Electrical Circuits Diagnosis

Before beginning any diagnosis, there are several important steps that should be taken:
Verify the Problem
Operate the system and list symptoms in order to:
^ Check the accuracy and completeness of the concern.
^ Learn more what might give a clue to the nature and location of the problem.
^ Analyze what parts of the system are working.

Check the Circuit Schematic
Refer to the circuit schematic for clues to the concern. Location and identification of circuit components may give some idea of where the problem is.

The circuit schematics are designated to make it easy to identify common points in circuits. This knowledge can help narrow the problem to a specific area. For example, if several circuits fail at the same time, check for a common voltage or ground connection. If part of a circuit fails, check the connections between the part that works and the part that does not work.

Cause-to-Complaint Charts
Refer to the Cause-to-Complaint charts. This chart lists the types of problems that may be encountered in an electrical circuit and the possible fix. The chart will then refer you to the correct diagnosis step. Use the electrical schematic along with the diagnosis steps to help in troubleshooting.

Graphic Overview
Graphic overview illustrations are shown for each circuit. These illustrations can be used to help locate a component and/or connector while diagnosing.

General Description
The general description, describes how the circuit operates, when the circuit operates and how the components interact to make a complete circuit.

Connector Views
These Connector Views can be used to help show what the connector looks like and where a particular terminal in the connector is located.

Make the Repair
Repair the problem circuit as described in Diagnostic Aids.

Verify that the Repair is Complete
Operate the system and check that the repair has removed all symptoms, and also has not caused any new symptoms.