PriusChat Glossary

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0-9
1G - Refers to the "first generation" Prius...generally, as this is a US based site, we mean the 2001-2003 model year NWH-11. Note that there was an NWH-10, not sold in the USA (Dec 1997 - 2000).

2G- As per 1G (above), but for the 2004-2009 model year. Second US generation of the Prius (NWH-20).

3G- As above, 2010-2015 MY third US generation Prius (ZVH-30).

4G- As above, 2016-? MY fourth US generation Prius. (ZVW-50 & ZVW-51)

2WD - Two Wheel Drive. Refers to a vehicle that is driven by two wheels (front or rear).

4WD - Four Wheel Drive. Refers to a vehicle capable of being driven by all four wheels. Can be part-time or full-time 4WD.

4WD-i - Four Wheel Drive with intelligence. This refers to the 4WD system that utilises an electric motor to drive the rear wheels. Also, AWD-i (RAV4 Hybrid). Also E-Four.

4WS - Four Wheel Steering. A system that allows both the front wheels and the rear wheels to steer the vehicle.

4x4 - Four by Four. A synonym for Sport Utility Vehicles with four wheel drive. Also used to denote drivetrain configuration for pickup trucks in the U.S.

A

A/C - Air Conditioning.

A-PCS - Advanced Pre-Collision System. (See PCS). It takes the standard PCS further by adding a forward facing camera and a rear facing radar unit. It will detect when a rear collision is imminent and will move the front headrests closer to the driver and front passenger to minimise whiplash injury. In addition, for frontal collision avoidance, it will stiffen up the front suspension and quicken the steering ratio to help the driver avoid the obstacle. It also has a camera facing the driver to determine if the driver is paying attention when the computer detects an obstacle ahead and will warn the driver of the obstacle.

ABS - Antilock Braking System (A system that pulses the brakes to prevent wheel lockup and allow the driver to maintain control of the vehicle when manoeuvring around the obstacle)

ACC - Accessory Mode (This mode allows the radio to be operated. The POWER button illuminates green)

ACC - Adaptive Cruise Control (A cruise control system that uses radar or laser or stereo cameras to allow you to set a preset distance to the vehicle ahead. The vehicle then maintains that set distance, braking and accelerating as necessary).

ACC - Automatic Climate Control.

ADAS - Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems. A broad term to include any system that assists the driver such as adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam or even rain-sensing wipers.

AEB - Autonomous Emergency Braking. The generic term referring to the active safety system that can automatically slow the vehicle down if it determines that a collision is highly likely. Toyota's name for AEB is PCS - Pre-Collision System. (or Pre-Crash Safety System in Japan)

AFAIK - As far as I know.

AFS - Adaptive Front lighting System (This system is linked to the steering wheel. It automatically swivels the headlights left or right to illuminate the path as you steer the vehicle. More advanced systems can swivel each headlight independently allowing the opposite headlight to continue pointing straight).

AHB - Automatic High Beam. A system that automatically switches between low (dipped) beam and high (main) beam. Also known as AHBS.

AHS - Adaptive High Beam System. May be used as AFS but may also refer to the more advanced LED array headlight systems that adjust the headlight output depending on speed (wide coverage at low speeds and narrow and long coverage at highway speeds), surrounding vehicles (Dimming individual LEDs within the headlight system where vehicles are to reduce glare, while remaining in high beam in between the vehicles). Goes by "Matrix LED" or "LED Array" headlight systems.

AKA - Also known as.

Alcantara - A synthetic suede-like material. Alcantara is also a brand name.

APGS - Advanced Parking Guidance System (The Lexus version of the IPA system. It assists in parking the vehicle for you. The system utilises the reverse camera and clearance sonars to manoeuvre the vehicle. The driver only needs to control the speed via the brake pedal)

ASL - Automatic Sound Levellizer (This system automatically adjusts the volume of the audio system to compensate for extra road noise at higher speeds).

ASL - Automatic Speed Limiter. A European feature that allows the driver to set the maximum speed the vehicle can travel.

ATF - Automatic Transmission Fluid is the fluid used in vehicles with self-shifting or automatic transmissions.

AT-PZEV - Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (SULEV rating but with zero evaporation emission also met). Tier 2 Bin 3 or lower (2004-2016). Tier 3 Bin 160 (2017 onwards)

AWD - All Wheel Drive. Refers to a system that allows the vehicle to automatically send power to the front or rear wheels electronically without the driver's input to maximise traction.

B

B10 - 10% biofuel, 90% diesel

BA - Brake Assist (A system that applies additional braking power if it senses an emergency stop and the driver is not pressing the brake pedal hard enough).

BAS - Belt-Alternator-Starter. A very basic start/stop system developed by GM as a low-cost alternative to mild hybrids.

BEV - Battery Electric Vehicle.

