Automotive Acronyms and Abbreviations

42V ISG 42-Volt Integrated Starter Generator system

4WD Four-Wheel Drive

4WS Four-Wheel Steering

5MT 5-speed Manual Transmission

A-Pillar Roof support Pillar - front

A/C Air Conditioning / Air Compressor

A/D Analog / Digital

A4 4-speed automatic transmission

A5 5-speed automatic transmission

A6 6-speed automatic transmission

AACN Automatic Autonomous Crash Notification

AAR Automatic Air Recirculation

AB Airbag (airbag system)

ABL Brake system warning Lamp

ABS Anti-lock Braking System

AC Air Conditioning

AC Alternating Current

ACAN Automatic Crash Notification

ACC Active Cruise Control

ACS Active Comfort Seats

ACSM Advanced Crash Safety Module

ADAS Advanced Driver Assistance System (Manufacturer variation)

ADAS Advanced Driving Autonomous Systems (Manufacturer variation)

ADB Adaptive Driving Beam

ADB-X Automatic Differential Braking

ADR Automatic Deployment of Restraints

ADS Engine intake air control

AEGS Automatic Electronic Gearbox Control (Also EGS)

AFL Adaptive front light

AFM Air Flow Meter

AFS Adaptive Front-lighting System

AG Automatic Gearbox (transmission)

AGD Suction silencer

AGR Emission reduction

AGS Adaptive transmission control

AGM Absorbent Glass Mat: A type of VRLA battery designed for high performance and deep cycling (Battery type)

AHC Automatic height controller

AHK Active rear-axle Kinematics

AHL Adaptive Headlights

AHM Trailer Module (not US models)

AHPS Advanced HPS

AIC Automatic Interval Control (rain sensor)

AKF Activated carbon canister

AKS Active head restraint system

ALC Automatic Light Control

ALR Automatic Lamp Range Adjustment

ALR Automatic-locking retractors

AMM Air Mass Meter

AMP Radio system Amplifier

AMT Automated manual transmission

ARI Car radio information system

ARRB Automatic Rear Roller Blind

ARS Active Roll Stabilization

AS Active Steering

ASC+T ASC+ Traction control

ASC-EZA ASC w/ engine timing and injection intervention

ASC All Season traction (Manufacturer variation)

ASC Automatic Stability Control (Manufacturer variation)

ASK Audio System controller (Kontroller)

ASR Anti-Slip Regulation

ASR Self starter block relay

AST All Season Traction (Manufacturer variation)

AST Automatic Slip control (Marketing term)

AT Antenna

ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid

ATLS Automated truck loading systems

AUC Automatic air recirculation

AUT Automatic transmission

AVT Antenna amplifier Tuner

AWD All Wheel Drive

AdvHEV Hybrid vehicle

Autogas LPG when used as a vehicle fuel

BAT Battery

BC1 Body Controller

BC Board Computer

BEV Battery Electric Vehicle: Fully electric vehicles with no internal combustion engine (Electric Vehicle Related)

BHP Brake Horsepower

BL Brake Light

BLS Brake Light Switch

BMBT Board Monitor

BMS Battery Management System: Monitors and controls battery performance and safety (Electric Vehicle Related)

BMW Bavarian Motor Works (German: Bayerische Motoren Werke)

BS Block diagram

BSI Blind Spot Intervention

BST Battery Safety Terminal

BSW Blind Spot Warning

CA Comfort Access (Also Client Advisor)

CAB 1493 California Assembly Bill 1493 (A vehicle emission standards bill)

CAN-Bus Controller Area Network (bus)

CAN Controller Area Network (Multiple ECU Controller)

CANH-Bus CAN bus, High

CANL-Bus CAN bus, Low

CARB California Air Resources Board

Capacity (Ah) Ampere-hour: The total amount of charge a battery can store (Battery Term)

CAS Car Access System

CBC Corner Braking Control

CBS Condition Based Service

CC-CV Constant Current-Constant Voltage: A charging algorithm for batteries (Charging term)

CCA Cold Cranking Amps (Maximum current a battery can deliver for 30 seconds at -17.8°C [0°F])

CCC Car Communications Computer

CCM Check Control Module

CCP Coupled Cam Phasing

CD Control Display

CDC Compact Disk Changer

CDS CD player

CDV Clutch Delay Valve

CEL Celsius

CH4 Methane (Chemical formula CH4)

