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New to Diesel Section...????

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Old 12-12-2012, 12:20 PM
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Talking New to Diesel Section...????

I'm new here to the DTR and must admit I'm being challenged. I spend a fair amount of time on forums in fact I have two of my own. I'm also very capable around the wrenches as I own and operate a Hot Rod shop and live on custom rides. So with that said Im brand new to Diesels and admittedly don't know squat!

I do know that guys who are here for any length of time understand the abbreviation and acronyms for the equipment on these vehicles. I also realize how old it gets answering the same basic questions over and over again when the new guy show up and asks without searching.

Facts are though if new people are coming here for answers and direction they need to go through a fairly steep learning curve to get to the point where they can ask logical intelligent questions. Using the DIESEL language and slang is more complex than most of you realize.

Might I suggest that under each of the different Generation section of trucks a "beginner or newbie" section be installed where the basic question and answer can be asked in basic English. Answered in plane simple terms while introducing the acronyms and abbreviations to the new folks. Nice thing about this is that it would offer a safe place for the new guys and gals to play and learn while not slowing down the more experienced players. If they (old timers) want to go to that section and help out with basic info. they know exactly what they are getting into, BASIC STUFF!

When enough experience is adsorbed in the newby pen and we feel bold enough to play with the big boys we can jump the fence and talk and answer questions in the language of DIESEL... Just a thought what ever its worth?

Just a observation from a new guy that might help everybody?
Old 12-19-2012, 02:40 PM
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We limit the number of forums on purpose to make it easier to find what you are looking for some forums on the other hand have a million little forums off the main ones and we find that to be distracting at best.

We welcome ALL questions from newbies to old hats and do not allow members to flame anyone for simply asking a question, we all started out as newbies and unlike many other places we send people that treat newbies rudely on down the road.

Feel free to ask anything in the forums and you can rest assured our members will try to help in a friendly manner and have you thinking like a old hat in no time
Old 12-25-2012, 05:06 AM
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Yes, don't fret. I've been on this web site for sometime and I still feel like a newbie.
Old 12-26-2012, 11:04 AM
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That is quite alright... I have been using this as a quick reference and it is helping a great deal. Thanks for the reply.

