C 1500 Truck 2WD V8-305 5.0L VIN M SFI (1997)
![background image](/chevrolet/c_1500_truck_2wd/v8-305_5.0l_vin_m_sfi/Page-2747004.png)
Deformation is caused by probing the mating side of a connector terminal without the proper adapter, improperly joining the connector halves or
repeatedly separating and joining the connector halves. Deformation, usually to the female terminal contact tang, can result in poor terminal
contact, causing an open or intermittently open circuit.
PROCEDURE
Follow the procedure below to check terminal contact.
1. Separate the connector halves. Refer to Terminal Repair Kit, J 38125-A, J 38125-4.
2. Inspect the connector halves for contamination. Contamination will result in a white or green build-up within the connector body or between
terminals, causing HI terminal resistance, intermittent contact or an open circuit. An underhood or underbody connector that shows signs of
contamination should be replaced in its entirety: terminals, seals and connector body.
3. Using an equivalent male terminal from the Terminal Repair Kit, J 38125-A, check the retention force of the female terminal in question by
inserting and removing the male terminal to the female terminal in the connector body. Good terminal contact will require a certain amount of
force to separate the terminals.
4. Using an equivalent female terminal from the Terminal Repair Kit, J 38125-A, compare the retention force of this terminal to the female
terminal in question by joining and separating the male terminal to the good female terminal, and then joining and separating the male terminal
to the female terminal in question. If the retention force is significantly different between the two female terminals, replace the female terminal
in question (refer to Terminal Repair Kit, J 38125-A).
If a visual (physical) check does not reveal the cause of the problem, the vehicle may be able to be driven with a Digital Voltmeter (DVM)
connected to the suspected circuit. An abnormal voltage reading when the problem occurs indicates the problem may be in that circuit.
Detecting Electrical Intermittents
PROCEDURE
Use the following procedure to detect intermittent terminal contact or a broken wire with an intermittent connection inside the insulation.
The J 39200 Digital Multimeter has the ability to monitor current, resistance, or voltage while recording the minimum (MIN) and maximum
(MAX) values measured. The meter can also be set to display the average (AVG) value measured.
When diagnosing circuits that have voltage applied, use the voltage setting to monitor a connector (or length of a circuit) which is suspected of
having an intermittent connection but is currently operating normally.
1. Connect the J 39200 Digital Multimeter to both sides of a suspect connector (still connected) or from one end of a suspect circuit to the other.
This will continuously monitor the terminal contacts or length of wire being checked. Refer Meter Connections for examples of the various
methods for connecting the meter to the circuit. See: General Troubleshooting Procedures/Meter Connections
2. Set the meter for voltage. Since the "MIN MAX" mode does not use auto ranging, manually select the voltage range necessary before
proceeding.
3. Press the "MIN MAX" button. The meter should read "100 ms RECORD" (100 millisecond record) and emit a 1/4 second beep. The meter is
now ready to record and will generate an audible tone for any change in voltage. At this point, you may wish to press the "PEAK MIN MAX"
button, which will record any voltage variations that occur for at least 1 millisecond.
4. Try to simulate the condition that is potentially causing an intermittent connection, either by wiggling connections or wiring, test driving or
performing other operations. If an open or resistance is created, a voltage will be present and the meter will emit a tone for as long as the open
or resistance exists. Any change in voltage will cause the meter to emit a tone for no less than 1/4 second. (Listening for a tone while
manipulating wiring is very helpful for narrowing down an intermittent connection.)
Use the MIN and MAX values when the meter is out of sight or sound range, in noisy areas or for test driving when it may not be possible to
monitor the meter.
To check the MIN and MAX recorded voltages press "MIN MAX" once for MAX and twice for MIN. A variation between MIN and MAX
recorded voltages (unless nearly 0 volts) suggests an intermittent open or that resistance exists and should be repaired as necessary.
IMPORTANT: The "100 ms RECORD" (100 millisecond record) mode is NOT the amount of time allowed to perform a specific
procedure. It is the amount of time used to record each snapshot of information used for calculating "AVG" when in the "MIN MAX" mode.
Intermittents and Poor Connections
Most intermittents are caused by faulty electrical connections or wiring, although occasionally a sticking relay or solenoid can be a problem. Some items
to check are:
^
Poor mating of connector halves, or terminals not fully seated in the connector body (backed out).
^
Dirt or corrosion on the terminals. The terminals must be clean and free of any foreign material which could impede proper terminal contact.
^
Damaged connector body, exposing the terminals to moisture and dirt, as well as not maintaining proper terminal orientation with the component
or mating connector.
^
Improperly formed or damaged terminals. All connector terminals in problem circuits should be checked carefully to ensure good contact tension.
Use a corresponding mating terminal to check for proper tension. Refer to Checking Terminal Contact for the specific procedure.
^
The J 35616-A Connector Test Adapter Kit must be used whenever a diagnostic procedure requests checking or probing a terminal. Using the
adapter will ensure that no damage to the terminal will occur, as well as giving an idea of whether contact tension is sufficient. If contact tension
seems incorrect, refer to Checking Terminal Contact. See: General Troubleshooting Procedures/Checking Terminal Contacts
^
Poor terminal-to-wire connection. Some conditions which fall under this description are poor crimps, poor solder joints, crimping over wire
insulation rather than the wire itself, corrosion in the wire-to-terminal contact area, etc.