimeter (1/100 of one meter)
CMP Camshaft Position [sensor]
CO Carbon Monoxide
CO2 (also, CO2) Carbon Dioxide
COC Coil on Cap
COP Coil on Plug
CPA Connector Position Assurance
CPP Clutch Pedal Position
CPS Crankshaft Position Sensor or Cycles Per Second (archaic usage - see Hz)
CTP Closed Throttle Position
CTS Coolant Temperature Sensor
CUCV Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle (US Military designation)
CW Clockwise [rotation]
d- Deci- (1/10 multiplier)
dB Decibel (unit of measure for sound)
DC Direct Current
DFI Direct Fuel Injection
DIN "Deutsches Institut für Normung" (translation: "German Institute for Standardization")
DIS Direct Ignition System (aka, Distributorless Ignition System)
DJ Dualjet [Rochester carburetor]
DLC Data Link Connector
DMM Digital Multimeter
DOHC Dual Overhead Cams
DRL Daytime Running Lamps
DTC Diagnostic Trouble Code
DTM Diagnostic Test Mode
DVM Digital Voltmeter
DVOM Digital Volt Ohm Meter
EBCM Electronic Brake Control Module
EBTCM Electronic Brake Traction Control Module
EC Engine Control or Exhaust [valve] Closing (depending on context)
ECL Emission Control Label
ECM Engine Control Module
ECT Engine Coolant Temperature
ECU Electronic Control Unit
EFE Early Fuel Evaporation
EFI Electronic Fuel Injection
e.g. (expression) "For the sake of example" (from Latin, exempli gratia)
e/g Everything
EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation
EGRT EGR Temperature
EI Electronic Ignition
EM Engine Modification
EMI Electromagnetic Interference
EO Exhaust [valve] Opening
EOIC Exhaust [valve] Opening and Intake [valve] Closing (valve adjustment method)
EPROM Erasable PROM (compare with FPROM, PROM, ROM)
ESC Electronic Spark Control
ESD Electrostatic Discharge
EST Electronic Spark Timing
ETC Electronic Throttle Control
EVAP Evaporative Emission System
F Fahrenheit (temperature)
F Farad (unit of measure for electrical capacitance)
FC Fan Control
FF Flexible Fuel
FI Fuel Injection
FM Frequency Modulation
FP Fuel Pump
FPR Fuel Pressure Regulator
FPROM Flashable PROM (compare with EPROM, PROM, ROM)
FRT (also, Frt) Front
FSD Fuel Solenoid Driver (aka, PMD - Pump Mounted Driver) (pertains to diesel engines)
FT Fuel Trim (Fuel Mixture)
ft. lb. (also ft-lb) Foot Pound (unit of measure for torque)
FTP Federal Test Procedure
FWD Front Wheel Drive
FWIW For What It's Worth
FYI For Your Information
gal Gallon
GEN Generator
GLWS Good Luck With Sale
GM General Motors
GMC General Motors Corporation
GND Ground
GPM Grams Per Mile or Gallons Per Mile (depending on context)
H20 (also, H2O) Water
HC Hydrocarbon
Hg Mercury [chemical element] (from New Latin, hydrargyrum; Latin, hydrargyrus; Greek, hydrarguros) (aka, quicksilver) (relevance: see Hg")
Hg" Inches of Mercury (a unit of standard measure for vacuum)
HO2S Heated Oxygen Sensor
HO2S1 Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor
HO2S2 Upstream or Downstream Heated Oxygen Sensor
HO2S3 Downstream Heated Oxygen Sensor
HP Horsepower
HTR Heater
HVAC Heating Ventilation and A/C System
HVS High-Voltage Switch
HWB Hard-Wired Box (a compact PDC/PDM)
Hz Hertz (unit of measure for frequency equivalent to complete waveform cycles per second)
I+ Ignition Positive [voltage] (switched ignition power - synonymous with IGN)
IA Intake Air
IAC Idle Air Control [valve]
IAT Intake Air Temperature
IC Ignition Control or Intake [valve] Closing or Integrated Circuit (depending on context)
ICM Ignition Control Module
ID Inside Diameter or Identification (depending on context)
IDK (also, idk) I Don't Know
i.e. (expression) "That is to say, ..." (from Latin, id est)
IFS Inertia Fuel Shutoff or Independent Front Suspension (depending on context)
IG2 Ignition 2 [power]
IGN Ignition [power - synonymous with I+]
IIR If I Recall
IIRC If I Recall Correctly
I/M Inspection/Maintenance
IMAO In My Arrogant Opinion (variations: In My Awesome Opinion, In My Actual Opinion, etc)
IMHO In My Honest Opinion (variation: In My Humble Opinion)
IMNSHO In My Not-So-Humble Opinion (see IMAO)
IMO In My Opinion
IMS If Memory Serves
IMSM If Memory Serves Me
INJ Injector
IO Intake [valve] Opening
I/P (also, IP) Instrument Panel
IPC Instrument Panel Cluster
IPT Internal Pipe Thread
ISC Idle Speed Control
ISO International Organization for Standardization (incorrectly aka: International Standards Organization) or In Search Of (depending on context)
JK Just Kidding
JMO Just My Opinion
k- Kilo- (1,000 multiplier)
kHz Kilohertz (1,000 Hertz)
km Kilometer (1,000 Meters)
kΩ Kiloohm (1,000 Ohms)
kPa Kilopascal (1,000 Pascals)
KPH Kilometers per Hour
kV (also, kv) Kilovolt (1,000 Volts)
K Kelvin (temperature)
KOEC Key On, Engine Cranking
KOEO Key On, Engine Off
KOER Key On, Engine Running
KS Knock Sensor
λ Lambda (Greek) - the ratio of actual air/fuel ratio (A/F) divided by stoichiometric A/F (for gasoline: λ=1.0 is equivalent to A/F=14.7 or stoichiometric; λ<1.0 ≡ rich A/F; λ>1.0 ≡ lean A/F)
L Liter
lb. ft. (also lb-ft) Pound Foot; aka, ft. lb.
