Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Connectors and Terminals

In order to prevent shorting between opposite terminals, use care when probing a connector and when replacing terminals. Damage to the components could result.

Always use jumper wires between connectors for circuit checking.

Never probe through the Weather-Pack seals.

The J 35616-A Connector Test Adapter kit, or the equivalent, contains an assortment of flexible connectors used in order to probe the terminals during the diagnosis. The fuse remover and the BT-8616 Test Tool, or the equivalent, is used for removing a fuse and to adapt the fuse holder to a meter for diagnosis.

Open circuits are often difficult to locate by sight because oxidation or terminal misalignment are hidden by the connectors. Merely wiggling a connector on a sensor or in the wiring harness may temporarily correct the open circuit. Oxidized or loose connections may cause intermittent problems.

Be certain the type of connector and terminal before making any connector or terminal repair. Weather-Pack and Com-Pack III terminals look similar, but are serviced differently.