Identifying Intermittent Conditions
Many intermittent conditions occur with harness or connector movement due to engine torque, rough pavement, vibration or physical movements of a component. Refer to the following for a list of issues that may cause an intermittent condition:
- Moisture and water intrusion in connectors, terminals and components
- Incomplete connector mating
- Poor terminal contact
- High circuit or component resistance-High resistance can include any resistance, regardless of the amount, which can interrupt the operation of the component.
- Harness that is too short or tight.
- Wire insulation that is chaffed or cut.
- High or low ambient temperature
- High or low engine coolant temperatures
- High underhood temperatures
- Heat build up in component or circuit due to circuit resistance, poor terminal contact or high electrical load
- High or low system voltage
- High vehicle load conditions
- Rough road surfaces
- Electro-magnetic interference (EMI)/circuit interference from relays, solenoids or other electrical surge
- Incorrect installation of aftermarket, add on accessories