2006 NISSAN PATROL Electrical system

Engine compartment
There are several reasons a vehicle or engine vibration could
cause an electrical complaint. Some of the things to check for are:
+Connectors not fully seated.
+Wiring harness not long enough and is being stressed due to
engine vibrations or rocking.
+Wires laying across brackets or moving components.
+Loose, dirty or corroded ground wires.
+Wires routed too close to hot components.
To inspect components under the hood, start by verifying the integ-
rity of ground connections. (Refer to GROUND INSPECTION
described later.) First check that the system is properly grounded.
Then check for loose connection bygently shakingthe wiring or
components as previously explained. Using the wiring diagrams
inspect the wiring for continuity.
Behind the instrument panel
An improperly routed or improperly clamped harness can become
pinched during accessory installation. Vehicle vibration can aggra-
vate a harness which is routed along a bracket or near a screw.
Under seating areas
An unclamped or loose harness can cause wiring to be pinched by
seat components (such as slide guides) during vehicle vibration. If
the wiring runs under seating areas, inspect wire routing for pos-
sible damage or pinching.
HEAT SENSITIVE
The owner's problem may occur during hot weather or after car has
sat for a short time. In such cases you will want to check for a heat
sensitive condition.
To determine if an electrical component is heat sensitive, heat the
component with a heat gun or equivalent.
Do not heat components above 60ÉC (140ÉF).If incident occurs
while heating the unit, either replace or properly insulate the com-
ponent.
SGI842
HOW TO PERFORM EFFICIENT DIAGNOSIS FOR AN ELECTRICAL INCIDENT
Incident Simulation Tests (Cont'd)
GI-22

FREEZING
The customer may indicate the incident goes away after the car
warms up (winter time). The cause could be related to water freez-
ing somewhere in the wiring/electrical system.
There are two methods to check for this. The ®rst is to arrange for
the owner to leave his car overnight. Make sure it will get cold
enough to demonstrate his complaint. Leave the car parked outside
overnight. In the morning, do a quick and thorough diagnosis of
those electrical components which could be affected.
The second method is to put the suspect component into a freezer
long enough for any water to freeze. Reinstall the part into the car
and check for the reoccurrence of the incident. If it occurs, repair
or replace the component.
WATER INTRUSION
The incident may occur only during high humidity or in rainy/snowy
weather. In such cases the incident could be caused by water
intrusion on an electrical part. This can be simulated by soaking the
car or running it through a car wash.
Do not spray water directly on any electrical components.
ELECTRICAL LOAD
The incident may be electrical load sensitive. Perform diagnosis
with all accessories (including A/C, rear window defogger, radio, fog
lamps) turned on.
COLD OR HOT START UP
On some occasions an electrical incident may occur only when the
car is started cold. Or it may occur when the car is restarted hot
shortly after being turned off. In these cases you may have to keep
the car overnight to make a proper diagnosis.
SGI843
SGI844
SGI845
HOW TO PERFORM EFFICIENT DIAGNOSIS FOR AN ELECTRICAL INCIDENT
Incident Simulation Tests (Cont'd)
GI-23

Circuit Inspection
INTRODUCTION
In general, testing electrical circuits is an easy task if it is approached in a logical and organized method. Before
beginning it is important to have all available information on the system to be tested. Also, get a thorough
understanding of system operation. Then you will be able to use the appropriate equipment and follow the
correct test procedure.
You may have to simulate vehicle vibrations while testing electrical components.Gently shakethe wiring
harness or electrical component to do this.
OPEN A circuit is open when there is no continuity through a section of the circuit.
SHORT There are two types of shorts.
+SHORT CIRCUITWhen a circuit contacts another circuit and causes the
normal resistance to change.
+SHORT TO GROUNDWhen a circuit contacts a ground source and grounds the
circuit.
TESTING FOR ``OPENS'' IN THE CIRCUIT
Before you begin to diagnose and test the system, you should rough sketch a schematic of the system. This
will help you to logically walk through the diagnosis process. Drawing the sketch will also reinforce your work-
ing knowledge of the system.
Continuity check method
The continuity check is used to ®nd an open in the circuit. The Digital Multimeter (DMM) set on the resistance
function will indicate an open circuit as over limit (OL, no beep tone or no ohms symbol). Make sure to always
start with the DMM at the highest resistance level.
To help in understanding the diagnosis of open circuits please refer to the schematic above.
1. Disconnect the battery negative cable.
2. Start at one end of the circuit and work your way to the other end. (At the fuse block in this example)
3. Connect one probe of the DMM to the fuse block terminal on the load side.
4. Connect the other probe to the fuse block (power) side of SW1. Little or no resistance will indicate that
portion of the circuit has good continuity. If there were an open in the circuit, the DMM would indicate an
over limit or in®nite resistance condition. (point A)
5. Connect the probes between SW1 and the relay. Little or no resistance will indicate that portion of the cir-
cuit has good continuity. If there were an open in the circuit, the DMM would indicate an over limit or in®-
nite resistance condition. (point B)
6. Connect the probes between the relay and the solenoid. Little or no resistance will indicate that portion of
the circuit has good continuity. If there were an open in the circuit, the DMM would indicate an over limit
or in®nite resistance condition. (point C)
Any circuit can be diagnosed using the approach in the above example.
SGI846
HOW TO PERFORM EFFICIENT DIAGNOSIS FOR AN ELECTRICAL INCIDENT
GI-24

