
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).
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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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Testing for a Short with a Sell-Powered
Test Light or DVOM
1. Remove the blown fuse and disconnect
the battery and load.
2. Connect one lead of a self-powered test
light or digital volUohmmeter (DVOM)
(switched to the lowest "OHMS" range) to
the fuse terminal on the load side.
Dlsconnect the batlery.
FUSEBOXRemove the fuse.
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Connect the other lead to a known
good ground.
Beginning near the fuse box, wiggle the
harness. Continue this at convenient
points about six inches apart while
watching the test light or DVOM.
lf the self-powered test light goes on or
the DVOM displays a low reading or no
reading (zero), there is a short to ground
in the wiring near that Point.
SELF.POWEREDTEST LIGHTo1DVOM
4.
5.
Testing tor a Short with a Short Circuit
Locator (Short Finder)
1 . Remove the blown fuse. Leave the
battery connected.
2. Connect the short finder across the battery
terminals and the load (component) side of
the fuse terminal.
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3. Close all switches in the circuil
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Ground-to-Components I ndex
f.,lONOTE: All ground wires are BLK unless otherwise noted.
GroundPageComponents or Circuit Grounded
Battery (BLKYEL)
Steering pump bracket
t+-rg ITransmission housing
l
G101
(-1)
G101
(-2)
14-2
and
14-3
ano
14-1
Powertrain or engine control module (PG1 and pG2 are BLK: LG1 and LG2 are
BRN/BLK), EGR control solenoid valve (CW, EGR valve and lift sensor (Dt6yS enginewith M,/T), Engine coolant temperature switch, pGM-Fl main relay, power steeringpressure switch (USA), Primary HO2S (D16Y5 engine with l\/,/T), Vehicle speed sensor,VTEC pressure switch (D16Y5/D16Y8 engines), CKF sensor (BRN/BLK), Transmission
control module (CYf) (Pc1 is BLK: LG1 is BRN/BLK)
Shielding betvveen the PCM or ECM and these components (all have BRN/BLK wires):
CKF sensor, TDC/CKP/CYP sensor. Primary and secondary heated oxygen sensors.
Knock sensor (CWDl6YB engine), Mainshaft speed sensor (AiT except CVT),
I Countershaft speed sensor (A/T except CVf)
Shielding between the TCM and these components (CVT) (all have BRN/BLK wires):
Drive pulley speed sensor, Driven pulley speed sensor, Secondary gear shaft
speed sensor
Powertrain or engine control module (PG1 and pG2 are BLK; LG1 and LGz are
BRN/BLK), EGR control solenoid valve (D16Y5 engine), EGR valve (Dt685), Engine
coolant temperature switch, Fuel pressure regulator shut-off solenoid valve (D1685),
PGM-FI main relay, Power steering pressure switch (USA), Vehicle speed sensor, VTECpressure switch (All except D16Y7 engine), CKF sensor (A
except 81642) (BRN/BLK)
Shielding between the PCM or ECM and these components (all have BRN/BLK wires):
CKF sensor, TDC/CKP/CYP sensor, Primary and secondary heated oxygen sensors,
Knock sensor (All except D16Y7 engine), i/ainshaft speed sensor (Arf except CW),
Countershaft speed sensor (A,/T except CVf), Drive pulley speed sensor (CW), Drivenpulley speed sensor (CVT), Secondary gear shaft speed sensor (CVf)
I Badiator fan motor, Right front parking/turn signat tight, Right headtight
G20214-4I Cruise control actuator, Left front parking/turn signal lights, Left headlight, Rear window
I washer motor, Windshield washer motor, Washer fluid level switch (,99-'00 Canada)
G401| +-o
and
14-7
Accessory power socket, Brake fluid level switch, Clutch interlock switch (M/T), Clutchswitch (lillT with cruise/D16Y5 engine with MfD, Combination wiper switch (Z wires),
Cruise control main switch, Cruise control unit, Dash lights brightness controller, Data
link connector, Daytime running lights control unit (Canada), Gauge assembly, Horn('96-'97 models), Integrated control unit, Interlock control unit (ArI), Keyless door lock
control unit ('99-'00 models with keyless), Moonroof close and open relays, Moonroof
switch, Park pin switch (A/r), Power window relay, Rear window defogger relay, Rear
window defogger switch ('96-'98 models), Steering lock, Stereo radio tuner (,96-,98
USA: LX, EX, and HX), Turn signal/hazard relay, Windshield wiper motor.....plus
everything grounded through G402
6-6

Gruise Control (cont'd)
- How the Circuit Works
The cruise control system uses mechanical and
electrical devices to maintain the car's sDeed at a
setting selected by the driver.