B-Mode- A position on the gear shifter that acts as Engine Braking Mode, similar to downshifting in a regular automatic or manual transmission. A somewhat higher rate of automatic regenerative braking is induced while the ICE initiates a spin that uses back pressure during fuel shutoff to supplement slowing of the vehicle. On BEVs, it will enhance the regenerative braking force. Note that this mode will not illuminate the brake lights.

BITOG - Bob is the Oil Guy (a forum)

Brake-By-Wire - The vehicle's braking system is controlled by computers. There is no mechanical link between the brake pedal and the brake caliper pistons. Toyota's system is called ECB or Electronically-Controlled Brakes.

BSM - Blind Spot Monitor. A system that uses radar or sonar or camera to detect a neighbouring vehicle in your blind spot. It will typically illuminate a yellow or red icon near the A-pillar or within the outside mirror glass) if a vehicle is in your blind spot. It will blink rapidly (some systems also beep) if you use your indicators/turn signal while a vehicle is in your blind spot.

BT - Bluetooth Connectivity. Usually refers to the handsfree phone connection, but can also refer to streaming audio via bluetooth to the entertainment system head unit - BT Audio.

BTW - By the way.

C

Cabin Air Filter - A filter that cleans the air entering the cabin of the vehicle by trapping particles. There are different types ranging from basic dust & pollen filters, to particulate filters to electrostatic charcoal particulate filters that charge the filter to attract the particulate matter.

CAN or CANBUS - Controller Area Network. It's a communications network standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other within a vehicle without a host computer.

Cargo Liner - This is a rubber mat that lines the trunk. It allows one to load up dirty items without scuffing or dirtying the interior.

Cargo Mat - This is a carpeted mat to protect the original trunk carpeting.

CC - Cruise Control.

CD - Compact Disc. A writable media on a doughnut-shaped disc.

C-D - Charge Discharge mode. This is the EV mode of a plug-in hybrid vehicle where the car is using the battery (hence discharge) to power the vehicle. See C-S.

CD-TEXT - Refers to the tag that allows the vehicle's audio system to read tags in the CD. This then displays the title of the song and/or the artist and/or the album of the song. The CD must have CD-TEXT encoded and the audio files must be labelled correctly for it to show on the vehicle's audio head unit).

CEL - Check Engine Light.

CHAdeMO - is an abbreviation of "CHArge de MOve", equivalent to "move using charge" or "move by charge". The name is also a pun drawn from O cha demo ikaga desuka in Japanese, translating to English as "How about some tea?", referring to the time it would take to charge a car. This is one form of a DC fast charging standard.

CNG - Compressed Natural Gas.

Coast or Coasting - A state when there are green arrows shown on the Energy Monitor from the wheels to the electric motor to the battery. The car is lightly regenerating as you slow down. Equivalent of touching neither the brake pedal nor the accelerator.

C-S - Charge-Sustain Mode. This is the mode on a plug-in hybrid vehicle where the vehicle is now in a state where it will try to maintain the level of charge in the battery and the engine is mostly powering the vehicle. On some plug-in hybrid vehicles, it is called the hybrid or HV mode.

CVT - Continuously Variable Transmission (A stepless transmission that has no gears. A conventional CVT uses a cone & belt type system with two cones and a belt running between them. The belt rises and falls along the cones to provide the gear ratio and power as needed). Toyota hybrids use a Planetary Gear Set. (See Planetary Gear).

CY - Calendar Year.

D

D-4S - Direct injection for 4-stroke engine Superior version. This is Toyota's direct and port injection engine technology that combines the benefits of direct injection (higher power output, slightly better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions) with port injection (better for low loads, lower particulate matter emissions, reduces carbon build-up on valve stem/head)

DAB - Digital Audio Broadcasting. This is the European standard for broadcasting digital audio radio service (for North America, see HD Radio). DAB originally used MP2 codecs. From 2007, DAB+ used HE-AAC v2 codec for higher quality audio.

DAC - Downhill Assist Control (A system that limits power output and engages maximum engine braking to assist in descending a steep or slippery slope. The driver must not touch the brake while the system is operating).

DCT - Dual Clutch Transmission. A transmission that has two clutches that run through two sets of gears (typically one for the odd numbered gears and one for the even numbered gears). The idea is that the next higher gear can be pre-selected and when the time comes to upshift, the current gear is de-clutched and the next gear is clutched in, resulting in faster shifts. These transmissions can be operated in automatic or manual mode. (See also: Transmissions)

DCFC - Direct Current Fast Charge

DFI - Direct Fuel Injection. This refers to the technology that sprays fuel directly into the cylinders for finer control of fuel usage. Also GDI.

DICE - Digital In Car Entertainment from DICE Electronics. Now, Audiovox OEI.

DOT - Department of Transportation in the United States.

DRCC - Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Refers to the adaptive cruise control system that uses radar to maintain vehicle-to-vehicle distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Unless otherwise stated, this system only works above 25-30mph or so.

Drive-By-Wire - A system that controls the vehicle's throttle body electronically. There is no mechanical linkage between the accelerator (gas pedal) and the throttle body.