Voltage check method
To help in understanding the diagnosis of open circuits please refer to the previous schematic.
In any powered circuit, an open can be found by methodically checking the system for the presence of volt-
age. This is done by switching the DMM to the voltage function.
1. Connect one probe of the DMM to a known good ground.
2. Begin probing at one end of the circuit and work your way to the other end.
3. With SW1 open, probe at SW1 to check for voltage.
voltage; open is further down the circuit than SW1.
no voltage; open is between fuse block and SW1 (point A).
4. Close SW1 and probe at relay.
voltage; open is further down the circuit than the relay.
no voltage; open is between SW1 and relay (point B).
5. Close the relay and probe at the solenoid.
voltage; open is further down the circuit than the solenoid.
no voltage; open is between relay and solenoid (point C).
Any powered circuit can be diagnosed using the approach in the above example.
TESTING FOR ``SHORTS'' IN THE CIRCUIT
To simplify the discussion of shorts in the system please refer to the schematic below.
Resistance check method
1. Disconnect the battery negative cable and remove the blown fuse.
2. Disconnect all loads (SW1 open, relay disconnected and solenoid disconnected) powered through the
fuse.
3. Connect one probe of the ohmmeter to the load side of the fuse terminal. Connect the other probe to a
known good ground.
4. With SW1 open, check for continuity.
continuity; short is between fuse terminal and SW1 (point A).
no continuity; short is further down the circuit than SW1.
5. Close SW1 and disconnect the relay. Put probes at the load side of fuse terminal and a known good
ground. Then, check for continuity.
continuity; short is between SW1 and the relay (point B).
no continuity; short is further down the circuit than the relay.
6. Close SW1 and jump the relay contacts with jumper wire. Put probes at the load side of fuse terminal and
a known good ground. Then, check for continuity.
continuity; short is between relay and solenoid (point C).
no continuity; check solenoid, retrace steps.
SGI847
HOW TO PERFORM EFFICIENT DIAGNOSIS FOR AN ELECTRICAL INCIDENT
Circuit Inspection (Cont'd)
GI-25

VOLTAGE DROP TESTS
Voltage drop tests are often used to ®nd components or circuits which have excessive resistance. A voltage
drop in a circuit is caused by a resistancewhen the circuit is in operation.
Check the wire in the illustration. When measuring resistance with ohmmeter, contact by a single strand of
wire will give reading of 0 ohms. This would indicate a good circuit. When the circuit operates, this single strand
of wire is not able to carry the current. The single strand will have a high resistance to the current. This will
be picked up as a slight voltage drop.
Unwanted resistance can be caused by many situations as follows:
Undersized wiring (single strand example)
Corrosion on switch contacts
Loose wire connections or splices.
If repairs are needed always use wire that is of the same or larger gauge.
Measuring voltage drop Ð Accumulated method
1. Connect the voltmeter across the connector or part of the circuit you want to check. The positive lead of
the voltmeter should be closer to power and the negative lead closer to ground.
2. Operate the circuit.
3. The voltmeter will indicate how many volts are being used to ``push'' current through that part of the cir-
cuit.
Note in the illustration that there is an excessive 4.1 volt drop between the battery and the bulb.
Measuring voltage drop Ð Step by step
The step by step method is most useful for isolating excessive drops in low voltage systems (such as those
in ``Computer Controlled Systems'').
Circuits in the ``Computer Controlled System'' operate on very low amperage.
The (Computer Controlled) system operations can be adversely affected by any variation in resistance in the
system. Such resistance variation may be caused by poor connection, improper installation, improper wire
gauge or corrosion.
The step by step voltage drop test can identify a component or wire with too much resistance.
SGI974
HOW TO PERFORM EFFICIENT DIAGNOSIS FOR AN ELECTRICAL INCIDENT
Circuit Inspection (Cont'd)
GI-27

