Faulty electrical connections or wiring may cause most
intermittents. Inspect for the following conditions:
• | Poor mating of connector halves |
• | Terminals not fully seated in the connector body (backed out) |
• | Dirt or corrosion on the terminals |
| Ensure that the terminals are clean and free of any foreign material
that may impede proper terminal contact. |
• | Damaged connector body - exposing the terminals to moisture and
dirt |
• | Improper terminal orientation with the component or mating connector |
• | Improperly formed or damaged terminals |
| Carefully inspect all connector terminals in problem circuits in order
to ensure good contact tension. Use a corresponding mating terminal in order
to inspect for proper tension. |
• | Use the J 35616
Connector Test Adapter Kit whenever a diagnostic procedure requests
inspecting or probing a terminal. Using the adapter will ensure that no
damage to the terminal will occur, and will indicate whether contact
tension is sufficient. If contact tension seems incorrect, check the terminal
for contact. |
• | Poor terminal to wire connection |
| This includes the following conditions: |
- | Crimping over wire insulation rather than the wire itself |
- | Corrosion in the wire to terminal contact area |
• | Wire insulation that is rubbed through |
| This causes an intermittent short as the bare area touches other wiring
or parts of the vehicle. |
• | Wiring broken inside the insulation |
| This condition may cause a continuity inspection to show a good circuit.
If only 1 or 2 strands of a multi-strand type wire are intact,
resistance may be too high. |
In order to avoid any of the above conditions when making wiring or
terminal repairs, always follow the instructions for wiring and terminal repair
in Wiring Repairs
in Wiring
Systems.