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View Full Version : Pcm, Bcm, Vcm, Sdm, Dtc???

KenshinZero
03-20-2009, 03:23 AM
Ok I see these little trinkets of acronimaly arround alot, and i have no idea what they are, and what they do. Call me a noob, and laugh if you want, but i honestly have no clue what they are, help please :cry:

edit because i forgot to mention, I looked all over and eaither i missed it or just couldnt find anything on what these are or what they do.
cherrington17
03-20-2009, 07:18 AM
we have a PCM and BCM.

PCM controls all of our engine functions
BCM controls our lights and stuff. (someone can get more detailed)

the others are similar units, but for other cars.
Nate's Alero
03-20-2009, 09:01 AM
we have a PCM and BCM.

PCM controls all of our engine functions
BCM controls our lights and stuff. (someone can get more detailed)

the others are similar units, but for other cars.

BCM controls, the radio and shit, accessories?
comanche
03-20-2009, 10:07 AM
If I am correct here....
PCM (powertrain control module) controls engine and trans
BCM (body control module) controls all accessories (airbags, windows, locks, radio, etc)
SDM (sensing/diagnostic module i think) controls airbag deployment
DTc = diagnostic trouble code I think (it's what you get with a scan tool, the trouble code)
I am not a real tech so someone good can fill in the rest.
[ion] C2
03-20-2009, 10:08 AM
PCM: Powertrain Control Module
BCM: Body Control Module
DTC: Diagnostic Trouble Code
VCM: Vehicle Control Module (used interchangeably with PCM)
SDM: Sensing Diagnostic Model
Cliff8928
03-21-2009, 12:48 AM
The term VCM was really only officially used by GM on the trucks with the black-box VCMs (96- C/K trucks). Before they got dedicated BCMs.

There's also..

EBCM: Electronic Brake Control Module.
RCDLR: Remote Control Door Lock Receiver
DLC: Diagnostic Link Connector.


There's a whole article in the service manual with a ton more, but it's about twice the length allowed for a post.
Nate's Alero
03-21-2009, 12:52 AM
isint there one, ECU and some others from the OBD I cars?
kwhauck
03-21-2009, 12:53 AM
how about WTF, GTFO, STFU?
Nate's Alero
03-21-2009, 12:54 AM
how about WTF, GTFO, STFU?

:lol: :eek: :cry: :drunk: :p :yahoo: :jk: :ninja:
KenshinZero
03-21-2009, 01:15 AM
lol, thanks for the info, maybe now it will be easyer to wrap my head arround computer tuneing and all that.
HazMatt24
03-21-2009, 01:29 AM
we have a PCM and BCM.


cherry also has add, ibs, an hmo, a gpa, and an std (but we don't talk about that)
KenshinZero
03-21-2009, 01:31 AM
cherry also has add, ibs, an hmo, a gpa, and an std (but we don't talk about that)
:emotlol:
Cliff8928
03-21-2009, 01:49 AM
isint there one, ECU and some others from the OBD I cars?

Even some newer cars have an ECM. Those would be ones that have no transmission control functions.
jayson_waltz
03-21-2009, 01:57 AM
cherry also has add, ibs, an hmo, a gpa, and an std (but we don't talk about that)

:lol: :lol:
econewb22
03-21-2009, 02:05 AM
C2;443162']PCM: Powertrain Control Module
BCM: Body Control Module
DTC: Diagnostic Trouble Code
VCM: Vehicle Control Module (used interchangeably with PCM)
SDM: Sensing Diagnostic Model

nice to know...so u dont give someone this face when they r talkin bout it:wtf2:
KenshinZero
03-21-2009, 02:05 AM
Exactly, lol
spyhunter
03-21-2009, 01:58 PM
TCM = transmission control module...... my truck has one.
01OldsAleroGt
03-21-2009, 02:17 PM
TCM = transmission control module...... my truck has one.

Alot of the dodges/mitsubishis have those also

the only idea i have with having instead of just a PCM.. i guess it makes things easier to diagnose since there is the seperate ECU and TCM