Dodge Dakota Sport 2001 Service Manual page 597

8W - 01 - 6
WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION (Continued)
Fig. 4 PROBING TOOL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6801
2 - PROBING END
problem. Before condemning a component or wiring
assembly, check the following items.
• Connectors are fully seated
• Spread terminals, or terminal push out
• Terminals in the wiring assembly are fully
seated into the connector/component and locked into
position
• Dirt or corrosion on the terminals. Any amount
of corrosion or dirt could cause an intermittent prob-
lem
• Damaged connector/component casing exposing
the item to dirt or moisture
• Wire insulation that has rubbed through causing
a short to ground
• Some or all of the wiring strands broken inside
of the insulation
• Wiring broken inside of the insulation
TROUBLESHOOTING WIRING PROBLEMS
When troubleshooting wiring problems there are
six steps which can aid in the procedure. The steps
are listed and explained below. Always check for non-
factory items added to the vehicle before doing any
diagnosis. If the vehicle is equipped with these items,
disconnect them to verify these add-on items are not
the cause of the problem.
(1) Verify the problem.
(2) Verify any related symptoms. Do this by per-
forming operational checks on components that are
in the same circuit. Refer to the wiring diagrams.
(3) Analyze the symptoms. Use the wiring dia-
grams to determine what the circuit is doing, where
the problem most likely is occurring and where the
diagnosis will continue.
(4) Isolate the problem area.
(5) Repair the problem area.
(6) Verify the proper operation. For this step,
check for proper operation of all items on the
repaired circuit. Refer to the wiring diagrams.
8W-01 WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TESTING FOR
VOLTAGE POTENTIAL
(1) Connect the ground lead of a voltmeter to a
known good ground (Fig. 5).
(2) Connect the other lead of the voltmeter to the
selected test point. The vehicle ignition may need to
be turned ON to check voltage. Refer to the appropri-
ate test procedure.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TESTING FOR
CONTINUITY
(1) Remove the fuse for the circuit being checked
or, disconnect the battery.
(2) Connect one lead of the ohmmeter to one side
of the circuit being tested (Fig. 6)
(3) Connect the other lead to the other end of the
circuit being tested. Low or no resistance means good
continuity.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TESTING FOR A
SHORT TO GROUND
(1) Remove the fuse and disconnect all items
involved with the fuse.
(2) Connect a test light or a voltmeter across the
terminals of the fuse.
(3)
harness about six to eight inches apart and watch
the voltmeter/test lamp.
(4)
lamp glows, there is a short to ground in that gen-
eral area of the wiring harness.
Fig. 5 TESTING FOR VOLTAGE POTENTIAL
Starting at the fuse block, wiggle the wiring
If the voltmeter registers voltage or the test
AN