Basic Knowledge Required

Before using this section, it is important that you have a basic knowledge of the following items. Without this basic knowledge, it will be difficult to use the diagnostic procedures contained in this section.
If you need a review of basic electrical troubleshooting knowledge, Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis Procedures in Diagnostic Aids.

BASIC ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS
^ You should understand the basic theory of electricity and know the meaning of voltage, current (amperes) and resistance (ohms). Refer to Troubleshooting with a Digital Multimeter in Diagnostic Aids.
^ You should understand what happens in a circuit with an open or shorted wire.
^ You should understand what happens in a voltage circuit with an open or shorted wire. Refer to Measuring Voltage in Diagnostic Aids.
^ You should understand what happens in a circuit with a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground in Diagnostic Aids.
^ You should be able to read and understand a wiring diagram/electrical schematics. Refer to How to Use Electrical Schematics in Diagnostic Aids.

USE OF CIRCUIT TESTING TOOLS

IMPORTANT: When measuring the resistance to ground of circuit or component, make sure to use a solid, unpainted chassis ground or the negative battery terminal.

^ You should be able to use and understand how to work with a scan tool. Refer to scan tool for complete information or Scan Tool Diagnostics in this ABS section for more information.
^ You should be familiar with the Digital Multimeter (DMM) J 39200, and be familiar with the meter controls and how to use them correctly. Refer to Troubleshooting with a Digital Multimeter in Diagnostic Aids.
^ You should be able to measure voltage, resistance and current.
^ You should be able to test for electrical intermittents. Refer to Testing for Electrical Intermittents in Diagnostic Aids.
^ You should know how to use jumper wires to bypass components for testing circuits. Refer to Using Fused Jumper Wires in Diagnostic Aids.