CIB Crash Imminent Braking

CID Central Information Display

CIM Chassis Integration Module

CIP Coding, Individualization, Programming

CNG Compressed Natural Gas

CO2 Carbon Dioxide

CO Carbon Monoxide

COMBI Electronic Instrument Cluster

CON Controller

CPO Certified Pre-Owned

C-rate The rate at which a battery is charged or discharged relative to its maximum capacity (Battery Term)

CSL Club Sport Lightweight (Club Sport Leicht)

CU Copper

CUV Crossover Utility Vehicle

CV Joint Constant Velocity Joint

CVM Convertible Top Module

CVT Continuous Variable Transmission

CVVL Continuous Variable Valve Lift

CW Drag Coefficient

CWP Cold Weather Package

CWS Calculated Weight Safety

Cycle Life The number of charge/discharge cycles a battery can endure before its capacity degrades significantly (Battery Performance and Safety)

D-Bus Diagnosis Bus (Same as TXD)

DBC Dynamic Brake Control

DBS Dynamic Braking System

DC Direct Current

DCC Dynamic Cruise Control

DCP Dual Cam Phasing

DCS Dealer Communication System

DCT Dual-Clutch Transmission

DD Dynamic (Motor) Drive

DDE Digital Diesel Electronics

DE Diagnostic Unit

dHCCI Diesel Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition

DIN a German industrial standard

DIS Diagnosis and Information System

DISA Differential Air Intake Control

DIVA Continuously Variable Length Intake Runners

DM-TL Diagnostic Module Tank Leakage

DME Digital Motor Electronics

DMV Department of Motor Vehicles (California)

DOD Depth of Discharge: The percentage of the battery that has been discharged relative to its total capacity (Battery Term)

DOHC Double Overhead Camshaft (Also Dual Overhead Cam)

DPF Diesel Particulate Filter

DRL Daytime Running Lights

DSC Dynamic Stability Control

DSP Digital Sound Processing

DTC Diagnostic Trouble Code (SAE)

DTC Dynamic Traction Control

DTG Drivetrain Geometry

DVLA Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (UK Gov executive agency)

DVSA Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (UK Gov executive agency)

DVVL Discrete Variable Valve Lift

DVVLd Discrete Variable Valve Lift (Includes dual cam phasing)

DVVLi Discrete Variable Valve Lift (Includes intake valve cam phasing)

DWS Tire Pressure Warning System

DeAct Cylinder Deactivation

Double VANOS Variable Intake and Exhaust Valve Timing (BMW specific)

E-KAT Electrically Heated Catalytic Converter

E85 Ethanol Fuel Blend

eACC Improved electric accessories

EAT Electronically Assisted Turbocharging

EBD Electronic Brake-force Distribution

EBV Electronic Brake-force Proportioning

ECE European Market Version

ECM Engine Control Module (SAE term)

ECO Controller for I-Drive system

ECU Electronic Control Unit (Manufacturer variation)

ECU Engine Control Unit (Manufacturer variation)

ED European Delivery

EDC-K Electronic Dampening Control - C/K/ontinuous

EDC Electronic Dampening Control

EDK Electronic Throttle Valve

EDR Event Data Recorder / Automotive (Black Box system)

EFI Electronic Fuel Injection

EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation

EGS Electronic Transmission Control

EH Electronic-Hydraulic

EHC Electronic Height Control

ehCVA Electro-hydraulic cam-less valve actuation

EHPS Electro-hydraulic Power Steering

EKM Electronic Body Module

EKP Electric Fuel Pump

EM Electro-Mechanical

emCVA Electromagnetic cam-less valve actuation

EMFAC (ARB) Emission Factors (EMFAC2007 v.2.3 November 1, 2006)

EML Electronic Motor Load regulation

EMV Electro-Magnetic sensitivity

EO Component Location

EPB Electronic Parking Brake

EPC Electronic Parts Catalog (Also know as ETK)

EPROM Erasable/ Programmable Chip Memory

EPS Electric Power Steering

ESC Electronic Stability Control

ESP Electronic Stability Program

ESS Electronic Anti-theft System

ETC Electronic Throttle Control

ETM Electrical Troubleshooting Manual

EV Electric Vehicle: A vehicle powered entirely by electric motors and batteries (Electric Vehicle Related)

