GENERAL INFORMATION
ELECTRICAL PRECAUTIONS 1
ELECTRICAL PRECAUTIONS
General
The following guidelines are intended to ensure the
safety of the operator whilst preventing damage to
the electrical and electronic components fitted to the
vehicle. Where necessary specific precautions are
detailed in the relevant sections of this Manual which
should be referred to prior to commencing repair
operations.
Equipment - Prior to commencing any test
procedure on the vehicle ensure that the relevant
test equipment is working correctly and any harness
or connectors are in good condition, this particularly
applies to mains lead and plugs.
WARNING: Before commencing work on
an ignition system all high tension
terminals, adapters and diagnostic
equipment for testing should be inspected to
ensure that they are adequately insulated and
shielded to prevent accidental personal contacts
and minimise the risk of shock. Wearers of
surgically implanted pacemaker devices should
not be in close proximity to ignition circuits or
diagnostic equipment.
Polarity - Never reverse connect the vehicle battery
and always observe the correct polarity when
connecting test equipment.
High Voltage Circuits - Whenever disconnecting live
ht circuits always use insulated pliers and never
allow the open end of the ht lead to come into
contact with other components particularly ECU’s.
Exercise caution when measuring the voltage on the
coil terminals while the engine is running, high
voltage spikes can occur on these terminals.
Connectors and Harness - The engine compartment
of a vehicle is a particularly hostile environment for
electrical components and connectors. Always
ensure these items are dry and oil free before
disconnecting and connecting test equipment. Never
force connectors apart either by using tools or by
pulling on the wiring harness. Always ensure locking
tabs are disengaged before removal and not
orientation to enable correct reconnection. Ensure
that any protective covers and substances are
replaced if disturbed.
Having confirmed a component to be faulty switch
off the ignition and disconnect the battery. Remove
the component and support the disconnected
harness. When replacing the component keep oily
hands away from electrical connection areas and
push connectors home until any locking tabs fully
engage.
Battery disconnection
Before disconnecting the battery, switch off all
electrical equipment. If the radio is to be serviced,
ensure the security code has been deactivated.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to electrical
components ALWAYS disconnect the
battery when working on the vehicle
electrical system. The earth lead must be
disconnected first and reconnected last.
Always ensure that battery leads are routed
correctly and are not close to any potential
chafing points.
Battery charging
Recharge the battery out of the vehicle and keep the
top well ventilated. While being charged or
discharged, and for approximately fifteen minutes
afterwards, batteries emit hydrogen gas. This gas is
inflammable.
Always ensure any battery charging area is well
ventilated and that every precautions is taken to
avoid naked flames and sparks.
To Next Page
Loading...
