This is where we explain what different acronyms represent and what some other technical words mean.
From A to G
ABS – Anti-lock Braking System
A/C – Air Conditioning
AIR – Secondary Air Injection System
BARO – Barometric Pressure
CKP – Crankshaft Position Sensor
CMP – Camshaft Position Sensor
CEL – Check Engine Light – same as Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Service Engine Soon
CO – Carbon Monoxide
CO2 – Carbon Dioxide
DEPS – Digital Engine Position Sensor
DLC – Data Link Connector
DIS – Distributorless Ignition System
DTC – Diagnostic Trouble Code
ECT – Engine Coolant Temperature
EEPROM – Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
EGR – EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. It is part of the vehicle’s emissions system and is used to reduce combustion temperature and pressure to control nitrogen oxides.
The EGR system typically includes three parts: the EGR valve, an actuator solenoid, and a differential pressure sensor (DPF). These components work together to provide the correct amount of recirculation based on engine temperature, load, etc.
EVAP – Evaporative Emissions System
FTP – Federal Test Procedure
From H to M
H2O – Water
HO2S – Heated Oxygen Sensor
HC – Hydrocarbon
HVS – High Voltage Switch
IAC – Idle Air Controller
IAT – Intake Air Temperature
IC – Ignition Control
I/M – Inspection/Maintenance
KS – Knock Sensor
MAF – Mass Air Flow (Sensor)
MAP – Manifold Absolute Pressure
MIL – Malfunction Indicator Lamp – Same as Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon
MR – Magneto-Resistive
MSC – Mass Storage Cartridge
From N to T
NOx – Nitrogen Oxides
OBD – On-Board Diagnostics
OBD-I – First Generation On-Board Diagnostics
OBD-II – Second Generation On-Board Diagnostics
OBPA – Off-Board Programming Adapter
O2S – Oxygen Sensor
OSC – Oxygen Storage Capacity
PCM – Powertrain Control Module
SES – Service Engine Soon – Same as Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Check Engine Light (CEL)
SPS – Service Programming System
TCC – Torque Converter Clutch
TDC – Top Dead Center
TP – Throttle Position or;
TPS – Throttle Position Sensor
TWC – Three-Way Catalyst
From U to Z
UART – Universal Asynchronous Receiver and Transmitter
VCM – Vehicle Control Module
VIM – Vehicle Interface Module
VPW – Variable Pulse Width
VSS – Vehicle Speed Sensor
WOT – Wide Open Throttle