Reference Book Acronym Naming Convention
 

Hello Forum Members!

I would like to establish a naming convention to standardize a set of acronyms that apply to key reference books/manuals. This is meant to span across all subforums therefore the same definitions apply to 1st Gen, 2nd Gen, etc... I believe this naming convention would clarify the specific manual to use, remove any doubt to find specific information therein, and also streamline a post.

Here is what I propose:
FSM - Factory Service Manual. Also known as the Workshop Manual. This manual contains all the necessary procedures to repair and maintain a vehicle. This is a universally accepted acronym on the forum.

WDM - Wiring Diagram Manual. This manual contains all of the wiring or electrical schematics that covers a basic vehicle and available optional equipment. Dependent upon the manual, this could also be referred to Section Z. For example, the FC & FD have a Section Z that is part of the FSM. However, this section may also be available as a stand alone manual.

BEM - Body Electrical Troubleshooting Manual. This manual contains specific testing and troubleshooting procedures for the basic and available optional equipment for a vehicle. It will also contain wiring schematics from the Wiring Diagram Manual (WDM) but only as it pertains to non-engine specific systems. For example, you will not see test procedures for the ECU (PCME) or Anti-lock braking system but you will see procedures to test the Instrument Cluster. This manual may also be known as Section T and U, Body Electrical and Heating and Air Conditioner Systems, respectively. Similar to the WDM, it may also be available as a stand alone manual. Specifically, for the FD it is a stand alone manual. Sections T & U may be incorporated into the FC's FSM.

It is also important to remember that the WDM and BEM use sections like the FSM. The major difference is that the sections from the WDM or BEM do not cross-reference to the FSM. That means Section C in the FSM pertains to the Engine and Section C in the WDM/BEM pertains to the Instrument Cluster. Lastly, I checked the FC and FD manuals for standard abbreviations and my proposed recommendations do not cause any conflict.

For example (these are VERY generic):
1. Member A has a problem with an FD Instrument Cluster and Member B wishes to reference a schematic. Under the current practice:
1.a. Member B says, "Go to the FSM, Diagram C-1a."
1.b. Member A asks, "Where can I find it in Section C? Doesn't that pertain to the Engine?" Or,
1.c. Member B says, "Go to the FSM, pg Z-42."
1.d. Member A says, "I have no pg Z-42."

Under my proposed naming convention:
2. Member A has a problem with an FD Instrument Cluster and Member B wishes to reference a schematic. Under the proposed practice:
2.a. Member B says, "Go to the WDM, Diagram C-1a."
2.b. Member A says, "Thanks! Now, what color wire is...?"

3. Member A has a problem with an FD Instrument Cluster and Member B wishes to reference a test procedure. Under the proposed practice:
3.a. Member A asks, "How do I test my speedometer? It doesn't work!"
3.b. Member B says, "Go to the BEM, and follow Pg C1-8, Flowchart 2."

In summary, I ask the forum to adopt new acronyms for specific sections of the repair manual.
FSM = Factory Service Manual - the "go to" book to fix your car.
WDM = Wiring Diagram Manual - the "go to" book for looking at any of the car's wiring schematics.
BEM = Body Electrical (Troubleshooting) Manual - the "go to" book to test body-specific systems such as, Air Bag Systems and Instrument Cluster & Warning Lights.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

Cheers,
George