Driving/Cornering Lights - Auxiliary lights that assist in illuminating the corners when the indicator is engaged or simply to make the vehicle more visible to other motorists. Some vehicles illuminate the left or right auxiliary light when the steering wheel is turned in that direction.

DRL - Daytime Running Lights (These can be the low beams, the high beams at reduced intensity, bright amber lamps or a separate set of LEDs that are on during the daytime. These do not turn on the taillights).

DSP - Digital Signal Processing for audio systems.

DST - Daylight Saving Time. Refer to your navigation owner's manual on instructions on how to change this.

DTC - Diagnostic Trouble Code. This is the error codes that are displayed when you plug an OBD-II scanner into the OBD port to see what error codes are triggering the dashboard warning lights.

DTE - Distance to Empty (Aka Range or the remaining distance left with the remaining fuel or charge)

DVD - Digital Versatile Disc.

DVD-A - DVD Audio disc.

DWL - Driving With Load. The art of keeping an engine under load (i.e. in its more efficient rpm range) to improve fuel economy.

E

E10 - 10% ethanol, 90% petrol/gasoline.

E15 - 15% ethanol, 85% petrol/gasoline.

E85 - 85% ethanol, 15% petrol/gasoline.

E-Four - Electric 4WD. (See 4WD-i). Nomenclature used for the AWD version of the Toyota Estima Hybrid and 4G Prius.

EBD - Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. A system that distributes braking power front/rear depending on load as the brakes are applied.

EBH - Engine Block Heater. This unit allows the engine to be preheated via a wall socket prior to start up.

ECO - Refers to the ECO button that limits the electricity drain on the HV battery by the climate control system. Using this mode may result in a longer time for the cabin to reach desired temperature. It may also make the accelerator less sensitive, allowing for finer control of acceleration (Gen 3, 1G Prius c and 1G Prius v only). Also ECO HEAT/COOL on some models.

ECO Mode - Reduces the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal, allowing finer control of acceleration as well as providing resistance to depress the accelerator harder than usual. It can help coach the driver in achieving better fuel economy. It may also engage the ECO mode for the climate control. (ECO HEAT/COOL)

ECO/Hybrid ECO - In reference to the HSI, it is the area (either by a needle in the instrument cluster or an LCD display) that indicates the driver is driving in an economical fashion. An ECO light usually illuminates as well. Additionally, Prius, Prius c and Prius v models have a Hybrid ECO sub-section of the HSI (first half of the ECO area). This is the area where the electric motor is typically favoured to power the vehicle. The engine may or may not be off, depending on various parameters.

ECON - Refers to the mode that restricts engine output and force it to run economically (Highlander Hybrid or Honda hybrids).

ECM - Engine Control Module. The computer that controls the engine air/fuel mixture and which provides OBD-II diagnostic codes.

ECU - Engine Control Unit.

EDM - Eco Drive Monitor - Refers to the multi-information display that Toyota has provided to Prius c and Prius v, 3rd & 4th Generation Prius owners that displays relevant hybrid system information such as the Energy Monitor and Consumption Screen. Also referred to as MID.

EDR - Event Data Recorder. A system to record data in an event of a collision. It may include parameters such as accelerator pedal position, brake pedal position, seat belt use, and on vehicles with Toyota Safety Sense, may include a snapshot from the monocular camera at the top of the windshield.

EGR - Also known as Cooled-EGR. Engine Gas Recirculation. Refers to the system that recycles cooled exhaust gas and injects them into the cylinder to help them cool in high stress situations (e.g. a long highway drive). This helps reduce fuel consumption, because vehicles without EGR would splash fuel into the cylinders instead to cool the cylinders.

EHRS - Exhaust Heat Recirculation System. Replaces the previous coolant thermos (See thermos) setup of the Gen II Prius. This uses the exhaust heat to warm up the engine coolant thus helping the engine warm up faster. For the 3rd generation Prius, the engine warms up 1 min faster at 0°C/32°F compared to the 2nd generation Prius.

Entune - Toyota's app-based integrated audio and entertainment system.

EPS - Electric Power Steering. This means the power assist for the steering is provided by an electric motor rather than a hydraulic system. In this setup, power steering assist only comes on when the steering wheel is turned as opposed to a hydraulic system which always provides assist even when travelling in a straight line. EPS helps reduces fuel consumption.

EREV- Extended Range Electric Vehicle (aka REEV-Range Extended Electric Vehicle)--The GM terminology for their PHEV.

ESP - Electronic Stability Programme (General name for a system that monitors yaw movement and engages to keep the vehicle on track if a slide is detected). Toyota calls it VSC.

EV - Electric Vehicle. Also, BEV.

EV Drive Mode - Refers to the electric drive mode engaged by pushing the EV switch/button. This allows pure electric motoring for short distances. In 2011 and older models, it will illuminate a leaf car icon with "EV" in it. In 2012 and newer, a "EV MODE" light will illuminate.