System Description
The cruise control unit receives command signals
from the crurse control main switch and the cruise
control SeVResume switch. With the ignition switch
in ON (ll) or START (lll), voltage is provided to the
cruise control main switch through fuse 14. When
you push the switch to ON, power is provided to the
cruise control unit and the brake switch.
The cruise control unit receives information about
operating conditions from the brake switch, the
vehicle speed sensor (VSS), and the clutch switch
(manual transmission) or the A,/T gear position
switch (automatic transmission). The cruise control
unit then sends signals to the cruise control actuator
which regulates the throttle position to maintain the
selected speed. The conlrol unit compares the
actual speed of the car to the selected speed. The
control unit then uses the result of that comoarison
to open or close the throttle.
The brake switch releases the system's control of
the throttle at the instant you press on the brake
pedal. The switch sends a signal to the control unit
by removing power from the normally closed brake
input (GRY wire), and providing power at the
normally open brake input (GRN/vVHT wire). The
control unit responds by allowing the throttle to
close. The clutch switch or the A,/T gear position
switch sends a "disengage" signal to the control unit
that also allows the throttle to close.
The cruise control system will set and automatically
maintain any speed above 25 mph (40 km/h). To set
it, make sure the main switch is on and the switch
indicator is on. Then, after reaching the desired
speed, press the SET switch. This sends a "set"
signal to the cruise control unit which, in turn,
controls the cruise control actuator to maintain the
set speed.
When you push the SET switch and the cruise
control system is on, the "cruise control" ON
indicator lights up.
34-4
(
You can cancel the cruise control system by
turning the main switch off . This removes power to
the control unit and erases the set speed from
memory. lf the system is disengaged temporarily
by the brake switch, or clutch switch, and the car's
speed is still above 25 mph, press the resume
switch: the car will automatically return to the
previously set speed.
For gradual acceleration without pressing the
accelerator pedal, push the RESUME switch and
hold it there. This will send an "acceleration" signal
to the control unit. When you release the switch, the
system will be reprogrammed for the new speed. To
slow the car down. oush the SET switch in and hold
it there. This sends a "deceleration" signal to the
control unit, causing the car to coast. When the
desired speed is reached, release the SET switch.
This reprograms the system tor the new speed.
Refer to the Service Manual (Section 23, Electrical)
tor specific tests or troubleshooting procedures.
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Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
(
FUSE 13FUELPUUPFBA UMT)15A
See PowerDistibution,page 10-2.
FUSE 23(sRs)
c801PHOTO 58
SRS MEMORY ERASESTGNAL (MES) CONNECTORPHO|O 111
. To avoid accidental deployment and possible
iniury always disconnect the driver's airbag and
f ront passenger's airbag connectors (automatically
shorted) before working near any SRS wiring.
. CAUTION: Whenever the ignition switch is ON (tt),
or has been turned OFF for less than three minutes,
be caretul not to bump the SRS unit; the airbags
could accidentally deploy and cause damage or
iniuries.
UNDER-DASHFUSE/RELAYBOX
GFY 07)or GFN{18)
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47
GAY (21) or GRN
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Passenger'sai|bag conlrol; prc..t rnpuv, Ourpul
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- How the Circuit Works
'96198 Models
The air delivery system directs the flow of air used
by the heater and air conditioner systems.
Mode Selection
Mode selection is controlled by the mode switches
in the heater control panel and the mode control
motor. When you select a specific mode, voltage is
applied through the dimming circuit to the LED,
which comes on, indicating the mode selected.
Ground is orovided to the mode control motor
though that mode switch. The motor then runs until
the air control door reaches the proper position.
Fresh/Recirculation 56lection
When you press the fresh or recirculation button, a
ground signal is sent from the heater control panel
to the recirculation control motor. The motor then
runs until the recirculation door reaches the proper
position. Battery voltage is also applied through the
dimming circuit to the corresponding LED, and the
LED comes on.
Refer to the Service Manual (Section 21, Heater) for
specitic tests or troubleshooting proc€dures.
'99J00 Models
The heater control panel receives battery voltage at
all times through fuse 47. With the ignition switch in
ON (ll), voltage is supplied to the heater control
panel through fuse 17. The control panel is
grounded at G402.
The heater control panel controls the air delivery
motors, and supplies a 5 VDC reterence voltage to
the air mixture control motor.
The air mixture and mode control motors each
receive inputs trom the heater control panel. The air
mix motor regulates the mixture of cold and hot air
by varying the position of the heater-evaporator doot
The mode control motor controls the direction and
volume of outlet air. The air flow can be directed to
the dashboard vents or the corner vents.
Both the air mixture control molor and mode control
motor are grounded by the h€aler control panel.
The recirculation control motor receives battery
voltage through fuso 17 when the ignition swilch is
in ON (ll). lt regulates the position of the fresh/recirc
door, and is controlled by two position inputs from
the heater control panel ("Recirc" and "Fresh").
