Checking Terminal Contact

When diagnosing an electrical system that utilizes Metri-Pack 150/280/480/630 Series terminals it is important to check terminal contact between a connector and component, or between in-line connectors, before replacing a suspect component.

Mating terminals must be inspected to ensure good terminal contact. A poor connection between the male and female terminal at a connector may be the result of contamination or deformation.

Contamination is caused by the connector halves being improperly connected a missing or damaged connector seal, or damage to the connector itself, exposing the terminals to moisture and dirt. Contamination leads to terminal corrosion causing an open circuit or intermittently open circuit.
Inspect the connector halves for contamination. Contamination will result in a white or green build-up within the connector body or between terminals, causing high terminal resistance, intermittent connection or an open circuit. A connector that shows signs of contamination should be replaced in its entirety; terminals, seals and connector body.

NOTICE: Deformation is caused by probing the mating side of a connector terminal without the proper adapter, improperly joining the connector halves or repeatedly separating and joining the connector halves. Deformation, usually to the female terminal contact tang, can result in poor terminal contact, causing an open or intermittently open circuit.

IMPORTANT: After intermittent problem has been repaired; clear SIR diagnostic trouble codes and repeat the SIR diagnostic system check.