Basic Knowledge Required

A basic knowledge of the following items is required for use of this section:
(Use of the diagnostic procedures will be difficult without this basic knowledge.)

BASIC ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS
An understanding of the following concepts is required:
- The basic theory of electricity
- The meaning of the following terms:
- Voltage
- Current (amperes)
- Resistance (ohms)
- The result of an open or shorted wire in a circuit
- How to read and understand a wiring diagram

USE OF CIRCUIT TESTING TOOLS
An understanding of the following concepts is required:
- The use of the J 39200 Digital Multimeter (DMM)
Knowledge of the controls and their correct use is required.

IMPORTANT: Use a solid, unpainted chassis ground or the negative battery cable when measuring the resistance to ground.

- How to measure the value of the following items:
- Voltage
- Resistance
- Current
- The correct use of jumper wires for the following purposes:
- Bypassing components
- Testing circuits

Refer to the introduction of Troubleshooting Procedures (Cell 4 in Electrical Diagnosis) for a review of basic electrical troubleshooting knowledge.

General Motors Service Training also offers electrical/electronic courses.