Tips From Training: Electronic Troubleshooting (ASN0304-10)

2004 Acura 3.5RLSECTION Tips From Training: Electronic Troubleshooting (ASN0304-10)
Publication date: 2004-03-01
Reference number: ASN0304-10

Tips From Training: Electronic Troubleshooting

Tips From Training: Electronic Troubleshooting

ACURA SERVICE NEWS

Reference Number(s): ASN0304-10, Date of Issue:  March 1, 2004
HONDA: All Models
CATEGORY: Acura Service News
APPLIES TO: All Models

SERVICE INFORMATION

Christine Vinson, Training Instructor in Mount Laurel, NJ, passed along these great tips to help make troubleshooting of electronic systems just a little bit easier.

  • Check Tech Line Summaries, ServiceNews  articles, S/Bs, S/Ms, and ETMs for related info. Follow any recommended procedures first.
  • If the system is multiplexed, make sure you're familiar with all diagnostic procedures for checking system communication. Also, make sure you know how to put the system in selfdiagnostic mode and what systems the HDS can test.
  • Make yourself a copy of the circuit schematic. Look at how the system normally works, and isolate only those areas that could cause the problem you're troubleshooting.
  • If you're not quite sure what you need to isolate, divide the circuit into three sections: (1) power to the component, (2) the component itself, and (3) the ground from the component.
  • Do a voltage drop test on each section. Refer to the article "Measure Voltage Drops to Pinpoint Problems" in the March '02 issue of ServiceNews.
  • Once you've isolated the section with the irregular voltage drop, keep dividing that section until you've pinpointed the exact cause.

RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.