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
LED Light Emitting Diode
LF Low Frequency
LH Left Hand
LOF Lube, Oil and Filter [engine service]
LPS Lamps
LSD Limited Slip Differential
LT Long-Term [fuel trim]
LWB Long Wheel Base
M- Mega- (1,000,000 multiplier)
MΩ Megaohm (1,000,000 Ohms)
m- Milli- (1/1,000 multiplier)
ma Milliamp (1/1,000 of one Ampere)
ml Milliliter (1/1,000 of one Liter)
mm Millimeter (1/1,000 of one Meter)
ms Millisecond (1/1,000 of one Second)
mV Millivolt (1/1,000 of one Volt)
µ- Micro- (1/1,000,000 multiplier)
µa Microamp (1/1,000,000 of one Ampere)
µF Microfarad (1/1,000,000 of one Farad)
µV Microvolt (1/1,000,000 of one Volt)
MAF Mass Airflow Sensor
MAP Manifold Absolute Pressure [sensor]
MC Mixture Control
MFI Multiport Fuel Injection
MHC Motor Home Chassis (in reference to parts books)
MIL Malfunction Indicator Lamp (equivalent to CEL, SES)
MJ Monojet [Rochester carburetor]
MPFI Multipoint Fuel Injection
MPG Miles per Gallon
MPH Miles per Hour
MPT Male Pipe Thread
MU Misunderstood word, symbol or concept
n- Nano- (1/1,000,000,000 multiplier)
N/A (also, n/a) Not Applicable
NC National Coarse [thread] (see UNC) or Normally Closed (depending on context)
NF National Fine [thread] (see UNF)
nF Nanofarad (1/1,000,000,000 of one Farad)
n/g Nothing
NL Not Listed (in reference to parts books)
NLA No Longer Available
NM Newton Meter
NO Normally Open
NOS New Old Stock
NOX Oxides of Nitrogen
NPS National Pipe Straight [thread]
NPT National Pipe Taper [thread]
NS Not Serviced or Not Stocked (in reference to parts availability)
NSS Neutral Safety Switch or Not Serviced Separately
O2 (also, O2) Oxygen Molecule
O2S (also, O2 Sensor) Oxygen Sensor
OBD Onboard Diagnostics
OBD I Onboard Diagnostics, First Generation
OBD II Onboard Diagnostics, Second Generation
OC Oxidation Catalyst
OD Outside Diameter
O/D Overdrive
ODM Output Device Monitor
OE Original Equipment
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer
OHC Overhead Cam
OL Open Loop
OP Original Post(er)
OPT Option
OT Off Topic
Ω Ohm (Greek letter Omega represents the fundamental unit of electrical resistance)
p- Pico- (1/1,000,000,000,000 multiplier)
Pa Pascal (Newtons per Square Meter)
PAIR Pulse Air Injection Reactor (aka, Pulsed Secondary Air Injection)
Pb Lead [chemical element] (from Latin, plumbum) (relevance: a common metal component of solder)
P/B Power Brakes
PCB (also, PC board) Printed Circuit Board
PCM Powertrain Control Module
PCV Positive Crankcase Ventilation
PDC Power Distribution Center or Parts Distribution Center (depending on context)
PDM Power Distribution Module
pF Picofarad (1/1,000,000,000,000 of one Farad)
PMD Pump Mounted Driver (aka, FSD - Fuel Solenoid Driver) (pertains to diesel engines)
P/N Part Number
PNP Park/Neutral Switch
PO Previous or Prior Owner
POA Pilot Operated Absolute [valve]
POE Point Of Entry (the location where plumbing or wiring enters a cab, housing, or structure)
PPM Parts per Million
PPS Pulses Per Second
PRK Park
PRNDL Park-Reverse-Neutral-Drive-Low (automatic transmission shift indicator)
PRNODL Park-Reverse-Neutral-Overdrive-Drive-Low (automatic transmission shift indicator)
PROM Programmable Read-Only Memory (compare with EPROM, FPROM, ROM)
P/S Power Steering
PSA Pressure Switch Assembly or Public Service Announcement (depending on context)
PSI Pounds per Square Inch
PSP Power Steering Pressure
pt. Pint
P/U Pick Up
PUC Pickup Coil
PVC PolyVinylChloride [plastic]
PVS Ported Vacuum Switch
PWM Pulse Width Modulation
PWR Power
QJ Quadrajet [Rochester carburetor]
qt. Quart
RAM Random Access Memory
RF Radio Frequency
RFI Radio Frequency Interference