EV Mode - To drive the vehicle in electric mode with only yellow arrows from the battery to the electric motor to the wheel on the Energy Monitor. Also known as Stealth mode. In 2012 and newer models, a little leaf car icon with "EV" in it will illuminate, indicating that the engine is off.

EVSE - Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. This is the fixed or portable unit (commonly misstated as the "car charger" or "EV charger") that is connection between your car and the power outlet. This may include public charging stations or your home charging station. See "onboard charger"

F

FAS - Forced Auto Stop. The action of turning off the engine while in motion to save fuel in a non-hybrid or mild hybrid vehicle. Not recommended unless you know what you're doing.

FC - Fuel Cell. (Usually, referring to the fuel cell stack).

FCHV - Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle. Also, FCV or Fuel Cell Vehicle. Also FCEV. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle.

FCTA - Front Cross Traffic Alert. It uses cameras and/or radar to detect cross traffic ahead of the vehicle. It typically includes an auto-brake function to avoid collision.

FE - Fuel Economy. iFE - Instant Fuel Economy. aFE - Average Fuel Economy.

FEH - Ford Escape Hybrid.

FFH - Ford Fusion Hybrid.

FIFY - Fixed It For You. Also FTFY.

Flexfuel - A system that can run on two types of fuel. The most common are ethanol and petrol/gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG) and petrol/gasoline.

Foglights/Foglamps - Refers to the secondary auxiliary lighting located at bumper level beneath the headlights. The low level allows them to illuminate the fog from beneath to better assist in visibility in poor weather conditions (See Rear Foglight).

FS - For Sale.

FTFY - Fixed That For You. Also FIFY.

FTW - For the win!

FWD - Front Wheel Drive. Refers to a vehicle driven by its two front wheels.

FUBAR - Military term; F*** Up Beyond All Relief. (or beyond all recognition).

FWIW - For what it's worth.

G

GAP - Guaranteed Auto Protection (US). Insurance for the difference between the value of the car and what you owe, in the event of a write-off.

GB - Group Buy.

GDI - Gasoline Direct Injection. Gasoline or petrol is sprayed directly into the cylinder for finer control of fuel use.

Glide - A state when there are no arrows shown on the Energy Monitor. The car is essentially free-wheeling.

GOM - Guess 'o Meter. The name given to the estimated range remaining in an electric car or plug-in hybrid car as estimated by the car's onboard computers. Early BEVs and PHEVs were known for range estimations that occasionally were wildly out of reality.

GPS - Global Positioning Satellite (The basis for GPS units such as the in-car navigation system).

Ground Clearance - Refers to the distance between the lowest point of the car and the road.

H

HAC - Hill-Assist Control (A system that momentarily applies the brakes while on a hill to allow time for the driver to lift off the brake pedal and press the accelerator. This prevents the vehicle from rolling back on a hill). Also, Hill Start Assist.

HAH - Honda Accord Hybrid.

HCH - Honda Civic Hybrid.

HD Radio - It's a digital radio broadcasting technology that allows the user to listen to a radio station in either digital signal with less noise or analogue signal with standard radio sound quality. HD radio technology also allows multiple broadcasts of different program from the same station. Simply press the HD)) icon on your screen to access the other signals. Press HD1, HD2, HD3 or HD4. This is the North American standard. Europe uses DAB (See DAB)

HDD - Hard Drive Disc.

HID - High Intensity Discharge (A capsule, usually containing xenon gas, creates a brilliant arc of light when a jolt of electricity is applied).

HiHy - Highlander Hybrid.

HMI - Human-Machine Interface. Typically refers to the buttons and screens that a driver will operate to interact with the car (e.g. radio, climate control, navigation)

Homelink™ - A programmable system that wirelessly controls Homelink-capable systems such as the garage door, entrance/exit gate and/or indoor/outdoor lighting. See the Homelink Site for more information

HSA - Hill-Start Assist. See HAC.

HSD - Hybrid Synergy Drive.

HSI - Hybrid System Indicator - It refers to the MID screen with the horizontal bar depicting accelerator pedal movement in relation to the hybrid system's output as well as the amount of regenerative braking. It is split into 3 areas - CHG, ECO and PWR. The ECO area can be further divided into the Hybrid ECO area (the left side) and the ECO area (the right side). This display is one of the screens available on the MID. On non-Prius models, it's typically an analogue meter next to the speedometer with a sweeping needle.

HV - High Voltage.

HV - Hybrid Vehicle.

HV Battery- see also Traction Battery; the high voltage battery pack in a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle that provides power to and stores energy from the rest of the hybrid or electric system. The capacity of the battery is often quoted in kWh (kilowatt-hours).

HVAC - Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

Hypermiling- Using a variety of driving techniques and vehicle modifications and optimizations to achieve superior fuel economy in any type of vehicle. (originated by Wayne Gerdes)

Hyperstealth - See Warp Stealth.

I

ICE - Internal Combustion Engine.

