How to Check Terminals

SERVICE INFORMATION FOR ELECTRICAL INCIDENT

How to Check Terminal




CONNECTOR AND TERMINAL PIN KIT
Use the connector and terminal pin kits listed when replacing connectors or terminals.

The connector and terminal pin kits contain some of the most commonly used NISSAN/INFINITI connectors and terminals. For detailed connector and terminal pin replacement procedures, refer to the latest NISSAN/INFINITI CONNECTOR AND TERMINAL PIN SERVICE MANUAL.

HOW TO PROBE CONNECTORS
Connector damage and an intermittent connection can result from improperly probing of the connector during circuit checks.

The probe of a digital multimeter (DMM) may not correctly fit the connector cavity. To correctly probe the connector, follow the procedures using a "T" pin. For the best contact grasp the "T" pin using an alligator clip.




Probing from Harness Side
Standard type (not waterproof type) connector should be probed from harness side with "T" pin.
- If the connector has a rear cover such as a ECM connector, remove the rear cover before probing the terminal.
- Do not probe waterproof connector from harness side. Damage to the seal between wire and connector may result.

Probing from Terminal Side




FEMALE TERMINAL
- There is a small notch above each female terminal. Probe each terminal with the "T" pin through the notch.
Do not insert any object other than the same type male terminal into female terminal.




- Some connectors do not have a notch above each terminal. To probe each terminal, remove the connector retainer to make contact space for probing.




MALE TERMINAL
Carefully probe the contact surface of each terminal using a "T" pin.
Do not bend terminal.

How to Check Enlarged Contact Spring of Terminal
An enlarged contact spring of a terminal may create intermittent signals in the circuit.

If the intermittent open circuit occurs, follow the procedure to inspect for open wires and enlarged contact spring of female terminal.




1. Assemble a male terminal and approx. 10 cm (3.9 in) of wire.
Use a male terminal which matches the female terminal.
2. Disconnect the suspected faulty connector and hold it terminal side up.




3. While holding the wire of the male terminal, try to insert the male terminal into the female terminal.
Do not force the male terminal into the female terminal with your hands.







4. While moving the connector, check whether the male terminal can be easily inserted or not.
- If the male terminal can be easily inserted into the female terminal, replace the female terminal.

Waterproof Connector Inspection
If water enters the connector, it can short interior circuits. This may lead to intermittent problems.

Check the items to maintain the original waterproof characteristics.




RUBBER SEAL INSPECTION
- Most waterproof connectors are provided with a rubber seal between the male and female connectors. If the seal is missing, the waterproof performance may not meet specifications.
- The rubber seal may come off when connectors are disconnected. Whenever connectors are reconnected, make sure the rubber seal is properly installed on either side of male or female connector.

WIRE SEAL INSPECTION
The wire seal must be installed on the wire insertion area of a waterproof connector. Be sure that the seal is installed properly.




Terminal Lock Inspection
Check for unlocked terminals by pulling wire at the end of connector. An unlocked terminal may create intermittent signals in the circuit.