Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Intermittent and Poor Connections

Most intermittent electrical problems are caused by faulty electrical connections or wiring. It is also possible for a sticking component or relay to cause a problem. Before condemning a component or wiring assembly, check the following items.
- Connectors are fully seated
- Spread terminals, or terminal push out
- Terminals in the wiring assembly are fully seated into the connector/component and locked into position
- Dirt or corrosion on the terminals. Any amount of corrosion or dirt could cause an intermittent problem
- Damaged connector/component casing exposing the item to dirt or moisture
- Wire insulation that has rubbed through causing a short to ground
- Some or all of the wiring strands broken inside of the insulation
- Wiring broken inside of the insulation.