ICE - In Car Entertainment.

ICE'd - The act of using a vehicle with an internal combustion engine (gas/diesel/CNG) to block or disallow access to an EV charging station, usually by parking in a designated EV charging spot.

ICS - Intelligent Clearance Sonar. A set of ultrasonic sonar sensors positioned around the vehicle to not only assist the driver in determining the proximity of objects around the car, but to also provide braking force at very low speeds by automatically stopping the vehicle if the car determines that an impact is imminent. This feature works essentially at speeds you would be when parking the vehicle.

IDK - I don't know.

IG-ON - Ignition On (Refers to the ON position in the ignition. This mode allows for all the accessories including power windows and fan to operate. The POWER button will illuminate orange/amber).

IIHS - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

IIRC - If I recall correctly.

IKR - I know, right?

IMA - Integrated Motor Assist (Honda's mild hybrid system).

IMHO - In my humble/honest opinion.

IMO - In my opinion.

INT - Refers to the intermittent wiper setting. A variable system allows the driver to select different intervals at which the wipers are to sweep.

IOW - In other words.

IP - Instrument Panel (Also instrument cluster).

IPA - Intelligent Park Assist (This system automatically parks the vehicle for you. It is used in conjunction with a reverse camera. The driver simply operates the brake pedal to control the speed; the vehicle does the rest). See APGS.

IPA2 - 2nd generation IPA that uses Intelligent Clearance Sonar as well as the reverse camera. See S-IPA.

IPM - Intelligent Power Module

IRL - In Real Life.

J

JBL - James B. Lansing audio (A company that specialises in audio equipment. Under the Harmon Kardon group, JBL and Toyota have teamed up to provide a rich audio experience with surround sound [in some models]).

JDM - Japan Domestic Manufacturer (Refers to something that's made for the local Japanese market).

J/K - Just kidding.

K

KB - Knowledge Base.

L

LDA - Lane Departure Alert. See LDWS.

LDA w/ Steering Assist - LDWS with some ability to self-correct a vehicle that strays out of the lane. It's less intrusive than LKA. It does not actively keep the vehicle centred in the lane.

LDWS - Lane Departure Warning System. A passive safety system that uses a forward-facing camera to detect lane markings on the road. It will sound a chime and/or flash a notification to the driver if the vehicle strays outside of the lane.

LED - Light Emitting Diodes.

LEV - Low Emissions Vehicle.

LexusEnform - An advanced version of LexusLink that incorporates vehicle assistance, navigation assistance and other information that can be downloaded to the vehicle's navigation system. Replaces LexusLink.

LexusLink - Lexus version of GM's OnStar. It's a communication device between you and an operator at a central office. It can be used in an emergency to call for help by pressing a single button or to be used for its concierge services. A subscription is required.

LICE - Legacy Internal Combustion Engine. In a forum setting, it's typically used to refer to manufacturers that are producing internal combustion engines and typically are hesitant or dismissive of battery electric vehicles. This term is typically used in a negative connotation.

Li-Ion - Lithium Ion. Refers to the general composition of a battery that has a lithium cathode and an anode of some material (varies depending on type of li-ion battery). The ions then pass through an electrolyte to conduct electricity. Some examples of li-ion batteries include lithium-polymer, lithium cobalt oxide (LiCOO2), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC)

LKA - Lane Keep Assist. An active safety system that uses a forward-facing camera to detect the lane markings on the road and actively adjust the steering wheel to keep the vehicle centred in the lane. Also LKAS - Lane Keeping Assist System (e.g Honda).

LOL - Laugh Out loud

LMAO - Laughing My A** Off

LPG - Liquid Petroleum Gas

LRR - Low Rolling Resistance - Refers to the type of tires that reduce the amount of energy needed for a tire to roll along the road. This in turns improves efficiency as less power is needed to overcome the friction needed to roll the tires.

LTA - Lane Tracing Assist. This function uses the monocular camera mounted behind the windshield to scan the road markings and keep the car centred in the lane as well guide the vehicle around bends when the DRCC is in use. If the markings are not visible, it will trace the path of the vehicle ahead.

M

MAF - Mass Airflow Sensor.

MID - Multi-Information Display (Also see EDM). Refers to the multi-information screen that displays various data relating to economical driving. May include screens such as Eco Diary or Cost Savings Record.

Mild Hybrid - A hybrid system where the battery supplements the engine, similar to a supercharger. The hybrid vehicle cannot run on EV mode and the engine has to run if the vehicle is in motion.

MFD - Multi-Function Display. Typically refers to the large LCD screen (6.1-11.6" in size) that display navigation, audio and other vehicle information.

MG - Motor Generator (used to refer to the electric motors).

MG1 - The Motor/generator attached directly to the ICE (internal combustion engine) that serves both as a starter and as a generator to send power from the ICE to the HV battery. Some Toyota literature may refer to this simply as "generator" or "inverter generator".