1500, 2500, 3500 - Dodge classifications for a 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, and 1 ton truck, respectively.
14X3 -refers to a round air cleaner element whose dimensions are 14" across by 3" tall. Used as a replacement for the restrictive stock housing.
2WD or 2X4 - Two Wheel Drive
4WD or 4X4 - Four Wheel Drive
42RH or 42RE - Refers to Chrysler automatic transmissions used on certain V6 powered vehicles. The 42RH was used until 1996, when the 42RE was introduced. Also referred to as the A500 transmission.
46RH or 46RE - Refers to Chrysler Automatic Transmissions used on certain V8 powered vehicles. The 46RH was used until 1996, when the 46RE was introduced. Also referred to as the A518 transmission.
47RH or 47RE - Refers to Chrysler automatic transmissions used on V10 or diesel powered vehicles. The 47RH was used until 1995, when the 47RE was introduced. Also referred to as the A618 transmission.
AAL - Add-A-Leaf, refers to a suspension kit that puts and additional leaf into a spring pack, most often used to either raise the height of a vehicle and/or raise the load capacity.
AATS - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
ABS - Anti-lock Braking System, designed to control braking and prevent skidding in emergency stopping situations.
ASD relay - Auto Shut Down relay
A/T - in reference to tires this means All Terrain, a tread pattern for general use including off-road. Also, an abbreviation for automatic transmission.
BFG - B.F. Goodrich tire company.
Bolt-on - a product designed to be easily installed without fabrication or modification of existing structures, often using existing hardware and/or mountings. A simple replacement or add-on.
Box - slang for cargo bed.
CAD - Center Axle Disconnect, system used to connect/disconnect the front axle on Dodge trucks from transfer case output.
CAI - Cold Air Intake, a device designed to allow cooler intake air to be used rather than the warm underhood air, resulting in better performance.
Cat - short for catalytic converter.
Cat-back - exhaust system comprised of components from the exit of the catalytic converter to the exhaust tip, usually including the muffler.
CC - Club Cab
CEL - Check Engine Light
Closed Loop - refers to a type of EFI control design, this is a system wherein all engine adjustments (timing, ignition, spark, etc.) are made in response to the monitoring of sensors (TPS, CPS, 02, MAP, etc.) whose feedback are fed to the ECM and used to calculate various performance parameters. This system is more efficient as it reads actual performance data on-the-fly and can adjust for things like engine load, speed, fuel demand, etc. 1997 and later Dodge RAM'S use this type of system. (See also Open Loop)
Cowl induction - a type of hood design that allows cool air to be drawn into the engine compartment/intake from the base of the windshield. Most often this is an aesthetic design and is non-operative.
CMP sensor - Camshaft Position Sensor, used by the ECM to determine the position of the camshaft for adjusting various parameters like ignition timing and cylinder firing sequence.
CPS or CKP sensor - Crankshaft Position Sensor, relays crankshaft position to the ECM.
CTM - Central Timer Module.
DD - Daily Driver, refers to a vehicle that is driven daily or almost daily, usually not a weekend project vehicle or dragstrip vehicle.
DIY - Do It Yourself.
DRW - Dual Rear Wheels, also referred to as a Dualie.
ECM, ECU or PCM - Electronic Control Module; Electronic Control Unit; Powertrain Control Module; the main vehicle computer that controls all engine systems.
ECT sensor - Engine Coolant Temperature sensor, relays engine temperature info to the ECM.
EFI - Electronic Fuel Injection.
FIPK - Fuel Injection Performance Kit, primarily sold by K&N, this is an air intake system designed to increase performance.
Fuel rail - metal tubing that supplies fuel to the individual injectors.
Headers - type of exhaust made up of individual tubes for each cylinder that provides better performance.
HID - High Intensity Discharge, a type of lightbulb.
IAC - Idle or Intake Air Control, a solenoid mounted on the throttle body used to regulate incoming air at idle.
IAT sensor - Intake Air Temperature sensor, relays intake air temperature readings to the ECM.
ICE - Internal Combustion Engine.
Kegger - refers to the intake manifold design of some Chrysler engines, so called because it resembles a beer keg.
Leveling Kit - usually a simple bolt-on designed to level the front of a truck with the rear.
LB or LWB - Long Bed or Long Wheel Base, refers to those truck models with the longer cargo bed.
Limited Slip - type of differentials that provides equal power to both wheels on an axle regardless of traction by means of a clutch pack or other means (see Locker and Posi). Standard equipment on some RAM 4X4 models.
Locker - a differential device that locks axle output to provide power to both wheels regardless of traction. Similar to a posi or limited slip in performance, but uses other mechanical means. Usable only in off-road or limited traction situations.
Longtube - as opposed to shorttube, refers to a type of exhaust header that is longer in length.
MAF sensor - Mass Air Flow sensor, determines the amount of intake airflow and relays it to the ECM (not used).
MAP sensor - Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor relays info regarding intake air pressure/vacuum to the ECM.
M/T - in reference to tires this means Mud Terrain, an aggressive tread pattern designed for mud use. Can also refer to the Mickey Thompson tire brand.
Nerf bars - bolt-on accessory bars used to protect against body damage. Most often side bars, but can also be front end mounted.
NV3500 - A five speed Mamiused on V6 and some light-duty V8 powered vehicle with a manual transmission.
NV4500 - A five speed manual transmission used on some V8 and V10/diesel powered vehicles.
02 Sensor or Oxygen Sensor - a device that monitors the amount of oxygen in an engine's exhaust to determine the degree of combustion and its efficiency in order to cause the PCM to adjust various operation parameters accordingly. Used in Closed Loop EFI systems. Single 02 sensor systems monitor combustion efficiency only. Dual 02 sensor systems monitor both combustion and catalytic converter efficiency. Depending on the design of the exhaust system, there can be either 1, 2 or 4 (CA only) 02 sensors on a vehicle.
OBDI or OBDII - On Board Diagnostics; a diagnostic tool for reading trouble codes stored in the ECM. Type is determined by model of vehicle and EFI system design.
OD - Over Drive, designates a transmission with a gear that provides a final drive ratio less than 1:1.
Off Road Edition - an option offered on RAM 1500 models consisting of 2" higher suspension lift, special alloy wheels, different steering ratio, front tow hooks, beefed-up front differential, HD charging and cooling upgrades, and insignia.
Open Loop - refers to a type of EFI control design, this is a simple system wherein performance is determined by just a few monitored sensors and controlled by preset parameters stored in the ECM (called maps). Unlike a Closed Loop system, it can not adjust performance on-the-fly as these systems do not include an 02 sensor to monitor exhaust gasses. 1996 and earlier Dodge RAMs use this type of system. (See also Closed Loop).
PCV valve - Positive Crankcase Vent valve.
Plenum - refers to the lower intake manifold plate, where the gasket between it and the intake manifold itself often fails allowing oil and engine vacuum to leak past. Common problem on Chrysler Magnum V8 engines.
Posi - short for positive traction, catchall phrase that refers to any type of differential that sends power to both wheels regardless of traction (see Locker or Limited Slip).
QC - Quad Cab
RAC - Round Air Cleaner (see also 14X3).
Rad - short for radiator.
Roll pan - replacement panel for rear bumper that gives a smooth, contoured look to vehicle rear.
SB or SWB - Short Bed or Short Wheel Base, refers to those truck models with the shorter cargo bed.
Shaker - a hood scoop design that allows cool air to be brought into the intake stream from outside the engine compartment. So called because it is usually mounted to the engine and sticks out through a hole in the hood allowing it to "shake" with engine vibration or torque.
SLT Laramie Edition - a mid-level RAM trim option, also referred to as just Laramie or SLT.
SLT+ Edition - highest RAM trim option that includesleatherseating.
Sport Edition - limited edition RAM model easily identified by its distinctive color-matched front and rear bumpers.
ST - standard RAM trim level.
TB - Throttle Body, a device that regulates the airflow into the engine.
TB spacer - a plate used to distance the throttle body further from the intake manifold, supposedly resulting in performance gains. Sometimes also used in conjunction with a 14x3 air cleaner assembly for clearance purposes.
Throw codes - slang for the storing of codes in the ECM relative to monitored system malfunctions.
TPS - Throttle Position Sensor.
Tranny - slang for transmission.
VB - Valve Body, section inside the transmission responsible for hydraulic actuation of shifting circuits.
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