Skylark V6-3100 3.1L VIN M SFI (1996)
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.
