Basic Knowledge and Tool Requirements

Connector Test Adaptors:

BASIC KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
You must be familiar with some of the basics listed below to use the information listed in this database. They will help you to follow diagnostic procedures in Powertrain Management.

NOTICE: Lack of basic knowledge of this powertrain when performing diagnostic procedures could result in incorrect diagnostic performance or damage to powertrain components. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to diagnose a powertrain problem without this basic knowledge.

BASIC ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS
You should understand basic electricity and know the meaning of voltage (volts), current (amps), and resistance (ohms). You should understand what happens in a circuit with an open or a shorted wire and you should be able to identify a shorted or open circuit using a Digital Voltmeter (DVM). You should be able to read and understand a wiring diagram.

USE OF DIGITAL VOLTMETER
You should be familiar with the DVM, particularly essential tool J 39200. You should be able to use the meter to measure voltage (volts), resistance (ohms), current (amps), capacitance (farads), intermittents (min/max) and frequency (hertz).

USE OF CIRCUIT TESTING TOOLS
You should not use a test light to diagnose the powertrain system. You should know how to use jumper wires to test components and allow DVM readings without damaging terminals. You should know how to use Connector Test Adapter Kit, J 35616 (refer to image) and use it whenever diagnostic procedures call for front probing any connector.

PCM SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is designed to withstand normal current draws associated with vehicle operations. However, care must be used to avoid overloading any of these circuits. In testing for opens or shorts do not ground or apply voltage to any of the PCM circuits unless instructed to do so by the diagnostic procedures. These circuits should only be tested using the Digital Voltmeter (J 39200) while they remain connected to the PCM.

PCM REPLACEMENT
Whenever a PCM removal and replacement is performed, first refer to Powertrain Control Module / Description and Operation to learn more about the system.