EV Injection Valve

EWP Electric Water Pump

EWP Elevating Work Platform

EWS Electronic drive-away protection

FB Function Description

Fast Charging High-speed charging often using DC electricity (Charging term)

FBC Fading Brake Control

FCW Forward Collision Warning

FDC Fixed Displacement Compressor

FDRS Fold Down Rear Seats

FGR Vehicle Speed Control Cruise Control

FHP Forged Hardened Processing (Typically engine linings & components)

FLC (Automatic) Forward Light Control

FRU Flat Rate Unit

FTM Flat Tire Monitor

FTP Federal Test Procedure

FWD Front-wheel Drive

FZV Central Lock Unit Receiver (BMW specific)

GAL Speed Dependent Sound Volume (BMW radios)

GCWR Gross Combined Weight Rating

GDI Gasoline Direct Injection

GDI-L Gasoline Direct Injection (Lean-burn)

GDI-S Gasoline Direct Injection (Stoichiometric)

GHG Greenhouse Gas

gHCCI Gasoline Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition

g/mi Grams per mile

GM General Module

GMR Yaw Movement Control

GPS Global Positioning System

GRS (General) Rotation Rate Sensor

GT Gran/Grand Turismo

GVW Gross Vehicle Weight

GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

HAD Highly Autonomous Driving

HC Hydrocarbon (Also Hydro Carbon)

HD Heavy Duty

HDC Hill Decent Control

HEV Hybrid Electric Vehicle: Combines an internal combustion engine (ICE) with a battery-powered electric motor (Electric Vehicle Related)

HFC Hydrofluorocarbon

HFM Hot Film Air Mass Meter

HID High-Intensity Discharge

HKL Hydraulic Trunk-Lid Lift

HLM Hot Wire Air Mass Meter

hp Horsepower

HPS Head Protection System

HR Heater Control

HSDI High-speed Direct Injection (Diesel)

HU Head Unit

HUD Heads Up Display

HVA Hydraulic Valve Adjuster

HVAC Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

HWS Headlight Washer System

Hz Hertz (Energy cycle)

I-Bus Information Bus

I4 Inline-4 Cylinder Engine

IB Interior lighting control signal

ICE Internal Combustion Engine

ICP Intake Cam Phase

IGN Ignition

IHKA Automatic Heating and A/C

IHKAF IHKA w/ micro filter

IHKR Regulated Heating and A/C

IHKRF IHKR w/ micro filter

IHKS Internal Standard Heating and A/C

IHPD Internal High Pressure Deformation

IHR Integrated Heater control

IKE Instrument Kluster (Cluster) Electronics

ILH Interior Lighting (rear)

ILV Interior Lighting (front)

IMS Instant Mobility System

IR Infrared

IRS Infrared Locking System

ISC Idle Speed Control

ISG-SS Integrated Starter-Generator [System] with Start-Stop operation

ISG Integrated Starter-Generator System

ISIS Intelligent Safety and Information System

ISN Individual Serial Number

ISO 3779 Standardization for the VIN Code content and structure

ISO 3780 Standardization for the VIN Code world manufacturer identifier (WMI) code structure

ISOFIX Standardized mounts for child restraints

ITS Inflatable Tubular Structure (Head airbag assembly)

Imp-Alt Improved Efficiency Alternator

JCW John Cooper Works (BMW arm producing MINI vehicles)

JIT Just In Time (Type of production strategy)

K-Bus Communications Bus (BMW - Connects modules)

KAT Catalytic Converter

KATON Converter Creating (signal)

KD Kick-Down

KHI Interface for Headphones

KL15 Run bus (Ignition switch run position)

KL Terminal designation

KLR Accessory Bus

KO Compressor ON (Signal designator)

KOMBI Instrument cluster

KOREL Compressor relay signal

KR Contact Ring

KSK Knock Sensor

KVA Fuel consumption signal/value

KW Kilowatt

kWh Kilowatt-hour: A measure of energy storage capacity (Charging term)

L4 In-Line Four-Cylinder

LCM Lamp Check Module

LDP Leak Diagnosis Pump

LDT1 A light-duty truck with a loaded vehicle weight of up to 3750 pounds.

