Electrostatic Discharge

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE DAMAGE
Electronic components used in control systems are often designed to carry very low voltage, and are very susceptible to damage caused by electrostatic discharge. It is possible for less than 100 volts of static electricity to cause damage to some electronic components. By comparison, it takes as much as 4,000 volts for a person to even feel the zap of a static discharge.

There are several ways for a person to become statically charged. The most common methods of charging are by friction and by induction. An example of charging by friction is a person sliding across a car seat, in which a charge of as much as 25,000 volts can build up. Charging by induction occurs when a person with well insulated shoes stands near a highly charged object and momentarily touches ground. Charges of the same polarity are drained off, leaving the person highly charged with the opposite polarity. Static charges of either type can cause damage, therefore, it is important to use care when handling and testing electronic components.

CAUTION: To prevent possible Electrostatic Discharge damage:

^ Do Not touch the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) connector pins or soldered components on the PCM circuit board.
^ When handling a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM), Do Not touch the component leads, and Do Not remove integrated circuit from carrier.
^ Be sure to follow the guidelines listed below if servicing any of these electronic components.

1. Do not open the replacement part package until it is time to install the part.
2. Avoid touching electrical terminals of the part.
3. Before removing the part from its package, ground the package to a known good ground on the vehicle.
4. Always touch a known good ground before handling the part. This step should be repeated before installing the part if the part has been handled while sliding across the seat, while sitting down from a standing position, or while walking a distance.