1997 HONDA CIVIC Ground

Ground Distribution Schematics
This sample Ground Distribution schematic shows all of the components that share two
ground points.
TCSCONTROLUNITPage 35
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FRONTPASSENGER'SSEAT HEATERPage 147
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FRONTPASSENGER'SSEAT BELTSWITCHPage 145
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RIGHTREAR DOORASHTRAYLIGHTPage 114
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How To Use This Manual
Component Locations
To see where a component or connector is located on the car, look up its photo number in the
Component Location section in the back of the book. The photo will also tell you the color of
the connector, and how many cavities it has.
To see where
connectors and parts
are located, look up
their photos in the
Component
Location section.
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lf there is no photo number below or beside a component name or a connector, ground, or
terminal number, look up that name or number in the Connector-to-Harness Index that begins
on page 203. The chart lists how many cavities a connector has, where it's located, and what
it connects to. The related illustration shows the connector's location on the harness, and the
harness routing.
Connactor ldontlticallon and Wke Harness Rouling
DFIVEF'S POWERSEAT WIAEHAFNESS
It a connector on a
schematic has no
photo number, look it
up in the Connector
ldentilication chart
c712
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c702c701
and related illustration.
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How To Use This Manual
Symbols
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Wire Color Abbreviations
The following abbreviations are used to
identify wire colors in the circuit schematics:
BLK.... .........b|ack
BLU.... ......... blue
BRN.... ,....... brown
GRN.... ........ green
GRY.... ......,.. gray
LTBLU . .....lightbtue
LTGRN. ....lightgreen
ORN.... ....... orange
PNK .... .......,.. pink
PUR .... ........ purple
RED .... .......... red
WHT... .........white
YEL .... ........ yellow
A broken line means this part of the circuit
is not shown; refer to the circuit listed for
the complete schematic.
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See GroundDistribution,page 141.
I G101
Where separate wires
join, only the splice is
shown; for details on
the additional wiring,
refer to the circuits
listed.ili::i
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UNDER-OASHFUSE/RELAYBOX
Wires
A wavy line at the end of
a wire means lhe wire is
broken by the binding of
the book or by a "choice"
bracket but continues on
the next page.
Wire insulation can be
one color, or one color
with another color stripe.
(The second color is
the stripe.)
This circuit continues on
another page. (The arrow
shows direction o{ current
flow.) To tollow the RED/
BLK wire in this example,
you would turn to page 23-5
and look for the "2" anow.
This means the branch of the
wire connects to another
circuit. The arrow Doints to the
name of the circuit branch
where the wire continues.
8LK-Cruise Control, €aaaGauges, Indrcalors
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Wire choices for options or
different models are labeled
and shown with a "choice"
bracket like this.
This broken line means
both terminals are in
connector C134.
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How To Use This Manual
Symbols
Ground - "G"
This symbol means the end ol
the wire is attached (grounded) Ito the car frame or to a metal I
part connected to the frame. \i oro,|
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Each wire ground (G) it --/
numbered for reference.
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Switches
These switches move
together; the broken straight
line between them means the,
are mechanically connected.
Other types of switches are
controlled by a coil or a solid
state circuit. Unless otherwise
noted. all switches are shown
in their normal (rest) position,
with power off.
This ground symbol (dot
and 3 lines) overlapping the
component means the housing
of the component is grounded
to the car frame or to a metal
part connected to the frame.
This symbol represents
the bus inside a ground
connector. The dots I
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terminals connect to.
The ground symbol (large dot)
is the connection between the
bus and metal (grounded) part
of the car.
Terminals - "T"
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Solid-state
Fuses
This means power is supplied
when the ignition switch is in ON (ll).
Current rating
Diodes
A rectifier diode works like a one
way valve. lt allows current to
llow only in the direction of the
arrow.
A Zener diode blocks reverse
current at normal voltages just like
a rectifier diode. At high voltages.
however, a Zener diode allows
current to f low in reverse
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Each "T" lerminal (ring type)
is numbered for reference and
location. A "T" terminal is
secured with a screw or bolt.
Shielding
This represents RFI
(Radio Frequency
Interference) shielding
around a wire. The
shielding is always
connected to ground.
