Repair and Diagnosis: Tools and Equipment

Electrical troubleshooting requires the use of common electrical test equipment.

TEST LIGHT/DIGITAL MULTIMETER
Use a test light to check for voltage. A J 34142-B Test Light is made up of a 12 volt light bulb with a pair of leads attached. After grounding one lead, touch the other lead to various points along the circuit where voltage should be present. When the bulb goes on, there is voltage at the point being tested.

A Digital Multimeter (DMM) can be used instead of a test light. While a test light shows whether or not voltage is present, a DMM indicates how much voltage is present.

An increasing number of circuits include solid state control modules. One example is the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Voltages in these circuits should be tested only with a 10-megohm or higher impedance DMM or J 39200 multimeter. Unless directed to within the diagnostics, never use a test light on circuits that contain solid state components, since damage to these components may result.

When testing for voltage or continuity at the connection, it is not necessary to separate the two halves of the connector. Unless testing a Weather Pack or a Metri Pack connector 150 series and below, always probe the connector from the back. Always check both sides of the connector. An accumulation of dirt and corrosion between contact surfaces is sometimes a cause of electrical problems.