MG2 - The Motor/generator attached directly to the front drive axle that serves as the power source to the wheels and serves as a generator during regenerative braking sending energy to the battery. Some Toyota literature may simply refer to this as "motor".

MGR - The Motor/generator for the Rear Wheels on some 4WD-i hybrids (Highlander Hybrid 4WD/RX 400h 4WD, etc) that serves as the rear wheel drive motor in 4WD mode and as a generator during regenerative braking.

Moonroof - A glass section of the roof that can slide or tilt for ventilation. A sunshade is provided.

MP3 - A compressed audio format.

MSRP - Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.

MY - Model Year.

N

NAH - Nissan Altima Hybrid.

NEV - Neighbourhood Electric Vehicle; a class of generally small, low speed (legally limited to 25mph), electric vehicles, usually with a relatively short range and capacity.

NFC - Near-Field Communications. A low power wireless standard for transfer of information or data.

NG - Next Generation.

NiCd - Nickel Cadmium.

NiMH - Nickel Metal Hydride.

NVH - Noise, Vibration, Harshness

NWH-10/11/20- The technical model designation from Toyota refering to the original (NWH-10) Prius (1997-1999, Japan only), "Classic" Prius (NWH-11) 2000-2003, and the second generation Prius (NWH-20) 2004-2008.

O

O/D - Overdrive. It's usually the top gear or the top two gears. Overdrive is used to lower fuel consumption by making the gear ratios higher. In overdrive, the engine is allowed to spin at a lower rpm, thus improving fuel economy.

OBD - On-board Diagnostics, an electronic self-diagnostic system used to troubleshoot by cross-referencing error codes.

OCC - Oil Catch Can

OCI - Oil Change Interval.

OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer (The original or stock item from the manufacturer).

Onboard charger - This is the charging equipment onboard your electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. This is the unit that regulates the power going into your car's battery, dictated by your car's onboard electronics to regulate battery temperature, charge level and charge rate. It is stated in kW (kilowatt) units.

OP - Original Poster (of a thread). The person who started this thread.

OTOH - On The Other Hand.

P

Parking Lights - Refers to the front side lights that are illuminated along with the taillights. They are usually small and consume very little power allowing the vehicle to be illuminated at night if parking on a narrow road. May also be referred as side marker lights.

PCH - Personal Contract Hire. Also known as Hire Purchase. It's commonly known as leasing in North America.

PCM - Powertrain Control Module. See ECM.

PCP - Personal Contract Purchase. It's similar to rent-to-own schemes in North America. The owner will sign for a contract period between 24 and 48 months and pay monthly installments for that period. At the end of the period, there is a balloon payment (lump sum payment) to own the vehicle.

PCS - Pre-Collision System. A system that relies on a combination of radar, camera and/or lidar to determine if a collision is imminent. If a collision is imminent, the seatbelts will retract and the brakes will be ready for immediate braking when the driver touches the brake pedal. If no action is taken, it will partially apply the brakes to minimise the impact speed or avoid the collision if vehicle speed is low enough. (See A-PCS)

PDK - Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe. Porsche's dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

PDR - Paintless Dent Removal.

PHEV - Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Also PHV.

PIIPM - Prius Inverter Intelligent Power Module.

Planetary Gear - A transmission that uses a set of gears arranged in a solar system design. The centre gear is called the sun gear, the gears rotating around it are the planet gears and the large gear ring that ties the system together is called a ring gear. See this site for more information).

Plasmacluster™ - Licensed from Sharp Corporation, this system produces positive and negative ions to attract airborne particles and clean the air.

PSD - Power Split Device (Toyota's name for a planetary gear set).

Puddle lamps - Lamps that illuminate the area beside the front doors, usually linked to the door unlock system. Lamps are usually mounted beneath the wing mirrors.

Pulse & Coast - See Pulse & Glide. A similar system but refers to the method used in non-hybrid vehicles that cannot glide but can coast.

Pulse & Glide - (Also P&G) It refers to a type of driving that involves accelerating up to a set speed (usually 60kph/38mph), called pulsing and then letting the car glide (see Glide) down to a set speed (usually 40kph/25mph) and repeating as needed.

PV - Photovoltaic. Refers to solar panels.

PWR - Power mode (automatic transmission). It tells the computer to put the car's automatic transmission into power mode which shortens the gear ratios and holds the gear for a longer time before shifting, allowing for a sportier drive.

PWR Mode - Power mode on the Gen III (and PHV), Gen IV Prius (and Prime) and Prius v. Pressing this button will change the characteristics of the accelerator pedal making the vehicle feel more responsive and allowing greater access to available power without resorting to full throttle application.

PZEV - Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle.

R

R4H - RAV4 Hybrid.

RCTA - Rear Cross Traffic Alert. A system that alerts you to approaching vehicles (and depending on system, pedestrian and cyclists) when you reverse out of a spot. It typically uses sonar sensors or a radar unit mounted near and behind the rear corners of the rear bumper. This is a passive system.

