Testing Continuity/Resistance; Testing For A Short To Ground - Polaris GENERAL 2016 Service Manual

TESTING CONTINUITY/RESISTANCE

Testing using the Ohmmeter function of your DMM is one
of the first things you will do when troubleshooting an
electrical issue. It is especially convenient when the
wiring diagram provides a resistance spec for the
component in the circuit you are diagnosing. It can
quickly give you a good idea if you simply need to
replace a part, or if there might be another circuit issue.
Using the following points in conjunction with your DMM
owner's manual will ensure your resistance testing is
always accurate:
• Only measure resistance on an isolated part of the
circuit. This means if you are testing internal resistance
of a component, it cannot be connected to the
harness. If you are measuring a wire (typically from the
ECU to a sensor) both the sensor and ECU would
need to be unplugged. Most Ohmmeters provides a
precise amount of current to determine resistance. Any
other sources will make your reading inaccurate.
• Ensure you are making good contact by using the
proper terminal adapters. Connector Probing
Guidelinespage 11.24
• If you are not using a self ranging meter, double check
your range setting.
• If your continuity is under 1 ohm, leave the harness
disconnected, and move on to testing for shorts to
ground Testing For A Short To Groundpage 11.25 and
shorts to voltage Testing For A Short To Voltagepage
11.26
For a video demonstration, scan the QR code below, or
right click it and select "open in new tab".
9929375 R02 - 2016-2019 GENERAL / GENERAL 4 Service Manual
© Copyright Polaris Industries Inc.

TESTING FOR A SHORT TO GROUND

Shorts to ground happen when the current flowing in a
given circuit bypasses the load. The current flowing from
B+ finds an easier way to return to ground (B-), so much
more of it can flow than the circuit is designed for. This
causes the circuit's protection device (either a fuse or
circuit breaker) to open, protecting the circuit from
damage.
There are many possible causes of a short to ground,
here are some:
• The harness rubbing against a component that is
grounded, such as the frame, chassis component, or
engine.
• A component's internal circuitry contacting it's case.
• Wire to wire chaffing causing contact with the
conductor of a ground side circuit.
• Corrosion/moisture in a component providing a ground
path.
• Moisture in a connector body providing a ground path.
NOTICE
This test is typically done right after checking continuity
from sensor to ECU when diagnosing an EFI DTC. It
can also be used to help diagnose concerns about
blowing fuses. Ensure you are able to duplicate the
concern before testing so that your results point you in
the right direction.Testing for Intermittent
Conditionspage 11.27
TESTING PROCEDURE
1. Consult the wiring diagram. Determine which circuit
you will be testing.
2. Ensure that any static voltage checks advised in
relation to the DTC or concern you are diagnosing
have been performed and are in spec.
3. Ensure you have checked continuity of the circuit.
Testing Continuity/Resistancepage 11.25
4. Ensure that neither end of the circuit is connected.
5. Set your DMM to Ohms.
6. Connect one meter lead securely to the battery
negative post.
7. Connect the other lead to either end of the
disconnected circuit. Ensure you are using the correct
adapter.Connector Probing Guidelinespage 11.24
8. If there is continuity, the harness is damaged and
should be repaired or replaced.
9. If the DMM reads OL, there is no short to ground.
Leave the harness disconnected on both sides, and
proceed to check for a short to voltage. Testing For A
Short To Voltagepage 11.26
ELECTRICAL
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11.25