Import Auto Glossary

Plain-English definitions for the acronyms and jargon you'll hear when an import shop is talking about your car.

1234yf

Newer A/C refrigerant required on vehicles built after roughly 2015. Requires different equipment than R134a.

ABS

Anti-lock Braking System. Pulses brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup in a panic stop.

Aisin AW

Japanese transmission manufacturer whose automatics appear in Toyota, Lexus, Volvo, and some VW/Audi.

AWD

All-Wheel Drive. Power goes to all four wheels, sometimes on-demand (Haldex) or always (Subaru, Audi quattro).

BMS

Battery Management System. Required to register a new battery on most modern BMWs and Audis.

CEL

Check Engine Light. Indicates a stored fault code in the engine computer.

CVT

Continuously Variable Transmission. Uses a belt and pulleys for infinite ratios. Common on Subaru, Honda, Nissan.

DPF

Diesel Particulate Filter. Traps soot, periodically burns it off in a 'regen' cycle.

DSG

Direct-Shift Gearbox. VW/Audi dual-clutch automatic that shifts in milliseconds. Requires specific fluid.

EPC

Electronic Power Control. VW/Audi warning light indicating throttle or engine management fault.

Haldex

On-demand AWD system used in VW, Audi (transverse), and Volvo. Requires fluid change every 40k.

HPFP

High Pressure Fuel Pump. Direct-injection engines have a known tick from this pump that's usually normal.

LL-01 / LL-04

BMW oil specifications. LL-01 is for older engines, LL-04 is for newer engines with diesel particulate filters.

LSPI

Low-Speed Pre-Ignition. Issue in modern turbo direct-injection engines — mitigated by using API SP / ILSAC GF-6 oils.

OBD-II

On-Board Diagnostics, version 2. Standardized port (under the dash) all vehicles have had since 1996.

OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer. The brand that made the part for the automaker. OE-equivalent parts often come from the same factory.

PPI

Pre-Purchase Inspection. Used-car inspection before you buy.

quattro

Audi's AWD branding. Longitudinal-engine quattro uses a Torsen center diff; transverse models use Haldex.

R134a

Older A/C refrigerant, still in use on pre-2015 vehicles.

SH-AWD

Acura's torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. Requires specific fluid changed every 30,000 miles.

TDI

Turbocharged Direct Injection. VW/Audi diesel branding.

TFSI / TSI

Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection. VW/Audi direct-injection turbo gasoline engines.

TPMS

Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Required on all US vehicles since 2008.

VANOS

BMW variable valve timing system. Solenoids can stick and cause rough idle.

VCDS / VAG-COM

Diagnostic software specifically for VW/Audi vehicles. Reads many codes generic scanners can't.

VTM-4

Acura's older AWD system. Needs fluid every 30,000 miles.

xDrive

BMW's AWD system. Transfer case clutch can fail — requires fluid service.

ZF 8HP

8-speed automatic transmission used in BMW, Audi, Land Rover, and others. Excellent gearbox when fluid is changed at 60k.