Refer to the Service Manual (Section 21, Heater) tor
specific tests or troubleshooting procedures.
61-3

Brake System Indicator Light (cont'd)
- How the Circuit Works
The brake system indicator light comes on to alert
the driver that the parking brake is applied, or that
the brake fluid level is low. lt also comes on as a
bulb test when the engine is cranked.
Parking Brake
With the ignition switch in ON (ll) or START (lll),
voltage is applied through fuse 25 to the brake
system light. When you apply the parking brake, the
switch closes and provides a ground for the light.
The light then comes on to remind you that the
parking brake is applied.
Brake Fluid Level
With the ignition switch in ON (ll) or START (lll),
voltage is applied through fuse 25 to the brake
system light. lf the brake fluid level is low, the brake
fluid level switch closes, providing ground to the
circuit. The brake system light then comes on,
alerting the d verto a low brake fluid level in the
brake master cylinder. (Check brake pad wear
before you add fluid).
Bulb Check
With the ignition switch in START (lll) and clutch
pedal depressed or A'lT gear selector in PARK (P)
or NEUTRAL (N), voltage is applied through fuse 31
to the brake bulb check circuit. The brake bulb
check circuit closes, allowing current to flow through
the brake system light and bulb check circuit to
ground. The brake system light then comes on to
test the bulb.
Refer to the Service Manual (Section 23, Electrical)
for specific tests or troubleshooting procedures.
71-2
a
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Gauges (cont'd)
- How the Gircuit Works
When the ignition switch is in ON (ll) or START (lll),
battery voltage is supplied through fuse 25 to the
gauges in the gauge assembly.
Speedometer and Odometer
The odometer and soeedometer drive circuits
receive pulses from the vehicle speed sensor
(VSS). The pulse rate increases as the car
accelerates. The frequency and duration of these
input pulses are measured and displayed by the
speedometer, odometer and tripmeter.
Tachometer
The tachometer drive circuit receives pulses from
the ignition control module (lCM) in the distributor
assembly or the ECM/PCM. The solid-state
lachometer then displays these pulses as engine
speed. For each 200 pulses per minute from the
ignition control modul€ (lCM) or the ECM/PCM, the
tachometer displays 100 RPM.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
The engine coolant temperature gauge has two
intersecting coils wound around a permanent
magnet rotor. Voltage applied to the coils, through
fuse 25, generates a magnetic lield. The magnetic
field, controlled by the coolant temperature sending
unit, causes the rotor to rotate and the gauge
needle to move. As the resistance in the sending
unit varies, current through the gauge coils
changes. The gauge needle moves toward the coil
with the strongest magnetic field.
The 6ngine coolant temperature sending unit's
resistance varies from about 137 ohms at low
engine temperature to between 3H6 ohms at high
temperature (radiator fan running).
Refer to the Service Manual (Section 23, Electrical)
for specific tests or troubleshooting procedures.
81-2
(
Fuel Gauge (All except cX)
The fuel gauge has two intersecting coils wound
around a permanent magnet rotor. Voltage applied
to the coils, through tuse 25, generates a magnetic
field. The magnetic field, controlled by the fuel
gauge sending unit, causes the rotor to rotate and
the gauge needle to move. As the resislance in the
sending unit varies, current through the gauge coils
changes. The gauge needle moves toward the coil
with the strongest magnetic field.
The fuel gauge sending unit's resistance varies
from about 2-5 ohms at full, to about 110 ohms at
empty. When you turn the ignition switch off, the
gauge remains at the last reading until you turn the
ignition switch to ON (ll) or START (lll) again,
Refer to the Service Manual (Section 23, Electrical)
for specific tests or troubleshooting procedures.
Fuel Gauge (GX)
The fuel gauge has two intersecting coils wound
around a permanent magnet rotor. Voltage applied
to the coils, through fuse 25, generates a magnetic
field. The magnetic field, controlled by the PCM,
causes the rotor to rotate and the gauge needle to
move. The PCM calculates the gas quantity in the
fuel tank by using the fuel pressure value detected
by the tuel tank pressure sensor and the fuel
temperature value detected by the fuel tank
temperalure sensor, and outputs the signal to the
gauge assembly. The gauge needle moves toward
the coil with the strongest magnetic field.
When you turn the ignition switch off , the gauge
remains at the last reading until you turn the ignition
switch to ON (ll) or START (lll) again. When the
PCM detects a malfunction with the fuel pressure or
temperature, or detects a gas leak, the PCM
reduces the fuel meter to 0.
Refer to the Service Manual GX Supplement
(Section 11 , Fuel and Emissions) for specific tests
or troubleshooting procedures.
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