Ignition system safety precautions

Ignition system safety precautions

WARNING: Before commencing work on an ignition system, all high tension terminals, adapters and diagnostic equipment should be inspected.

Ensure all cables, connectors and components are adequately insulated and shielded. Accidental contact with a poorly insulated ignition system component could result in a severe electrical shock.

Wearers of surgically implanted pacemaker devices should not be in close proximity to ignition circuits or diagnostic equipment.

Disciplines

Switch off the ignition prior to making any connection or disconnection in the system to prevent electrical surges caused by disconnecting ’live’ connections damaging electronic components.

Ensure hands and work surfaces are clean and free of grease, swarf, etc. Grease collects dirt which can cause electrical tracking (short-circuits) or high-resistance contacts.

When handling printed circuit boards, treat with care and hold by the edges only; note that some electronic components are susceptible to body static.

Connectors should never be subjected to forced removal or refit, especially inter-board connectors. Damaged contacts can cause short-circuit and open-circuit fault conditions.

Prior to commencing test, and periodically during a test, touch a good vehicle body earth to discharge static charge. Some electronic components are vulnerable to the static electricity that may be generated by the operator.

Grease for electrical connectors

Some under bonnet and under body connectors may be protected against corrosion by the application of a special grease during vehicle production. Should connectors be disturbed in service, or repaired or replaced, additional grease should be re-applied: Part No. BAU 5811, available in 150 gm tubs.

NOTE: The use of greases other than BAU 5811 must be avoided as they can migrate into relays, switches etc. contaminating the contacts and leading to intermittent operation or failure.