| |
The Emphasis is on helping each other with diagnostic assistance, encouragement and the sharing of information
that will ultimately help us all become better at what we do in a positive and professional forum.
|
|
|
 Diagnostic test leads can be made from terminal pins removed from salvage wire harnesses. Well why not! If you have priced a set of Flex Leads or generic test lead kits you know they are pricey. What's more is that inevitably through normal use they will eventually break or you will lose a couple forcing you to buy more. So why not use terminal pins that are in the OEM harnesses and make your own? Pictured are a few of the ones from my diagnostic arsenal.
Harnesses that are removed from vehicles are not discarded in my dealer's shop. We cut off every connector leaving six or eight inches of wire. The hard shell connectors and the wire terminals frequently become useful in making repairs to wire harnesses. Consider this a form of recycling. The terminal pins can also be removed and used as diagnostic test pins as well and you will find a variety of sizes and types in your salvaged connectors bin if you have one.
To make a set of FREE and properly fitting test terminals simply select several types and sizes that you will commonly need and make at least two of each. Select wires that are in good condition and have no corrosion. Six inches if wire is a good working length. After removing the individual wires from the hard shell connectors place heat shrink tubing over the terminal ends to provide support and to protect against shorting circuits when using two leads close together. Strip approximately one half inch of the insulation on the cut end to connect your multimeter leads to. For a few dollars you can obtain some banana-jack terminals and connect them to the cut ends to make low cost leads just like the expensive ones. This promotes a positive connection and prevents damaging of vehicle harnesses by eliminating improperly probed connectors which can lead to improper diagnosis and creating additional wiring concerns.
|
Article by: Keith Browning Photographs by: Keith Browning
This article is only to provide information. It is hoped that it helps technicians in identifying possible
causes and assist in the quick diagnosis of the identified concern. This is not intended to replace any
official instructions, authorization or documentation of any Ford Motor Company Engineers, service manual,
TSB, Service Message or recall.
 FDDTS
|
|
|
