NANO

602

ELECTRICAL

8.2 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

1. Before starting electrical checks on the vehicle,

ensure that the relevant mechanical functions &

the relevant test equipment are working correctly.

2. Switch off ignition prior to making any connection

or disconnection in the system as electrical surge

caused by disconnecting ’live’ connections can

damage electronic components.

3. Ensure hands and work surfaces are clean and

free of grease, scarf, etc. as grease collects dirt

which can cause tracking or high-resistance

contacts. When handling printed circuit boards,

treat them as you would a disc - hold by the edges

only; note that some electronic components are

susceptible to body static.

4. Connectors should never be subjected to forced

removal or refit, especially inter-board connectors,

damaged contacts will cause short-circuit and

open-circuit conditions.

Prior to commencing test, and periodically during

test, touch a good earth, i.e. cigar lighter socket,

to discharge body static as some electronic

components are vulnerable to static electricity.

5. Secure the wiring harness by using clamps so that

there is no slack. However, for any harness which

passes to the engine or other vibrating parts of the

vehicle, allow some slack within a range that does

not allow the engine vibrations to cause the harness

to come into contact with any of the surrounding

parts, and then secure the harness by using a

clamp.

6. If any section of a wiring harness interferes with

the edge of a part or a corner, replace the part of

harness or wrap the section of the harness with

core tube.

7. To prevent damage to the electrical / electronic

parts (especially computers or semi

conductors) or to prevent fire :

a. Always disconnect the battery. Ensure that

battery leads are routed correctly and are not

close to any potential chafing points. Never

reverse connect the vehicle battery and always

observe the correct polarity when connecting

test equipment.

b. When disconnecting the battery terminals, be

sure for the following.

1. Turn off the ignition switch and all other

switches.

2. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal wire and

3. Disconnect the positive (+) terminal wire.

Connect the wires in the reverse order of

disconnecting.