Testing for Electrical Intermittents

Testing for Electrical Intermittents

Danger: This procedure should not be performed on high voltage circuits. Performing this procedure on high voltage circuits may result in serious injury or death.


Special Tools

J 39200 Digital Multimeter

Perform the following procedures while wiggling the harness from side to side. Continue this at convenient points (about 6 inches apart) while watching the test equipment.

* Testing for Short to Ground (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Continuity (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for a Short to Voltage (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

If the fault is not identified, perform the procedure below using the MIN MAX feature on the J 39200 DMM. This feature allows you to manipulate the circuit without having to watch the J 39200 . The J 39200 will generate an audible tone when a change is detected.

Note: The J 39200 must be used in order to perform the following procedure since the J 39200 can monitor current, resistance or voltage while recording the minimum (MIN), and maximum (MAX) values measured.

1. Connect the J 39200 to both sides of a suspected connector (still connected), or from one end of a suspected circuit to the other. Refer to Troubleshooting with a Digital Multimeter (Component Tests and General Diagnostics) for information on connecting the J 39200 to the circuit.
2. Set the rotary dial of the J 39200 to the V (AC) or V (DC) position.
3. Press the range button of the J 39200 in order to select the desired voltage range.
4. Press the MIN MAX button of the J 39200 . The J 39200 displays 100 ms RECORD and emits an audible tone (beep).
Note: The 100 ms RECORD mode is the length of time an input must stay at a new value in order to record the full change.

5. Simulate the condition that is potentially causing the intermittent connection, either by wiggling the connections or the wiring, test driving, or performing other operations. Refer to Inducing Intermittent Fault Conditions (Component Tests and General Diagnostics).
6. Listen for the audible Min Max Alert which indicates that a new minimum or maximum value has been recorded.
7. Press the MIN MAX button once in order to display the MAX value and note the value.
8. Press the MIN MAX button again in order to display the MIN value and note the value.
9. Determine the difference between the MIN and MAX values.

* If the variation between the recorded MIN and MAX voltage values is 1 volt or greater an intermittent open or high resistance condition exists. Repair the condition as necessary.
* If the variation between the recorded MIN and MAX voltage values is less than 1 volt an intermittent open or high resistance condition does not exist.