Many vehicle electrical systems use a diode to isolate
circuits and protect the components from voltage spikes. When installing a
new diode, use the following procedure.
- If the diode is taped to the harness, remove all of the tape
- Paying attention to current flow direction, remove inoperative
diode from the harness with a suitable soldering tool. If the diode is located
next to a connector terminal, remove the terminal(s) from the connector to
prevent damage from the soldering tool.
- Carefully strip away a section of insulation next to the old soldered
portion of the wire(s). Do not remove any more than is needed to attach the
new diode.
- Check current flow direction of the new diode, being sure to install
the diode with correct bias. Reference the appropriate service manual wiring
schematic to obtain the correct diode installation position. Reference Figure 23
for replacement diode symbols and current flow explanations. Attach the new
diode to the wire(s) using 60/40 rosin core solder. Using a heat sink
(aluminum alligator clip) attached across the diode wire ends to protect the
diode from excess heat. Follow the manufacturer's instruction for the soldering
equipment you are using.
- Install terminal(s) into the connector body if previously removed
in step 2.
- Tape the diode to the harness or connector using electrical tape.
To prevent shorts to ground and water intrusion, completely cover all exposed
wire and diode attachment points.