Basic Inspection Procedure

Measuring Condition of Electronic Parts' Resistance

The measured resistance at high temperature after running vehicle may be higher or lower than normal. So, all resistance must be measured at room temperature (20°C, 68°F) unless stated otherwise.

Intermittent Problem Inspection Procedure

Sometimes the most difficult case in troubleshooting is when a problem symptom occurs but does not occur again during testing. An example would be if a problem appears only when the vehicle is cold but has not appeared when warm. In this case, the technician should thoroughly make out a "Customer Problem Analysis Sheet" and recreate (simulate) the same environment and condition wherein the vehicle was having the issue.

1. Clear Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).
2. Inspect connector connection, and check terminal for poor connections, loose wires, bent, broken or corroded pins, and then verify that the connectors are always securely fastened.
   Fig 1: Inspecting Connector Connection

   Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
3. Slightly shake the connector and wiring harness vertically and horizontally.
4. Repair or replace any problematic components.
5. Conduct a road test to verify that the problem has disappeared.

• Simulating Vibration
  1. Sensors and Actuators

     : Slightly shake sensors, actuators or relays by hand.

     WARNING: Strong vibration may break sensors, actuators or relays
  2. Connectors and Harness

     : Lightly shake the connector and wiring harness vertically and then horizontally.

• Simulating Heat
  1. Heat components suspected of causing the malfunction with a hair dryer or other heat source.
     WARNING:

     • DO NOT heat components to the point where they may be damaged.
     • DO NOT heat the ECM directly.
• Simulating Wet Condition
  1. Sprinkle water onto vehicle to simulate a rainy day or a high humidity condition.
     WARNING: DO NOT sprinkle water directly onto the engine compartment or electronic components.
• Simulating Electrical Load
  1. Turn on all electrical systems to simulate excessive electrical loads (Radios, fans, lights, rear window defogger, etc.).