LDT2 A LEV II light-duty truck with a loaded vehicle weight of 3751 pounds to a gross vehicle weight of 8500 pounds

LDT Light-Duty Truck

LDW Lane Departure Warning

LED Light Emitting Diode

LEV Low Emissions Vehicle

LEW Lateral acceleration sensor

LFP Lithium Iron Phosphate: A safer and more thermally stable Li-ion battery chemistry (Battery type)

LHD Left-Hand Drive

Li-ion Lithium-ion: Lightweight and high-energy density batteries used in electric vehicles (Battery type)

LKA Lane Keeping Assist

LKM Lamp control Module

LKS Lane Keeping System

LL Closed throttle (BMW)

LM Light Module

LMM Air flow meter/sensor

LPG Liquified Petroleum Gas

LSD Limited-Slip Differential

LSM Steering column memory (BMW)

LVA Air supply system (for EHC system)

LVDS Low Voltage Differential Signaling

LVW Loaded Vehicle Weight

LWRT Low Weight Reinforced Thermoplastics

LWS-5 Steering angle sensor (BMW)

M-Bus IHKA / IHKR stepper motor bus

MAC Mobile Air Conditioning

MBC Maximum Brake Control

MDPV Medium-duty Passenger Vehicle

MDV Medium-Duty Vehicle

MFC Multi-Function Controller

MFS Multi-Function Steering Wheel

mg/mi Milligrams per mile

MID Multi-Information Display

MIL Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SAE. "Check engine")

MIR Multi-Information Radio

MMC Multi-Media Changer

MOST-Bus Media Oriented System Transport bus

MOT UK annual vehicle test (Ministry of Transport)

MPG Miles Per Gallon

MPV Multi-Purpose Vehicle

MRS Multiple Restraint System

MSR Engine drag-torque Regulation

MT Manual Transmission

MV Magnetic Valve (Solenoid Valve)

MoDiC Mobile Diagnostic Computer

ModHEV Moderate Hybrid Vehicle

N2O Nitrous oxide

NAVI Navigation module

NG New Generation (N73 engine) (BMW)

NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NMC Nickel Manganese Cobalt: A type of Li-ion battery chemistry (Battery type)

NMOG Non-methane Organic Gas

NMVTIS National Motor Vehicle Title Information System

NOX Nitrogen Oxides (Exhaust gas recirculation)

NTC Negative Temperature Coefficient

NOx Nitrogen Oxides (Measured from engine emissions)

OBC On-Board Computer

OBD On-Board Diagnosis

OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer

PAEB Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking

P-Bus Periphery Bus

P/N Park/Neutral position

PB Power Braking

PBS Parts Bulletin System (Found in BMW TIS)

PBS Performance Brake System

PC Passenger Car

PCD Performance Center Delivery

PDC Park Distance Control

PDI Pre-Delivery Inspection

PGS Passive Go System

PHEV Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (Electric Vehicle Related)

PM Power Module

PS Power Steering

PTC Positive Temperature Coefficient

PTO Power Take-Off

PWG Pedal position sensor/ potentiometer

PuMA Product and Measures Management in After sales

QA Quality Assurance

QR Quality & Reliability (index)

QDC Qualified Deteriorated Component (An intentionally deteriorated component)

R-134a Refrigerant 134a (Tetrafluoroethane [C2H2F4])

R-152a Refrigerant 152a (Difluoroethane [C2H4F2])

RA Repair instructions

RAC Reversing Assist Camera

RAL Standard color

RAM Random Access Memory

RDC Tire pressure Control

RDS Radio Data-broadcast System

RDW Tire pressure Warning

RFT Run Flat Tires

RGB Regenerative Braking: A system that recaptures energy lost during braking and stores it in the battery

RHD Right-Hand Drive

RLS Rain-Light Sensor

RM Relay Module

ROZ Research Octane rating / fuel grade

RPE Retail Price Equivalent

RPM Revolutions Per Minute

RPS Rollover Protection System

RSC Run-flat System Components

RWD Rear Wheel Drive

RXD A wake-up Diagnosis line

SA Sales Advisor or Service Advisor

SASL Satellite, A-pillar left

SASR Satellite, A-pillar right

SAV Sport Activity Vehicle

SBK Safety Battery Terminal Klamp (Clamp)

SBSL Satellite, B-pillar left

SBSR Satellite, B-pillar right

SBT SI Techniques / Tech Reference (Found in BMW TIS)

SCA Soft Close Automatic/Actuator

SE Special Equipment

Self-Discharge The natural loss of charge when a battery is not in use (Battery Performance and Safety)

