Vehicle Damage Warnings

NOTE: To avoid possible damage to electronic components, observe the following precautions:

1. Avoid getting water on any of the Ignition or Engine Control System Components.
2. Ignition and Engine Control System wiring should be at least 4 inches away from ignition wires.
3. Never pierce ignition leads or insulator boots to connect timing lights or analyzers. Use proper adapters.
4. When removing a spark plug wire twist the boot one quarter turn and pull on the boot only, never the lead itself.
5. Always use 12-volt batteries as a power source.
6. Never apply battery power to a component unless directed to do so in a test procedure.
7. Electronic components used in automotive computers are designed to operate at very low voltages (3-5V) and are extremely susceptible to damage caused by static electrical discharge. Voltages as low as 12 volts can damage computer circuits. By comparison, it takes as much as 4,000 volts of static discharge for a person to even feel the "ZAP", and there is no way of knowing whether the charge is positive or negative in nature.
8. Discharge any static electrical charges before handling sensitive parts by touching ground or maintaining a ground connection to a bare skin area like the wrist, when servicing sensitive parts.
9. Use a digital volt/ohm meter (DVOM) with a minimum 10 mega-ohms internal impedance when testing an ECU or related components, unless use of an analog meter is specified by a testing procedure. Analog meters have low internal impedance and cause circuit "loading" in low voltage circuits, resulting in inaccurate measurements and possible damage to components.
10. Never ground or apply voltage to a circuit unless specified by a testing procedure. ECU's provide a regulated constant low voltage source to some circuits, which may require a minimum resistance (impedance) to operate. Directly grounding or applying battery power to these circuits could damage the ECU and cause a system failure.
11. Do not use a self powered test lamp to check continuity.
12. Do not create any arcing to check the continuity of a circuit.
13. When measuring voltage at the control unit harness connector, disconnect harness connector first, then turn ignition "ON" as necessary.
14. To prevent deforming control unit harness connectors, do not probe terminals directly. Instead, insert a pin from the harness side and perform measurements through pin.
15. Before performing electrical welding (for instance, spot welding), disconnect the battery, climate control, injection, cruise control, ECU and radio.
16. Never touch the ECU connector pins, integrated circuit connector pins, or soldered components on the ECU circuit board.
17. Do not try to disassemble the control unit.
18. Never use a booster/starter which has a voltage rating above 12 volts to start engine.
19. The battery contains acid and produces explosive gas (hydrogen), avoid creating sparks near battery.
20. Always ensure the battery is properly connected to the vehicle prior to attempting to start engine.
21. Don't disconnect the battery when the engine is running.
22. When charging a battery, be sure battery cables are disconnected.
23. When replacing electronic components, disconnect the battery ground.

NOTE: Before removing battery ground, access trouble codes. ECU memory will be erased if ground cable is removed.

24. Fully release connector locks prior to disconnecting, ensure connectors are fully seated and all insulators and shields are in place when reinstalling.
25. Never connect or disconnect electrical connections with the ignition switch in the "ON" position unless specifically directed to do so in a test procedure.
26. In order to disable the ignition system, unplug the primary connections or ground ignition wire(s) to cancel desired cylinder(s). NEVER disconnect the secondary leads to disable the ignition system.
27. Consistant engine misfiring can cause damage to the catalytic converter.