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Do not apply excessive shock to the control unit by dropping or hit- ting it.
Be careful to prevent condensation in the control unit due to rapid
temperature changes and do not let water or rain get on it. If water
is found in the control unit, dry it fully and then install it in the vehi-
cle.
Be careful not to let oil to get on the control unit connector.
Avoid cleaning the control unit with volatile oil.
Do not disassemble the contro l unit, and do not remove the upper
and lower covers.
When using a DMM, be careful not to let test probes get close to each other to prevent the power transistor in the control unit from
damaging battery voltage because of short circuiting.
When checking input and output signals of the control unit, use the
specified check adapter.
How to Check TerminalINFOID:0000000006280853
CONNECTOR AND TERMINAL PIN KIT
Use the connector and terminal pin kits listed below when replacing connectors or terminals.
The connector and terminal pin kits contain some of the most commonly used NISSAN/INFINITI connectors
and terminals. For detailed connector and terminal pin r eplacement procedures, refer to the latest NISSAN/
INFINITI CONNECTOR AND TERMINAL PIN SERVICE MANUAL.
SAIA0255E
SEF348N
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HOW TO PROBE CONNECTORS
Connector damage and an intermittent connection can result from improperly probing of the connector dur-
ing circuit checks.
The probe of a digital multimeter (DMM) may not corre ctly fit the connector cavity. To correctly probe the
connector, follow the procedures below using a “T” pin. For the best contact grasp the “T” pin using an alliga-
tor clip.
Probing from Harness Side
Standard type (not waterproof type) connector should be probed
from harness side with “T” pin.
If the connector has a rear cover such as a ECM connector,
remove the rear cover before probing the terminal.
Do not probe waterproof connector from harness side. Damage to the seal between wire and connector may result.
Probing from Terminal Side
FEMALE TERMINAL
There is a small notch above each female terminal. Probe each
terminal with the “T” pin through the notch.
Do not insert any object other than the same type male terminal
into female terminal.
Tool number
(Kent-Moore No.) Tool name Description
-
(J38751-95NI)
Connector and terminal
pin kit (NISSAN)
-
(J38751-95INF)
Connector and terminal
pin kit (INFINITI)
-
(J42992-98KIT)
OBD and terminal repair
kit
-
(J42992-2000UPD)
OBD-II Connector Kit Up-
date
WAIA0004EWAIA0005E
SGI841
SEL265V
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Some connectors do not have a notch above each terminal. To probe each terminal, remove the connector retainer to make con-
tact space for probing.
MALE TERMINAL Carefully probe the contact surface of each terminal using a “T”pin.
CAUTION:
Never bend terminal.
How to Check Enlarged Cont act Spring of Terminal
An enlarged contact spring of a terminal may create intermittent signals in the circuit.
If the intermittent open circuit occurs, follow the pr ocedure below to inspect for open wires and enlarged con-
tact spring of female terminal.
1. Assemble a male terminal and approx. 10 cm (3.9 in) of wire. NOTE:
Use a male terminal which matches the female terminal.
2. Disconnect the suspected faulty connector and hold it terminal side up.
3. While holding the wire of the male terminal, try to insert the male terminal into the female terminal.
CAUTION:
Never force the male terminal into the female terminal with
your hands.
SEL266V
SEL267V
SEL270V
SEL271V
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4. While moving the connector, check whether the male terminalcan be easily inserted or not.
If the male terminal can be easily inserted into the female ter-minal, replace the female terminal.
Waterproof Connector Inspection
If water enters the connector, it can short interior circuits. This may lead to intermittent problems.
Check the following items to maintain the original waterproof characteristics.
RUBBER SEAL INSPECTION Most waterproof connectors are provided with a rubber seal between the male and female connectors. If the seal is missing,
the waterproof performance may not meet specifications.
The rubber seal may come off when connectors are disconnected.
Whenever connectors are reconnected, check the rubber seal is
properly installed on either side of male or female connector.
WIRE SEAL INSPECTION The wire seal must be installed on the wire insertion area of awaterproof connector. Be sure that the seal is installed properly.
Terminal Lock Inspection
Check for unlocked terminals by pulling wire at the end of connector.
An unlocked terminal may create intermittent signals in the circuit.
Intermittent IncidentINFOID:0000000006280854
DESCRIPTION
Sometimes the symptom is not present when the vehicle is brought in for service. If possible, re-create the
conditions present at the time of the incident. Doing so may help avoid a No Trouble Found Diagnosis. The fol-
SEL272V
SEL273V
SEL275V
SEL330V
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lowing section illustrates ways to simulate the c onditions/environment under which the owner experiences an
electrical incident.
The section is broken into the six following topics: Vehicle vibration
Heat sensitive
Freezing
Water intrusion
Electrical load
Cold or hot start up
Get a thorough description of the incident from the customer . It is important for simulating the conditions of the
problem.
VEHICLE VIBRATION
The problem may occur or become worse while driving on a rough road or when engine is vibrating (idle with
A/C on). In such a case, you will want to check for a vibration related condition. Refer to the following illustra-
tion.
Connector & Harness
Determine which connectors and wiring harness would affect the electrical system you are inspecting. Gently
shake each connector and harness while monitoring the syst em for the incident you are trying to duplicate.
This test may indicate a loose or poor electrical connection.
Hint
Connectors can be exposed to moisture. It is possible to get a thin film of corrosion on the connector termi-
nals. A visual inspection may not reveal this without disconnecting the connector. If the problem occurs inter-
mittently, perhaps the problem is caused by corrosi on. It is a good idea to disconnect, inspect and clean the
terminals on related connectors in the system.