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Five-Step Troubleshooting
L Verify The Complaint
Turn on all the components in the problem
circuil lo 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 schematic for the problem
circuit. Determine how the circuit is
supposed to work by tracing the current
paths lrom 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 step 1 . lt 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
efficient troubleshooting. Test for the most
likely cause of failure first. 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 entire problem. ll the problem was
a blown fuse, be sure to test all of the
circuits on that fuse. Make sure no new
problems turn up and the original problem
does not recur.
Test Equipment
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 circuits 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 if there is voltage at the point being
tested. lf you need to know how much
voltage is present, use a digital
volVohmmeter (DVOM).
Self-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 tlvo 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 belween which you want to
check continuity. Connecl one lead of 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.
SELF-POWERED TEST LIGHT
lf, in addition, you need lo know exacW hc'.
much resistance there is between two oo'^=
use a digital volUohmmeter (DVOM)
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In the "OHMS" range, the DVOM will measure
resistance between two points along a circuit.
Low resistance means good continuity.
Diodes and solid-state devices in a circuit can
make a DVOM give a false reading. To check
a reading, reverse the leads, and take a
second reading. lf the readings differ, the
component is affecting lhe measurement.
Jumper Wire
Use a jumper wire to bypass an open circuit.
A iumper wire is made up ot an in-line fuse
holder connected to a set of test leads. lt
should have a five amoere fuse. Never
connect a jumper wire across a short circuit.
The direct battery short will blow the fuse.
Short Finder (Short Circuit Locater)
Short finders are available to locale shorts to
ground. The short tinder creates a pulsing
magnetic field in the shorted circuit whlch you
can follow to the location of the short. lts use
is explained on page 15.
SHORT FINDER
To ordei any test equipment shown above,
contact your local tool supplier. For a list of
suppliers and tool numbers, refer to Honda
Required Special Tools and Equipment
Service Bulletin.
How To Use This Manual
Test Equipment (cont'd)
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Troubleshooting Precautions
Before Troubleshooting
1. Check the main fuse and the fuse box.
2. Check the battery for damage, state of
charge, and clean and tight connections.
CAUTION:
. Do not quick-charge a battery unlers
the battery ground cable has been
disconnected, or you will damage the
alternator diodes.
. Do not attempt to crank the engine wlth
the ground cable disconnected or you
will severely damage the wiring.
While You're Working
1. Make sure connectors are clean, and have
no loose terminals or receptacles.
2. Make sure lhat connectors without wire
seals are packed with dielectric (silicone)
grease. Part Number: 08798-9001 .
Pack wllh dlelectrlc (sillcons) greass
When connecting a connector, push it until it"clicks" into place.
Do not pull on the wires when
disconnecting a connector. Pull
only on the connector houslngs.
Most circuits Include solid-state
devlces. Test the voltages In these
circuits only with a lo-megaohm or
higher impedance digital multlm6ter.
Never use a test light or analog meter
on chcuits that contain solld-state
devices. Damage to the devices
may result.
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Troubleshooting Tests
Testing for Voltage
When testing for voltage at a connector
without wire seals, you do not have to
seoarate the two halves of the connector.
Instead, probe the connector from the back.
Always check both sides of the connector
because dirty, corroded, and bent terminals
can cause problems (no electrical contact =
an open).
1 . Connect one lead of the test light to a
known good ground, or, if you're using a
digital volt ohmmeter (DVOM), place it in
the appropriate DC volts range, and
connect its negative lead to ground.
Connect the other lead of the test light or
DVOM to the point you want to check.
lf the test light glows, there is voltage
present. lf you're using a DVOM, note the
voltage reading. lt should be within one
volt of measured battery voltage.
A loss of more than one volt indicates
a problem.
NOTE: Always use a DVOM on high
impedance circuits. A test light may not
glow (even with baftery voltage present).
connecthere [fl5tst-tand light should IJJcomeon.
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Testing for Continuity
When testing for continuity at a connector
without wire seals, you do not have to
separate the two halves of the connector.
lnstead. Drobe the connector Jrom the back.
Always check both sides of the connector
because dirty, conoded, and bent terminals
can cause problems (no electrical contacl =
an open).
1. Disconnect the negative cable from the car
battery. lf you're using a DVOM, place it in
the lowest "OHMS" range.
2. Connect one lead of a self-powered test
light or DVOM to one end of the part of the
circuit vou want lo test.
Connect the other lead to the other end.
lf the self-powered test light glows, there is
continuity. lf you're using a DVOM, a low
reading or no reading (zero), means
good continuity.
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