+Battery - This pertains to any of the harness wiring which is part of the circuit that connects to the positive battery post.
+V - +V is a constant voltage that is supplied to a component. This voltage provides electrical power for the component's operation. +V is provided by an electronic control module or the battery.
Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) - This is a diagnostic service tool for a personal computer (PC).
Clear - This pertains to removing diagnostic information from the memory of the ECM. Before clearing a diagnostic code, a diagnostic code must be on hold and a diagnostic code must not be present.
Component Identifier (CID) - A CID is a code that is used to identify a particular component. The CID is a four digit code that is shown on the ECM display when the ECM is in normal mode.
Connector Contact - A connector contact is the component that actually makes the electrical connection between the harness connector and another connector plug. Connector contacts are either pins or sockets.
Diagnostic - This is a code that pertains to abnormal information. Diagnostic information is available when the ECM is in normal mode.
Diagnostic Code - A diagnostic code is a failure of a component in an electrical system. An FMI and a CID identify the type of diagnostic code.
Display - The display consists of the readout and the indicators. The display is visible on the VIMS at all times.
Electronic Control Analyzer Programmer (ECAP) - This is a service tool which helps diagnose electronic control systems.
Failure Mode Identifier (FMI) - An FMI is a diagnostic code that identifies the type of failure that has occurred. This code is shown on the VIMS.
Hold or On Hold - This pertains to the holding of diagnostic information that is shown in the display area when the ECM is in the diagnostic mode. It is necessary to hold the set of diagnostic information before troubleshooting or clearing.
Jumper - A jumper is a piece of wire that is used to make an electrical connection during troubleshooting.
Location Code - The location code provides the characteristics of the ECM such as chassis ECM or the transmission ECM. The VIMS uses the data link in order to provide the location code to the ECM. The location codes are created by the pins that are grounded or floating.
Module Identifier (MID) - A MID is a diagnostic code that identifies the ECM which diagnosed the diagnostic code. The three-digit code is displayed in the display area of the VIMS when the machine is in the service mode. The MID for the chassis ECM is 087.
Present - This pertains to the status of a diagnostic code. The diagnostic code is currently active when the diagnostic code is present.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) - The PWM is a signal that consists of variable pulse widths at fixed intervals. The duty cycle can be varied. The frequency of a PWM signal is constant. The VIMS has sensors which provide a PWM signal to the main display module.
Scroll - When you scroll through information in the display area, all available sets of diagnostic information are shown by one set at a time. A set of diagnostic information is shown briefly. Then, the display automatically advances to the next set. After all sets have been shown, the display shows "END". Then, the sets are repeated.
Signal Wire - The signal wire is the harness wire that provides a connection to the sensor or the switch input to the ECM.
Software Mismatch - Software Mismatch is the software that has a desired location code that does not match the actual location code. This condition occurs when the chassis ECM is flashed into the transmission ECM.
Switch Input - The switch input is any input to the ECM which is expecting a ground signal, an open signal or a +battery signal.
System Voltage - System voltage is the actual voltage that exists between the positive battery post and the frame ground. System voltage is also known as +battery voltage.
Supply Voltage - Supply voltage is the constant voltage that is supplied to a component in order to provide electrical power for the operation of the component. The voltage may be generated by the ECM. The voltage can be supplied from the battery of the machine through the wiring.
VIMS - Vital Information Management System. This is a very sophisticated monitoring system.