Basic Knowledge Required

Before using this information, it is important that you have a basic knowledge of the following items. Without this basic knowledge, it will be difficult to use the diagnostic procedures contained within.
If you need a review of basic electrical troubleshooting knowledge, Refer to Electrical Diagnosis Procedures.

Basic Electrical Circuits
^ You should understand the basic theory of electricity and know the meaning of voltage, current (amperes) and resistance (ohms). Refer to Troubleshooting with a Digital Multimeter.
^ You should understand what happens in a circuit with an open or shorted wire.
^ You should understand what happens in a voltage circuit with an open or shorted wire. Refer to Measuring Voltage.
^ You should understand what happens in a circuit with a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground.

Use of Circuit Testing Tools

Important: When measuring the resistance to ground of circuit or component, make sure to use a solid, unpainted chassis ground or the negative battery terminal.

^ You should be able to use and understand how to work with a scan tool. Refer to scan tool manual for complete information or Scan Tool Diagnostics for more information.
^ You should be familiar with the Digital Multimeter (DMM) J39200, and be familiar with the meter controls and how to use them correctly. Refer to Troubleshooting with a Digital Multimeter.
^ You should be able to measure voltage, resistance and current.
^ You should be able to test for electrical intermittents. Refer to Testing for Electrical Intermittents.
^ You should know how to use jumper wires to bypass components for testing circuits. Refer to Using Fused Jumper Wires.