How to Check Electrical Connections

Practically all systems in a car engine use some type of electrical or electronic component, all of them sending or receiving current and voltage signals through a wide network of wires and connectors. However, high temperature, vibration, mechanical movement and wear inside the engine compartment stress electrical contacts, wires and their components. Here, we will learn how to check electrical connections so you can make the necessary repairs and restore electrical or electronic components back into their network.

Things You'll Need

• Combination wrench set
• Ratchet and socket set
• Petroleum jelly
• Wire stripper

Instructions

1. Open the hood of your car and closely inspect the connections from the battery to the engine block and body. Also, make sure ground connections between the engine block and chassis are in good condition. Use a wrench or ratchet to disconnect and make a good tight connection where necessary. Clean electrical terminals and connectors using a wire brush.

2. Apply a thing coat of petroleum jelly or electrical contact grease to electrical terminals once the connection has been cleaned and reconnected to protect it from corrosion. Corrosion increases electrical resistance and sometimes may prevent an electrical component from working at all.

3. Inspect the electrical connections from the different electrical and electronic components controlled by the car computer like TPS sensor, MAP sensor and Oxygen sensor. Shake the electrical connections to make sure they are tight.

4. Unplug electrical connections that feel loose and inspect them for corrosion. Use a wire brush and electrical contact cleaner if necessary to restore the electrical terminals.

5. Apply conductive grease on some electrical connections to prevent corrosion. Consult your vehicle service manual to identify electrical components that might need conductive grease.

6. Repair damaged wire making a new connection. Use a wire stripper to cut just enough of the insulation to make a soldering connection, fit enough wire through a terminal or butt connector. Twist the exposed wire to keep the strands together before making the final connection.

7. Use insulated crimp connectors or heat shrink tubing for better electrical connections between two wires or a wire and a terminal. If you have to use electrical tape to isolate an electrical connection, make sure the tape can stand high temperatures; otherwise it might melt and cause an electrical short.

Tips & Warnings

• Special tools, compounds and varied types of electrical connectors and terminals used in automobile electrical systems are available at most auto parts stores.

• Consult your vehicle service manual to locate and identify electrical components in your car. Service manuals are available at most auto parts stores or you can consult one for free at your local public library.

• Always replace sections of wire with the same gage size. Using a smaller gage may cause a fire.