CONTROL UNIT CIRCUIT TEST
System Description: When the switch is ON, the control unit lights up the lamp.
AGI059
HOW TO PERFORM EFFICIENT DIAGNOSIS FOR AN ELECTRICAL INCIDENT
Circuit Inspection (Cont'd)
GI-29

SAE J1930 Terminology List
All emission related terms used in this publication in accordance with SAE J1930 are listed. Accordingly, new
terms, new acronyms/abbreviations and old terms are listed in the following chart.
***: Not applicable
NEW TERMNEW ACRONYM /
ABBREVIATIONOLD TERM
Air cleaner ACL Air cleaner
Barometric pressure BARO ***
Barometric pressure sensor-BCDD BAROS-BCDD BCDD
Camshaft position CMP ***
Camshaft position sensor CMPS Crank angle sensor
Canister *** Canister
Carburetor CARB Carburetor
Charge air cooler CAC Intercooler
Closed loop CL Closed loop
Closed throttle position switch CTP switch Idle switch
Clutch pedal position switch CPP switch Clutch switch
Continuous fuel injection system CFI system ***
Continuous trap oxidizer system CTOX system ***
Crankshaft position CKP ***
Crankshaft position sensor CKPS ***
Data link connector DLC ***
Data link connector for CONSULT DLC for CONSULT Diagnostic connector for CONSULT
Diagnostic test mode DTM Diagnostic mode
Diagnostic test mode selector DTM selector Diagnostic mode selector
Diagnostic test mode I DTM I Mode I
Diagnostic test mode II DTM II Mode II
Diagnostic trouble code DTC Malfunction code
Direct fuel injection system DFI system ***
Distributor ignition system DI system Ignition timing control
Early fuel evaporation-mixture heater EFE-mixture heater Mixture heater
Early fuel evaporation system EFE system Mixture heater control
Electrically erasable programmable read only
memoryEEPROM ***
Electronic ignition system EI system Ignition timing control
Engine control EC ***
Engine control module ECM ECCS control unit
Engine coolant temperature ECT Engine temperature
Engine coolant temperature sensor ECTS Engine temperature sensor
Engine modi®cation EM ***
Engine speed RPM Engine speed
Erasable programmable read only memory EPROM ***
Evaporative emission canister EVAP canister Canister
SAE J1930 TERMINOLOGY LIST
GI-43

***: Not applicable
NEW TERMNEW ACRONYM /
ABBREVIATIONOLD TERM
Evaporative emission system EVAP system Evaporative emission control system
Exhaust gas recirculation valve EGR valve EGR valve
Exhaust gas recirculation control-BPT valve EGRC-BPT valve BPT valve
Exhaust gas recirculation control-solenoid valve EGRC-solenoid valve EGR control solenoid valve
Exhaust gas recirculation temperature sensor
EGRT sensor Exhaust gas temperature sensor
EGR temperature sensor
Flash electrically erasable programmable read
only memoryFEEPROM ***
Flash erasable programmable read only memory FEPROM ***
Flexible fuel sensor FFS ***
Flexible fuel system FF system ***
Fuel pressure regulator *** Pressure regulator
Fuel pressure regulator control solenoid valve *** PRVR control solenoid valve
Fuel trim FT ***
Heated Oxygen sensor HO2S Exhaust gas sensor
Idle air control system IAC system Idle speed control
Idle air control valve-air regulator IACV-air regulator Air regulator
Idle air control valve-auxiliary air control valve IACV-AAC valve Auxiliary air control (AAC) valve
Idle air control valve-FICD solenoid valve IACV-FICD solenoid valve FICD solenoid valve
Idle air control valve-idle up control solenoid
valveIACV-idle up control solenoid
valveIdle up control solenoid valve
Idle speed control-FI pot ISC-FI pot FI pot
Idle speed control system ISC system ***
Ignition control IC ***
Ignition control module ICM ***
Indirect fuel injection system IFI system ***
Intake air IA Air
Intake air temperature sensor IAT sensor Air temperature sensor
Knock *** Detonation
Knock sensor KS Detonation sensor
Malfunction indicator lamp MIL Check engine light
Manifold absolute pressure MAP ***
Manifold absolute pressure sensor MAPS ***
Manifold differential pressure MDP ***
Manifold differential pressure sensor MDPS ***
SAE J1930 TERMINOLOGY LIST
SAE J1930 Terminology List (Cont'd)
GI-44