Intermittent failures in electronic systems may be very
difficult to detect and accurately diagnose. For this reason, a thorough test
drive is often needed in order to repeat a fault condition. If the system
malfunction is not repeated during the test drive, a good description of the
complaint may be useful in locating an intermittent malfunction. Faulty wires
or connections cause most intermitting problems. When an intermitting condition
is suspected, inspect the suspected circuits for the following conditions:
• | Poor mating of connector halves of backed out terminals |
• | Improperly formed or damaged terminals |
• | Poor wire to terminal connections |
• | Dirty or corroded terminals |
• | Any condition which results in the interruption of battery/ignition
power. |
• | The battery or ignition voltage is out of range (below 9.0 volts
or above 16.0 volts). |
• | A loose or damaged ground. |
• | An open or a short on the serial data line. |
Most system complaints are linked to faulty wiring and connectors, and
occasionally to a component. Perform a thorough inspection of all related
wiring and connectors pertaining to intermittent concerns.