RH Right Hand
RLY Relay
ROI Return of Investment
ROM Read-Only Memory (compare with FPROM, EPROM, PROM)
RPM Revolutions per Minute
RPO Regular Production Option
RR (also, Rr and rr) Rear
RWAL Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake [system]
RWD Rear Wheel Drive
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers ("SAE thread" relabeled UNF)
Sb Antimony [chemical element] (from Latin, stibium) (relevance: a metal component of specialized solder)
SBC Small Block Chevy [engine]
SC Supercharger
SCB Supercharger Bypass
SES Service Engine Soon [light] (equivalent to CEL, MIL)
SFI Sequential Fuel Injection
SI System International (International System of Units)
[sic] (expression) quoted "just as" it appears in the source document (from Latin, sicut)
SMD Surface Mount Device
SMH Smack My Head, Shaking My Head, Scratching My Head
Sn Tin [chemical element] (from Latin, stannum) (relevance: a common metal component of electrical solder)
SOHC Single Overhead Cam
SOL Solenoid
SOP Standard Operating Procedure
SPID Service Parts Identification [label]
SRI Service Reminder Indicator
SRS Supplemental Restraint System
SRT System Readiness Test
ST Short Term [fuel trim]
STD (also, Std and std) Standard
SW (also, Sw and sw) Switch
SWB Short Wheel Base
TAC Thermostatic Air Cleaner
TACH Tachometer
TB Throttle Body
TBA Tires, Batteries & Accessories or To Be Announced (depending on context)
TBI Throttle Body Injection
TC Turbocharger
TCC Torque Converter Clutch
TCCM Transfer Case Control Module
TCM Transmission or Transaxle Control Module
TCS Transmission Controlled Spark
TDC Top Dead Center
TDCC Top Dead Center Compression [stroke]
TDCE Top Dead Center Exhaust [stroke]
TFP Throttle Fluid Pressure
THM (also, TH) Turbo Hydramatic [transmission]
TIA Thanks In Advance
TLDR (also TL;DR) Too Long; Didn't Read
TMI Too Much Information
TP Throttle Position
TPA Terminal Position Assurance
TPI Tuned Port Injection or Threads Per Inch (depending on context)
TPS Throttle Position Sensor
TRC Throttle Return Control
TSB Technical Service Bulletin
TTFN Ta Ta For Now (goodbye until later)
TVS Thermal Vacuum Switch
TVSV Thermal Vacuum Switching Valve
TVV Thermal Vacuum Valve
TWC Three-Way Catalyst
TWC+OC Three-Way + Oxidation Catalytic Converter
UHF Ultrahigh Frequency
UHL Under Head Length
ULF Ultralow Frequency
UNC United National Coarse [thread] (archaic: NC, USS) (incorporates and replaces the USS thread classification)
UNF United National Fine [thread] (archaic: NF, SAE) (incorporates and replaces the SAE thread classification)
UNEF United National Extra Fine [thread]
USS United States Standard ("USS thread" relabeled UNC)
V Volt
VAT Volt Amp Tester
VATS Vehicle Anti-Theft System
VAC Volts Alternating Current or Vacuum [sensor] (depending on context)
VAF Volume Airflow
VDC Volts Direct Current
VDV Vacuum Delay Valve
VECI Vehicle Emission Certification Information [label]
VHF Very High Frequency
VIN Vehicle Identification Number
VIR Valve-In-Receiver
VLF Very Low Frequency
VOM Volt Ohm Milliammeter
VR Voltage Regulator
VS Vehicle Sensor
VSS Vehicle Speed Sensor
VSV Vacuum Switching Valve
VTVM Vacuum Tube Voltmeter
VV Variable Venturi [carburetor]
VVT Variable Valve Timing
w/ With
w/i Within
w/o Without
WDO Window
WOT Wide Open Throttle
WRT With Respect To
WTB Want(ed) To Buy
WTH What The Heck
WU-TWC Warm Up Three-Way Catalytic Converter
YMMV Your Method May Vary or Your Mileage May Vary (depending on context)
--- Quote from: BBM3 on February 11, 2016, 03:27:01 PM ---Thanks for the list of automotive acronyms. Very helpful.
--- End quote ---
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