Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Testing For Electrical INTERMITTENTS
Perform the following procedures while wiggling the harness from side to side. Continue this at convenient points (about 6 inches apart) while watching the test equipment.
- Test for short to ground.
- Test for continuity.
- Test for a short to voltage.
If the fault is not identified, perform the procedure below using the MIN MAX feature on DMM (J 39200). This feature allows you to manipulate the circuit without having to watch the DMM. The DMM will generate an audible tone when a change is detected.
- Connect DMM (J 39200) to both sides of a suspected connector (still connected), or from one end of a suspected circuit to the other.
- Set the rotary dial of the DMM to the V (AC) or V (DC) position.
- Press the range button of the DMM in order to select the desired voltage range.
- Press the MIN MAX button of the DMM. The DMM displays 100 ms RECORD and emits an audible tone (beep).
- Simulate the condition that is potentially causing the intermittent connection, either by wiggling the connections or the wiring, test driving, or performing other operations. See INDUCING INTERMITTENT FAULT CONDITIONSΒ .
- Listen for the audible Min Max Alert which indicates that a new minimum or maximum value has been recorded.
- Press the MIN MAX button once in order to display the MAX value, and note the value.
- Press the MIN MAX button again in order to display the MIN value, and note the value.
- Determine the difference between the MIN and MAX values.
- If the variation between the recorded MIN and MAX voltage values is one volt or greater, an intermittent open or high resistance condition exists. Repair the condition as necessary.
- If the variation between the recorded MIN and MAX voltage values is less than one volt, an intermittent open or high resistance condition does not exist.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.