Before attempting to determine the source of a fault, study the relevant circuit diagram to get an idea of the elements installed in this circuit. The circle of possible sources of malfunction can be narrowed down by checking the functioning of other elements included in this circuit. If several elements or circuits fail at the same time, then the problem is obviously a fuse common to these circuits or elements, or contact with the body.
Electrical problems are usually caused by simple causes such as loose or corroded connectors, no contact with the body, blown fuses, a blown jumper or a bad relay. Visually check the condition of all fuses, wires and connectors in the failed circuit before proceeding to check the rest of the elements. Use the wiring diagrams to determine which end clamps need to be checked to find the source of the problem.
The main tools needed to locate the source of the fault are a tester or a voltmeter (a 12 volt bulb and a pair of wires with probes on the ends can also be used to perform some checks), an ohmmeter, a battery and a set of wires with probes, a union puncture, preferably with a circuit breaker or fuse, which is used to bypass the wires or elements being tested.
To detect the cause of unreliable operation of any of the elements (usually due to poor connection, dirty contacts or damaged insulation) can be checked by shaking the wires. It is necessary to shake the wire by hand to check if the fault appears when the wire is moved. With this method, you can narrow the circle of possible sources of malfunction to any wire.
Along with problems due to poor wiring, two main types of faults can occur in an electrical system - an open circuit or a short circuit.
Open circuit problems are caused by an open circuit in electrical equipment that interrupts the flow of current. An open circuit will cause the piece of electrical equipment to shut down.
Short circuit problems are caused by short circuiting a section of a circuit, causing current to leak from another circuit, usually directly to the body. A short circuit is usually caused by a break in the insulation of the wires, allowing the wire to touch another wire or some grounded item, such as the bodywork. A short circuit will usually blow the corresponding fuse.
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