Astro Van M V6-262 4.3L VIN Z (1994)
Open Circuit
Open Circuit
An open circuit occurs whenever there is a break in the circuit. The break can be corrosion at the connector, a wire broken off in a component, a
wire that burned open from too much current or a component not operating as it should.
Short Circuit
Short Circuit
A short circuit happens when the current bypasses part of the normal circuit. This bypassing is usually caused by wires touching, salt water in or on
a component such as a switch or a connector, or solder melting and bridging conductors in a component.
Grounded Circuit
Grounded Circuit
A grounded circuit is like a short circuit but the current flows directly into a ground circuit that is not part of the original circuit. This may be
caused by a wire rubbing against the frame or body. Sometimes a wire will break and fall against metal that is connected electrically to the ground
side of the voltage supply. A grounded circuit may also be caused by deposits of oil, dirt, or moisture around connections or terminals, which
provide a good path to ground.
Intermittents And Poor Connections
Most intermittents are usually caused by faulty electrical connections or wiring, although occasionally a sticking relay, solenoid, or loose ground
point can be a problem.
General
When diagnosing an electrical system that utilizes Metri-Pack 150/280/480/630 series terminals (refer to Terminal Repair Kit, J 38125-A, instruction
manual, J 38125-4 for terminal identification), it is important to check terminal contact between a connector and component, or between in-line
connectors, before replacing a suspect component.
Frequently, a diagnostic chart leads to a step that reads: "Check for poor connection." Mating terminals must be inspected to assure good terminal