Anya's Electronics

Industry Terms

  • ECU (Electronic Control Unit): Small Device in the vehicle body that is responsible for controlling a specific function. In most vehicles, the ECU is located under the plastic piece under the wiper blades.


  • ECM (Engine Control Module): Monitors most sensors in the engine bay. In most vehicles, the ECM is located in the Engine Compartment under the passenger floorboard, under the seats, or behind the kick panels.


  • BCM (Body Control Module or Body Computer): On-board computer that monitors and controls various electronic accessories in a vehicle, i.e., lights, door locks, windows, and more. In most vehicles, the BCM is located under the dash or center console.


  • PCM (Powertrain Control Module): Computerized central processing unit that oversees 2 components of the powertrain (transmission and engine). The PCM acts using data from sensors. In newer vehicles, the PCM is usually located in a black box near the driver’s side of the engine compartment. Alternatively, it can also be located by the air cleaner. 


  • MCU (Memory/EEPROM Micro Control Unit): Non-volatile flash memory device that retains stored information when the power is removed.


  • SCCM (Steering Column Control Module): Interface between the steering wheel and the steering column necessary to transfer the driver’s input rotation. The SCCM integrates clock springs, steering angle sensors, power tilt/telescope column controls, pedal position controls, and other simple and complex switches. It is typically mounted on the steering column below the steering wheel.


  • SWCM (Steering Wheel Control Module): Calculates the optimal steering support and sends the information to the electric motor.

 

  • WCM/SKREEM (Wireless Control Module/Sentry Key Remote Entry Module): System that controls the keyless entry function and remote operations (opening/closing of all doors, opening of trunk lid, and functionality of warning function that alerts a person who intends to damage the vehicle). 


  • SRS (Supplemental Restraint System AKA Airbag Module/Airbag Electronic Crash Unit): Controls the airbag’s deployment, stores crash data and exchanges information with the car’s engine. In most GM Vehicles, the SRS is located under the driver or passenger seat. In non-GM cars, the SRS can usually be found under the center console between the two front seats or center of the dash on the floor. 


  • Cluster (Instrument Cluster): Gauges on the dashboard 

 

  • SKIM (Sentry Key Immobilizer Module): Security feature that is installed in some vehicles that is designed to prevent unauthorized use of the vehicle by disabling the engine. SKIM keys work by programming the computer system embedded in your vehicle to send out out an RF signal to the key’s transponder, which then returns a unique message to the car’s computer, confirming that the user is authorized to operate the vehicle.


  • DME (Digital Motor Electronics): Capable of receiving up to 1,000 separate items of data input per second, including engine speed, air intake volume, air temperature and density, coolant temperature, throttle position, accelerator position and vehicle speed. The DME is responsible for verifying all incoming data by comparing it with the reaction of the rest of the system.


  • CIM (Column Integrated Module): A complete unit that integrates the traditional steering column covers, steering wheel levers and steering wheel angle sensor. The CIM includes also a remote control antenna and contact roller.


  • ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System): Prevents wheel lock during braking, enhancing vehicle control and reducing stopping distances for safer driving. For GM owners, this is called the Electronic Brake Control Module, or EBCM.


  • TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module): A vehicle's centralized control unit, managing electrical functions like lighting, fuel, and power distribution.


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