Ignition System Precautions

2. Do not disconnect the battery when the engine is running.
3. Fully release locks prior to disconnecting connections, ensure connectors are fully seated and all insulators and shields are in place when reinstalling.
4. Never connect or disconnect electrical connections with the ignition switch in the "ON" position unless specifically directed to do so in a test procedure.
5. In order to disable the ignition system, unplug the primary connections only. NEVER disconnect the secondary leads to disable the ignition system.
6. Do not use a self powered test lamp to check continuity.
7. Do not create any arcing to check the continuity of a circuit.
8. When charging the battery, ensure battery cables are removed.
9. To prevent possible Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) damage to the internal components of the computer or to other delicate integrated circuits, DO NOT touch these components without the use of wrist ground straps which have a minimum resistance of 1 Megohm.
10. When replacing electronic components, disconnect the battery ground.
CAUTION: Before removing battery ground, record stored trouble codes. Computer memory will be erased when ground cable is removed.
11. When measuring voltage at the control unit harness connector, disconnect harness connector first, then turn ignition "ON" as necessary.
NOTE: Before replacing the computer module use a DVM to check the resistance of each computer controlled relay and solenoid coil.
12. To prevent deforming of the electronic control unit harness connectors, do not probe terminals directly. Instead, insert a pin from the harness side and perform measurements through pin.
13. Avoid getting water on any of the Fuel or Engine Control System Components.
14. Fuel and Engine Control System wiring should be at least 4 inches away from high tension cables. If the Engine Control System wiring must cross high tension cables, they should cross at 90° angles.
15. Never pierce ignition leads or insulator boots to connect timing lights or analyzers. Use proper adapters.
16. When removing a spark plug wire, twist the boot one quarter turn and pull on the boot only, never the lead itself.
17. Always use recommended power source in each testing procedure.
18. Never apply full battery voltage or ground to a component unless told to do so in a test procedure.
19. Do not try to disassemble the control unit.
20. Never use an auxiliary starting assist device which has a voltage rating above 12 volts to START engine.
21. In cases of electrical welding (for instance, spot welding), disconnect the climate control, injection, cruise control, computer and radio.
22. In case of temperatures above 176°F (80°C), (example: infra-red spray booth), remove all computers.
23. The battery produces an explosive gas (hydrogen), avoid creating sparks near battery.
24. Not all SCAN testers are compatible with every system. A SCAN tool that produces faulty readings should NOT be used, and the problem should be reported to the tool manufacturer. Use of a faulty SCAN tool can result in improper diagnosis and unnecessary component replacement. Follow the proper instructions, located in the owners manual, for the specific SCAN tool being used.
25. Never touch the control unit connector pins, integrated circuit pins, or soldered components on the control unit circuit board.
26. Use only a digital multi-meter with a minimum 10 meg-ohms internal impedance when testing the control unit or related components unless use of an analog meter is specified by the testing procedure.

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

1. Discharge any ESD before handling sensitive parts by touching ground or maintaining a ground connection to a bare skin area like the wrist. DO NOT touch these components without the use of wrist ground straps which have a minimum resistance of 1 Megohm.
2. Never touch the computer connector pins, integrated circuit connector pins, or soldered components on the computer circuit board.
3. Fully release connector locks prior to disconnecting from harness; ensure connectors are fully seated, and all insulators and shields are in place when reinstalling.