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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- the set-adjust knob until the meter needle reads zero. When
the leads are uncrossed, the needle should move to the other
90
end of the scale, indicating infinite resistance.
Male
Female
During a continuity test, a reading of infinite resistance
indicates an open in the circuit or component. A reading of
zero indicates continuity, that is, there is no measurable re-
sistance in the circuit or component. A measured reading
indicates the actual resistance to current flow that is present
Female
in that circuit. Even though resistance is present, the circuit
(test here)
has continuity.
Continuity test
Perform a continuity test to determine the integrity of a
91
circuit, wire or component. A circuit has continuity if it
forms a complete circuit; that is if there are no opens in ei-
ther the electrical wires or components within the circuit. A
circuit with an open, on the other hand, has no continuity.
This type of test can be performed with a self-powered test
light or an ohmmeter. An ohmmeter gives the best results.
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable or disconnect the
test circuit/component from its power source.
2. Attach one test lead (test light or ohmmeter) to one end of
the part of the circuit to be tested.
3. Attach the other test lead to the other end of the part or the
circuit to be tested.
4. The self-powered test light comes on if there is continu-
ity. An ohmmeter reads 0 or low resistance if there is conti-
works properly with a jumper wire installed, an open exists
nuity. A reading of infinite resistance indicates no
between the two jumped points in the circuit.
continuity; the circuit is open.
To troubleshoot with a jumper wire, first use the wire to
5. If testing a component, note the resistance and compare
determine if the problem is on the ground side or the load
this to the specification if available.
side of a device. Test the ground by connecting the wire be-
tween the lamp and a good ground. If the lamp comes on,
Short test
the problem is the connection between the lamp and
ground. If the lamp does not come on with the wire in-
An analog ohmmeter or one with an audible continuity
stalled, the lamp’s connection to ground is good, so the
indicator works best for short testing. A self-powered test
problem is between the lamp and the power source.
light may also be used.
To isolate the problem, connect the wire between the bat-
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable (Chapter Twelve).
tery and the lamp. If it comes on, the problem is between
2. If necessary, remove the blown fuse from the fuse panel
these two points. Next, connect the wire between the bat-
(Chapter Twelve).
tery and the fuse side of the switch. If the lamp comes on,
3. Connect one test lead of the ohmmeter to the load side
the switch is good. By successively moving the wire from
(battery side) of the fuse terminal in the fuse panel.
one point to another, the problem can be isolated to a partic-
4. Connect the other test lead to a confirmed ground loca-
ular place in the circuit.
tion. Make sure the ground is not insulated. If possible, use
the battery ground connection.
Note the following when using a jumper wire:
5. Wiggle the wiring harness relating to the suspect circuit
1. Make sure the wire gauge (thickness) is the same as that
at approximately 6 in. (15 cm) intervals. Watch the ohmme-
used in the circuit being tested. Smaller gauge wire rapidly
ter while progressing along the harness.
overheats and could melt.
6. If the ohmmeter needle moves or the ohmmeter beeps,
2. Make sure the jumper wire has insulated alligator clips.
there is a short-to-ground at that point in the harness.
This prevents accidental grounding (sparks) or possible
shock. Install an inline fuse/fuse holder in the jumper wire.
Jumper Wire
3. A jumper wire is a temporary test measure. Do not leave a
Use a jumper wire to bypass a potential problem and iso-
jumper wire installed as a permanent solution. This creates
late it to a particular point in a circuit. If a faulty circuit
a fire hazard.
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