RCTB - Rear Cross Traffic Braking. This system works the same as RCTA but adds the ability to automatically stop the vehicle to prevent or reduce impact speed of a collision with cross moving traffic. This is separate from ICS. (See ICS)

RDS - Radio Data System (This system allows the audio unit to pick up messages sent by radio stations. They may contain song information such as artist and title as well as contest and other promotional messages).

Rear bumper appliqué - This is a thin transparent film that is applied over the rear bumper to protect it from scuffs as one loads the trunk. It is embossed with the TOYOTA name and logo or with the vehicle brand (e.g. PRIUS).

Rear bumper protector - This is the black rubber or plastic protector that protects the bumper from scuffs and scratches. May come in stainless steel form. It is more durable than the appliqué©

Rear Foglight - A bright red light (single or dual) that illuminates the rear of the vehicle to assist other motorists in spotting your vehicle in adverse weather conditions.

Rear seat heater ducts - Refers to the ducts located beneath the front seats that send air to the rear compartment. It is operational when the climate control is set to or or

Regen/ Regenerative Braking-Refers to the use of the motor generators as brakes that recover kinetic energy and convert it to potential energy stored in the HV battery.

REEV- Range Extended Electric Vehicle (see EREV).

Remote Connect - A smartphone app accessed via Entune which allows for remote start and door unlock capability, vehicle status notifications, a guest driver monitor and vehicle finder. (Entune 3.0 and newer). See Toyota Connect.

Remote Touch - Refers to the mouse-like controller found on Lexus models with the Gen 6 navigation system. This allows full control of the navigation, audio and climate control screen via a mouse.

Rheostat - A dimmer switch that allows control over the instrument panel and interior panel backlighting.

ROTFL - Rolling On The Floor Laughing.

ROTFLOL - Rolling On The Floor Laughing Out Loud.

RSA - Road Sign Assist. A system that uses a camera to read road signs and display them on the MID or instrument cluster to remind the driver of signs such as the speed limit or "no overtaking" zones.

RSP - Retail Suggested Price.

RTFM - Read The *Fine* Manual.

RTM - Read The Manual.

RToD - Red Triangle of Death. The master hybrid warning light that is a red triangle with an exclamation mark inside. It typically signifies an issue with the hybrid system and may be accompanied with another light or warning message. Note that this light will come on with a continuously beep if the driver’s door is open while the car is in Drive.

RWD - Rear Wheel Drive. Refers to a vehicle driven by its rear wheels.

S

S1, S2, S3a, S3b, S4- In the Prius II the 5 stages of Hybrid Operation from initial warm up to full hybrid operation.

SafetyConnect - Toyota's answer to GM's Onstar. It provides emergency roadside assistance, stolen vehicle location and more. Subscription required. Cellular network based.

SAT - Satellite radio. Pressing this button on the audio unit selects satellite radio. Separate antenna and subscription required.

ScanGauge - A little device that plugs into your car that allows it to retrieve additional information such as engine rpm, MG temperature and so forth.

Scuff plates - Lower doorsill protectors (plastic or metal) that protect the lower doorsills from scuffs and damage.

SE/SS - Smart Entry & Smart Start (The previous name given to the SKS. It allows for keyless entry and start up).

Service Connect - One part of Toyota Connect. It provides regular vehicle health reports (fuel level, maintenance alerts etc) and allows for remote diagnostics of vehicle issues. If there is an issue, the report(s) is/are sent to the owner's preferred Toyota dealer. (Entune 3.0 and newer) See Toyota Connect.

Side Blinkers/Marker lights - An extra set of indicators mounted near the front fender to assist in making your intentions known to a vehicle travelling alongside, out of view of your rear indicators.

Shift-By-Wire - The transmission is controlled electronically by the computer. There is no mechanical linkage between the shifter and the transmission.

S-IPA - Simple Intelligent Parking Assist. It's a more advanced IPA system that uses a combination of sonar sensors (8-12 of them) and the reverse camera to park the vehicle. Unlike IPA which only does the reversing manoeuvre after you position the car, S-IPA will also position the car for parking, reverse and make any adjustments (e.g. forward and back) to get the car centred in the parking spot. S-IPA also has a feature that assists the driver in exiting a parallel parking spot.

SKS - Smart Key System.

SNAFU - Situation Normal: All Fouled Up. It essentially means that the situation is bad and it's been this way for so long that it's become the normal state of affairs. It's used in a sarcastic tone.

SNOW - Snow mode. It puts the transmission into snow mode which tells the computer to start the transmission off in 2nd gear and to retard the throttle to minimise wheel spin.

SOC - State of Charge (Refers to the charge of a battery).

SOL - Short On Luck.

SRS - Supplemental Restraint System.

Stealth - The act of propulsion solely on electric power. See EV Mode.

SULEV - Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle. (Tier 2 Bin 3 or lower)

Sunroof - A feature that allows a section of the roof to slide open for extra light or tilt for ventilation. (See moonroof).

