Troubleshooting Tests - Dodge 1997 Neon WIRING DIAGRAMS Owner's Manual

8W - 01 - 6
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
• Voltmeter - Used to check for voltage on a cir-
cuit. Always connect the black lead to a known good
ground and the red lead to the positive side of the
circuit.
CAUTION: Most of the electrical components used
in today's vehicle are solid state. When checking
voltages in these circuits use a meter with a 10-me-
gohm or greater impedance.
• Ohmmeter - Used to check the resistance
between two points of a circuit. Low or no resistance
in a circuit means good continuity.
CAUTION: - Most of the electrical components used
in today's vehicle are Solid State. When checking
resistance in these circuits use a meter with a
10-megohm or greater impedance. In addition, make
sure the power is disconnected from the circuit.
Circuits that are powered up by the vehicle electri-
cal system can cause damage to the equipment and
provide false readings.
• Probing Tools - These tools are used for probing
terminals in connectors (Fig. 9). Select the proper
size tool from Special Tool Package 6807, and insert
it into the terminal being tested. Use the other end
of the tool to insert the meter probe.
Fig. 9 Probing Tool
INTERMITTENT AND POOR CONNECTIONS
Most intermittent electrical problems are caused
by faulty electrical connections or wiring. It is also
possible for a sticking component or relay to cause a
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 in
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 and moisture
8W - 01 GENERAL INFORMATION
• Wire insulation that has rubbed through causing
a short to ground
• Wiring broke inside of the insulation
CHECKING FOR TERMINAL SPREADING
When an intermittent or open circuit is suspected
it is important to check for a spread terminal. To
accomplish this remove the suspect female terminal
from its connector.
Check the female terminal for drag when mated
with the appropriate male terminal. If the terminal
is spread (no or little drag felt) replace the terminal
using the procedures covered in this section of the
wiring diagrams.

TROUBLESHOOTING TESTS

Before beginning any tests on a vehicles electrical
system use the Wiring Diagrams and study the cir-
cuit. Also refer to the Troubleshooting Wiring Prob-
lems section in this section.
TESTING FOR VOLTAGE
(1) Connect the ground lead of a voltmeter to a
known good ground (Fig. 10).
(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.
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. 11).
Fig. 10 Testing for Voltage
PL