G 2500 3/4 Ton Van V6-262 4.3L VIN Z (1992)
3. Using an equivalent male terminal from the Terminal Repair Kit, 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, 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.
If a visual (physical) check does not reveal the cause of the problem, the vehicle may be able to be driven with a DVM connected to the suspected
circuit. An abnormal voltage reading when the problem occurs indicates the problem may be in that circuit.
Intermittents and Poor Connections
DESCRIPTI0N
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 in this section for the specific procedure.
^
The Connector Test Adapter Kit (GM J 35616-A or equivalent) 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 for specifics.
^
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.
^
Wire insulation which is rubbed through, causing an intermittent short as the bare area touches other wiring or parts of the vehicle.
^
Wiring broken inside the insulation. This condition could cause a continuity check to show a good circuit, but if only 1 or 2 strands of a
multi-strand-type wire are intact, resistance could be far too high. To avoid any of the above problems when making wiring or terminal repairs,
always follow the instructions for wiring and terminal repair outlined under the Connector and Wire Repair.
Troubleshooting Tests
PROBING
After probing, when reconnecting connectors or replacing terminals, always be sure to reinstall Connector Position Assurance (CPA) and Terminal
Position Assurance (TPA).
Frontprobe
When frontprobing of connectors is required, always use a mating terminal adapter (GM Connector Test Adapter Kit J 35616 or equivalent). The
use of proper adaptors will ensure that proper terminal contact integrity is maintained.
Backprobe
Only backprobe connector terminals when specifically called for in diagnostic procedures. Since backprobing can be a source of damage to
connector terminals, extra care must be taken to avoid deforming the terminal, either by forcing the test probe too far into the cavity or by using
too large a test probe.
After backprobing any connector, always check for terminal damage. If terminal damage is suspected, check for proper terminal contact, see
CHECKING TERMINAL CONTACT.
