GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2007 🢒 Lumina VE 🢒 Power and Signal Distribution 🢒 Wiring Systems and Power Management 🢒 Testing for Electrical Intermittents

Tools Required

Digital Multimeter.

Perform the following procedures while wiggling the harness from side to side. Continue this at convenient points (about 6 inches apart) while watching the test equipment.

    •  Testing for Short to Ground in Wiring Systems.
    •  Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems.
    •  Testing for a Short to Voltage in Wiring Systems.

If the fault is not identified, perform the procedure below using the MIN MAX feature on the Digital Multimeter. This feature allows you to manipulate the circuit without having to watch the Digital Multimeter. The Digital Multimeter will generate an audible tone when a change is detected.

Important: The Digital Multimeter must be used in order to perform the following procedure since it can monitor current, resistance or voltage while recording the minimum (MIN), and maximum (MAX) values measured.

  1. Connect the Digital Multimeter to both sides of a suspected connector (still connected), or from one end of a suspected circuit to the other. Refer to Troubleshooting with a Digital Multimeter in General Information for information on connecting the Digital Multimeter to the circuit.
  2. Set the rotary dial of the Digital Multimeter to the V (AC) or V (DC) position.
  3. Press the range button of the Digital Multimeter in order to select the desired voltage range.
  4. Press the MIN/MAX button of the Digital Multimeter. The Digital Multimeter displays 100 ms RECORD and emits an audible tone (beep).

    5. Important: The 100 ms RECORD mode is the length of time an input must stay at a new value in order to record the full change.

  5. Simulate the condition that is potentially causing the intermittent connection, either by wiggling the connections or the wiring, test driving, or performing other operations. Refer to Inducing Intermittent Fault Conditions.
  6. Listen for the audible MIN/MAX Alert which indicates that a new minimum or maximum value has been recorded.
  7. Press the MIN/MAX button once in order to display the MAX value and note the value.
  8. Press the MIN/MAX button again in order to display the MIN value and note the value.
  9. Determine the difference between the MIN and MAX values.
    10. • If the variation between the recorded MIN and MAX voltage values is 1 volt or greater an intermittent open or high resistance condition exists. Repair the condition as necessary.
    • If the variation between the recorded MIN and MAX voltage values is less than 1 volt an intermittent open or high resistance condition does not exist.