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.
Electrical Circuit Inspection Procedure: Notes
β’ Open Circuit Test
- Procedures for Open Circuit
- Continuity Check MethodNOTE: When measuring the resistance, lightly shake the wire harness vertically or horizontally.
Specification (Resistance)Β
1Ξ© or less β Normal Circuit
1MΞ© or Higher β Open Circuit
- Disconnect connectors (A) and (C), and measure resistance between connectors (A) and (C) as shown in [Figure below].
In [Figure below], if the measured resistances in lines 1 and 2 are "over 1 MΞ©" and "below 1 Ξ©" respectively, line 1 has an open circuit. (Line 2 is normal.) To find the exact broken point, check the sub line of line 1 as described in the next step.
- Disconnect connector (B), and measure the resistances between connectors (C) and (B1), and between (B2) and (A) as shown in [Figure below].
In this case, the measured resistance between connectors (C) and (B1) is higher than 1 MΞ© and the open circuit is between terminal 1 of connector (C) and terminal 1 of connector (B1).
- Disconnect connectors (A) and (C), and measure resistance between connectors (A) and (C) as shown in [Figure below].
- Voltage Check Method
- With each connector still connected, measure the voltage between the chassis ground and terminal 1 of each of connectors (A), (B) and (C) as shown in [Figure below].
The measured voltages of connectors are 5V, 5V and 0V respectively. So the open circuit is between connectors (C) and (B).
- With each connector still connected, measure the voltage between the chassis ground and terminal 1 of each of connectors (A), (B) and (C) as shown in [Figure below].
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
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.