Sensor & Relay
Gently apply a slight vibration to sensors and relays in the system you are inspecting.
This test may indicate a loose or poorly mounted sensor or relay.
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 verifyi ng the integrity of ground connections. (Refer to Ground
Inspection described later.) First check that the syst em is properly grounded. Then check for loose connection
by gently shaking the wiring or components as previous ly 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. Vehi-
cle vibration can aggravate a harness which is routed along a bracket or near a screw.
Under Seating Areas
SGI839
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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 s eating areas, inspect wire routing for possible damage or
pinching.
HEAT SENSITIVE
The customer's concern 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.
CAUTION:
Never heat components above 60 °C (140 °F).
If incident occurs while heating the unit, either replace or properly insulate the component.
FREEZING
The customer may indicate the incident goes away after the carwarms 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 first is to arrange for the owner to leave his car overnight. Check it will get cold enough
to demonstrate his complaint. Leave the car parked outside over-
night. 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 intru-
sion on an electrical part. This can be simulated by soaking the car
or running it through a car wash.
CAUTION:
Never 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.
JPAIA0733GB
SGI843
SGI844
SGI845
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Circuit InspectionINFOID:0000000006280855
DESCRIPTION
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 thor-
ough 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 te sting electrical components. Gently shake the wiring
harness or electrical component to do this.
NOTE:
Refer to GI-37, "
How to Check Terminal" to probe or check terminal.
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 find an open in the circui t. The digital multimeter (DMM) set on the resistance
function will indicate an open circuit as over limit (no beep tone or no ohms symbol). Check to always start with
the DMM at the highest resistance level.
To help in understanding the diagnosis of open circui ts, please refer to the previous schematic.
Disconnect the battery negative cable.
Start at one end of the circuit and work your way to the other end. (At the fuse block in this example)
Connect one probe of the DMM to the fuse block terminal on the load side.
Connect the other probe to the fuse block (power) side of SW1. Little or no resistance will indicate that por-
tion of the circuit has good continuity. If there were an open in the circuit, the DMM would indicate an over
limit or infinite resistance condition. (point A)
Connect the probes between SW1 and the relay. Little or no resistance will indicate that portion of the circuit
has good continuity. If there were an open in the circuit, t he DMM would indicate an over limit or infinite resis-
tance condition. (point B)
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 ci rcuit, the DMM would indicate an over limit or infi-
nite resistance condition. (point C)
Any circuit can be diagnosed using the approach in the previous example.
Voltage Check Method
To help in understanding the diagnosis of open circui ts please refer to the previous schematic.
In any powered circuit, an open can be found by methodica lly checking the system for the presence of voltage.
This is done by switching the DMM to the voltage function.
Connect one probe of the DMM to a known good ground.
Begin probing at one end of the circuit and work your way to the other end.
With SW1 open, probe at SW1 to check for voltage. voltage: open is further down the circuit than SW1.
OPEN A circuit is open when there is no continuity through a section of the circuit.
SHORT There are two types of shorts.
SHORT CIRCUIT
When a circuit contacts another circuit and causes the normal resistance to
change.
SHORT TO GROUND When a circuit contacts a ground source and grounds the circuit.
SGI846-A
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no voltage: open is between fuse block and SW1 (point A).
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).
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 previous example.
TESTING FOR “SHORTS” IN THE CIRCUIT
To simplify the discussion of shorts in the sy stem, please refer to the following schematic.
Resistance Check Method
Disconnect the battery negative cable and remove the blown fuse.
Disconnect all loads (SW1 open, relay disconnected and solenoid disconnected) powered through the fuse.
Connect one probe of the DMM to the load side of the fuse terminal. Connect the other probe to a known
good ground.
With SW1 open, check for continuity. continuity: short is between fuse terminal and SW1 (point A).
no continuit: short is further down the circuit than SW1.
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.
Close SW1 and jump the relay contacts with jumper wir e. 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.
Voltage Check Method
Remove the blown fuse and disconnect all loads (i .e. SW1 open, relay disconnected and solenoid discon-
nected) powered through the fuse.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON or START position. Verify battery voltage at the battery + side of the fuse
terminal (one lead on the battery + terminal side of the fuse block and one lead on a known good ground).
With SW1 open and the DMM leads across both fuse terminals, check for voltage. voltage: short is between fuse block and SW1 (point A).
no voltage: short is further down the circuit than SW1.
With SW1 closed, relay and solenoid disconnected and the DMM leads across both fuse terminals, check for
voltage.
voltage: short is between SW1 and the relay (point B).
no voltage: short is further down the circuit than the relay.
With SW1 closed, relay contacts jumped with fused jumper wire check for voltage. voltage: short is down the circuit of the relay or between the relay and the disconnected solenoid (point C).
no voltage: retrace steps and check power to fuse block.
GROUND INSPECTION
Ground connections are very important to the proper operation of electrical and electronic circuits. Ground
connections are often exposed to moisture, dirt and other corrosive elements. The corrosion (rust) can
become an unwanted resistance. This unwanted resistance can change the way a circuit works.
Electronically controlled circuits are very sens itive to proper grounding. A loose or corroded ground can
drastically affect an electronically controlled circuit. A poor or corroded ground can easily affect the circuit.
Even when the ground connection looks clean, there c an be a thin film of rust on the surface.
SGI847-A
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