Intermittent failures in electronic systems may be very
difficult to detect and accurately diagnose. The RFA System tests for different
malfunctions under different vehicle conditions. For this reason, a thorough
test drive is often needed in order to repeat a malfunction. 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 or backed out terminals |
• | Improperly formed or damaged terminals |
• | Weak transmitter battery |
• | Poor wire to terminal connections |
• | Dirty or corroded terminals |
History DTCs are those indicating that the RFA system has previously
detected a malfunction. The reason could be either that the malfunction is
intermittent or that the conditions for setting the DTC are not met, try
clearing the DTCs and manually operating the system that the DTC applies
to. Read the Diagnostic Aids and Conditions for Setting the DTC in each
DTC table for more specific information.
History DTCs help in diagnosing intermittent fault conditions but do
not necessarily indicate a faulty receiver. The receiver and transmitters
are reliable components, and is not the likely cause of the malfunction.
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 the history DTC that is stored.
The following conditions may result in intermittent RFA operation with
no DTC stored:
• | Any condition which results in the interruption of power to the
RFA system |
• | The battery or ignition voltage is out of range (below 9.0 volts
or above 16.0 volts). |
• | A loose or damaged ground |
• | Radio Frequency interference |
• | An open or a short on the serial data line |