Acura Integra 1998 Service Manual page 1394

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F ive-Step Troubleshooting
1. Verify The Complaint
Turn on all the components in the problem
circuit to check the accuracy of the customer
complaint. Note the symptoms. Do not begin
disassembly or testing until you have
narrowed down the Problem area.
2. Analyze The Schematic
Look up the schematlc for the problem
circuit. Determine how the circuit is
supposed to work by tracing the current
paths from the power source through the
circuit components to ground. Also, trace
circuits that share wiring with the problem
circuit. The names of circuits that share the
same fuse, ground, or switch, and so on' are
referred to in each circuit schematic. Try to
operate any shared circuits you didn't check
in steo 1. lf the shared circuits work, the
shared wiring is OK, and the cause must be
in the wiring used only by the problem
circuit. lf several circuits fail at the same
time, the fuse or ground is a likely cause.
Based on the symptoms and Your
understanding of the circuit's operation,
identify one or more possible causes.
3. lsolate The Problem By Testing The Circuit
Make circuit tests to check the diagnosis
you made in step 2. Keep in mind that a
logical, simple procedure is the key to
eff icient troubleshooting.
Test for the most
likely cause of failure f irst. Try to make tests
at points that are easily accessible.
4. Fix The Problem
Once the specific problem is identified,
make the repair. Be sure to use proper tools
and safe procedures.
5. Make Sure The Circuit Works
Turn on all components in the repaired
circuit in all modes to make sure you've
fixed the entife problem. lf the problem was
a blown f use, be sure to test all of the
circuits on that {use. Make sure no new
problems turn up and the original problem
does not recur.
Test Equipment
CAUTION:
Most circuits include solid-state devices.
Test the voltages in these circuits only with
a 1o-megaohm
or higher impedance digital
multimeter. Never use a test light or analog
meter on citcuits that contain solid-state
devices. Damage to the devices may result.
Test Light and DVOM
On circuits without solid-state devices, use a
test light to check for voltage. A test light is
made up of a 12 volt bulb with a pair of leads
attached. After grounding one lead, touch the
other lead to various points along the circuit
where voltage should be present. The bulb
will go on i{ there is voltage at the point being
tested. lf you need to know how much
voltage is present, use a digital
volVohmmeter (DVOM).
Selt-Powered Test Light and DVOM
Use a self-powered test light to check for
continuity. This tool is made up of a light bulb,
battery, and two leads. To test it, touch the
leads together: the light should go on.
Use a self-powered test light only on an
unoowered circuit. First, disconnect the
battery, or remove the fuse that feeds the
circuit you are working on. Select two points
in the circuit between which you want to
check continuity. Connect one lead ol the
self-powered test light to each point. lf there
is continuity, the test light's circuit will be
completed, and the light will go on.
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SELF.POWERED
TEST LIGHT