SGS Seat integrated belt System

SHDM Sunroof module

SI Service Information

SIA Service Interval System (ver. I, II, III, IV, etc)

SII Service Interval Indicator

SIL Silicon

SIM Safety Information Module

SINE Siren / tilt sensor

Single VANOS Variable Intake and Exhaust Valve Timing (BMW specific)

SKHD Steel sliding/ lifting Hood

SM/SPM Seat / Mirror Memory

SLI Starting, Lighting, and Ignition: Traditional lead-acid batteries for starting engines (Battery type)

SM Seat Module

SMBF Seat Module - passenger side

SMFA Seat Module - driver side

SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox

SOC State of Charge: Indicates the current charge level of a battery as a percentage (Battery Term)

SOH State of Health: Describes the overall condition and capacity of a battery compared to when it was new (Battery Term)

SP Schematic Picture

SRS Supplemental Restraint System

SSB Solid-State Battery: Batteries using solid electrolytes instead of liquid or gel-based ones, promising improved safety and energy density (Battery Term)

STVL Satellite (module) - left front door

STVR Satellite (module) - right front door

SULEV Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle

SUV Sports Utility Vehicle

SWZ Special tool listings (Found in BMW TIS)

SZL Switch center, steering column

SZM Central switch center Module

Steptronic Transmission shift control (BMW specific)

Supercapacitor Stores energy electrostatically for short bursts of power, often used in regenerative braking systems

TBI Throttle Body Injection

TCM Transmission Control Module

TCS Traction Control System

TC (Trickle Charging) Slow charging at a low current to maintain battery health (Charging term)

TD Technical Data

TDD Technical Documentation Disk

TDI Turbocharged Direct Injection

TEL Telephone control unit

TEV Evaporative purge control

THZ Tandem master cylinder

TIS Technical Information System

TL Throttle Load signal

TLEV Transitional Low Emission Vehicle

TMBFT Door Module - passenger side (BMW)

TMBFTH Door Module - passenger side rear (BMW)

TMC Traffic Message Channel

TMFAT Door Module - driver side (BMW)

TMFATH Door Module - driver's side rear (BMW)

TP Tandem Pump

TP Traffic Program

TPC Tire Pressure Control

TPM Tire Pressure Monitor

TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System

TPS Throttle Position Switch/Sensor

TR (Thermal Runaway) A condition where a battery overheats uncontrollably, potentially leading to failure

TR Transistor

TRI Technical Reference Information (Also SBT)

TRR Tire Rolling Resistance

TSB Technical Service Bulletin

TU Technical Update

TXD Transmitting Diagnosis line

Turbo A Turbocharging system

U-batt Battery voltage

U-vers Supply voltage

ULEV Ultra low emission vehicle

URS Rollover protection System (BMW)

USIS Ultrasonic passenger compartment Sensor (BMW)

V6 V-configuration Six-cylinder engine

V8 V-configuration Eight-cylinder engine

V2G Vehicle-to-Grid: Technology allowing EVs to send energy back to the grid (Electric vehicle related)

VA Front axle

VAC Voice Activated Control

VAG Volkswagen Auto Group

VANOS Variable camshaft timing

VDC Variable displacement compressor

VDC Vehicle Distribution Center

VDS Vehicle Descriptor Section

VEP Distributor-type injection Pump

VID Video module

VIN Vehicle Identification Number

VIS Vehicle Identifier Section

V (Voltage) The electrical potential difference in a battery (Battery Term)

VPC Vehicle Preparation Center

VRLA Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid: A type of sealed lead-acid battery (e.g., AGM and Gel) (Battery type)

VT Valvetronic - Variable valve lift system BMW

VVT Variable Valve Timing

WIM Wiper control Module

WMI World Manufacturer Identifier

WSS Wind Shield

WT Valvetronic control unit

YC Yaw Control (Used in stability control systems)

ZEV Zero-emission Vehicle

ZEB Zero Emission Bus

ZGM Zentrales Gateway-Modul (Central Gateway Module)

ZHP Performance Package (BMW specific)

ZKE Zentrale Körperelektronik (Central body Electronics)

ZKH Zylinderkopf Kover (Cylinder head Cover) (BMW)

ZMS Zweimassenschwungrad (Dual-Mass flywheel) (BMW)

ZPDVJ Yugoslav Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers