Hombre S Space Cab 2WD V6-4.3L (2000)
Step 8
Cigar Lighter Inoperative
Testing For Electrical Intermittents
Perform the following procedures while wiggling the harness from side to side. Continue this at convenient points (about 6 inches apart) while watching
the test equipment.
-
Testing for Short to Ground
-
Testing for Continuity
If the fault is not identified, perform the procedure below using the MIN MAX feature on the J39200 DMM. This feature allows you to manipulate the
circuit without having to watch the J39200. The J39200 will generate an audible tone when a change is detected.
IMPORTANT: The J39200 must be used in order to perform the following procedure since the J39200 can monitor current, resistance or voltage while
recording the minimum (MIN), and maximum (MAX) values measured.
1. Connect the J 39200 to both sides of a suspected connector (still connected), or from one end of a suspected circuit to the other. Refer to
Troubleshooting with a Digital Multimeter for information on connecting the J39200 to the circuit.
2. Set the rotary dial of the J39200 to the V (AC) or V (DC) position.
3. Press the range button of the J39200 in order to select the desired voltage range.
4. Press the MIN MAX button of the J39200. The J39200 displays 100 ms RECORD and emits an audible tone (beep).
IMPORTANT: The 100 ms RECORD mode is the length of time an input must stay at a new value in order to record the full change.
5. Simulate the condition that is potentially causing the intermittent connection, either by wiggling the connections or the wiring, test driving, or
performing other operations.
6. Listen for the audible Min Max Alert which indicates that a new minimum or maximum value has been recorded.
7. Press the MIN MAX button once in order to display the MAX value and note the value.
8. Press the MIN MAX button again in order to display the MIN value and note the value.
9. Determine the difference between the MIN and MAX values.
-
If the variation between the recorded MIN and MAX voltage values is 1 volt or greater an intermittent open or high resistance condition exists.
Repair the condition as necessary.
-
If the variation between the recorded MIN and MAX voltage values is less than 1 volt an intermittent open or high resistance condition does
not exist.
Testing For Intermittent and Poor Connections
Most intermittents are caused by faulty electrical connections or wiring. Inspect for the following items:
-
Wiring broken inside the insulation.
-
Poor connection between the male and female terminal at a connector. Refer to Testing for Proper Terminal Contact below for the specific
procedure.
-
Poor terminal to wire connection. Some conditions which fall under this description are poor crimps, poor solder joints, crimping over the wire
insulation rather than the wire itself and corrosion in the wire to terminal contact area, etc.
-
Wire insulation which is rubbed through. This causes an intermittent short as the bare area touches other wiring or parts of the vehicle.
-
Refer to Testing for Electrical Intermittents for test procedures to detect intermittent open, high resistance, short to ground, and short to voltage
conditions.
Testing For Proper Terminal Contact
It is important to test terminal contact at the component and any in-line connectors before replacing a suspect component. Mating terminals must be
inspected to ensure good terminal contact. A poor connection between the male and female terminal at a connector may be the result of contamination or
deformation.
Contamination may be caused by the connector halves being improperly connected. A missing or damaged connector seal, damage to the connector
itself, or exposing the terminals to moisture and dirt can also cause contamination. Contamination, usually in the underhood or underbody connectors,
leads to terminal corrosion, causing an open circuit or intermittently open circuit.
Deformation is caused by probing the mating side of a connector terminal without the proper adapter, improperly joining the connector halves, or