S-VSC - Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control. A VSC system that incorporates steering assist when the vehicle is sliding such that it increases resistance in the steering wheel in the direction you're not supposed to steer and decrease resistance in the direction you are supposed to steer in order to get out of a skid.

T

TAH - Toyota Avalon Hybrid.

TCH - Toyota Camry Hybrid.

TCS - Traction Control System (General acronym for a system that limits power and/or applies the brakes to individual wheels to maintain traction while acceleration).

Thermos - This refers to the 3 litre coolant thermos located behind the bumper, beneath the driver's side headlight on the 2nd generation Prius. This thermos stores hot coolant from the previous run and cycles it through the engine to help warm the engine. Note that the coolant can stay warm for up to 3 days.

THS - Toyota Hybrid System (Toyota's first hybrid system).

TIA - Thanks in advance.

TL;DR - Too Long; Didn't Read. A summary by the author after writing a long online note/story/post for those who prefer an abbreviated version.

TLEV - Transitional Low Emissions Vehicle.

TNGA - Toyota New Global Architecture. A modular unibody automobile platform that will underpin various Toyota and Lexus models starting with the fourth generation Toyota Prius.

TORSEN™ - TORque SENsing. A type of limited slip differential based on torque output.

Toyota Connect - An umbrella of connected services including Remote Connect, Service Connect and WiFi Connect.

TPMS - Tyre (Tire) Pressure Monitoring System.

TRAC - Toyota Rent-A-Car programme.

TRAC - Traction Control (Toyota's acronym). See TCS.

Traction Battery- The high voltage (HV) battery that provides power to the motor generators and stores energy from the motor generators. It is distinct from the standard 12V accessory battery.

Transmission - A unit that aids in the transfer of power and torque from the engine to the wheels.

• Automatics with manual modes (Semi-automatic or Manumatic) are marketed as: E-Shift, SelectShift, Sensotronic, Sequential SportShift, Sportmatic, Steptronic, TAPshift, Tiptronic, Touchtronic, TouchShift.
• Clutchless (pedal) Manuals or Sequential Manuals or Automated Manuals are manual transmissions with a computer controlled clutch. They're marketed as: E-Gear, F 1 Transmission, Multimode Manual Transmission (MMT), Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG), Sequential Manual Transmission (SMT), Softip,
• Dual Clutch Transmissions are manual transmissions with two automated clutches that allow quicker upshifts. They're marketed as: Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe), PowerShift, SpeedShift, Twinamic, Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (SST).

Triggered - A strong response or reaction (usually in anger) to something that was said or done.

TSB - Technical Service Bulletin.

TSS - Toyota Safety Sense. TSS-P = Premium, TSS-C = Compact. A suite of active and semi-active safety features included on all Prii 2017 and onward. (Standard on higher trims in 2016)

U

ULEV - Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle. (Tier 2 Bin 4 or Tier 2 Bin 5)

Ultrasuede - Toyota's synthetic suede material

UOA - Used Oil Analysis.

USB - Universal Serial Bus.

USDM - United States Domestic Manufacturer (Refers to something made for the local US market).

V

VAIS - Video Audio Integrated System (www.vaistech.com).

VDIM - Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management.

VPNS - Vehicle Proximity Notification System

VSC - Vehicle Stability Control (Also Vehicle Skid Control for 2003 and earlier Toyota models).

W
Warp Glide/Warp Stealth - (see also Stealth), the condition where there is no fuel flow to the ICE but the ICE is spinning and minimal battery charge is being used to maintain a near free-wheel condition during speeds above 41mph where the ICE is forced to spin. Used for high speed pulse & glide or to maintain momentum without regeneration going down hill.

Wasbund - Slang for ex-husband.

Wheel locks - A locking wheel lug that prevents a thief from removing your alloy wheels. It comes with a unique key lug.

WiFi Connect - 4G LTE connection for up to five (5) mobile devices inside the car. (Entune 3.0 and newer). See Toyota Connect.

WMA - Windows Media Audio format (This is an audio format for Windows Media Player).

WOT - Wide Open Throttle.

WTB - Want To Buy.

Y

YMMV - Your Mileage May Vary.

Z

ZEV - Zero Emission Vehicle.

ZVH-30 - Chassis code for the 3rd generation (2010-2015) Prius.

ZVW-50 - Chassis code for the 4th generation (2016-?) Prius w/ NiMH batteries

ZVW-51 - Chassis code for the 4th generation (2016-?) Prius w/ Li-Ion batteries

 

Would the stages of operation be better covered in a separate thread dictating their implications and their differences than in a glossary?

 

Good idea. Now I gotta find the Stages of Operation... unless someone has it memorised. I never actually remembered all the stages.

 

Evan, I can't see the Stages.

 

ahh... ok I thought you placed it in the glossary.

 

Glossary updated

 

done

 

which is....?

 

I think the KB in general should be moved out of the Gen 2 forum.