The Trainer #78: How To "Read" A Wiring Diagram

#automotivewiring #schematic #blockdiagram #wiringdiagram #electricaltroubleshooting

“read·ing (ˈrēdiNG/) noun

1. the action or skill of reading written or printed matter silently or aloud.
"suggestions for further reading"
synonyms:
perusal, study, scan, scanning; 
o

2. an interpretation.
"my reading of the situation"
synonyms:
interpretation, construal, understanding, explanation, analysis”


When you “read” a wiring diagram which definition of “reading” are you using?

To be successful in diagnosing any electrical concern, techs must be comfortable in three areas; electrical fundamentals (volts, ohms and amps and how they all interact as well as how a fundamental circuit operates), using electrical testing equipment (the basic functions of a Digital Multimeter is a start) and how to “read” a wiring diagram. This month, we’re going to focus on the last.

Reading a wiring diagram has often been compared to reading a street map. You have to follow the “roads” from one component to the next to see how everything is connected. And that is true – to a point.

It is even more important to use the diagram to understand what is happening in those wires and components as well as when it’s happening. For example, if the blue/white wire starts at a fuse and ends up at a relay, is that wire carrying power all the time or only when the key is turned on? Does that wire supply power to the control side of the relay or the component side? What causes the power to switch on or off – a manual switch request or is it a control module driven control?

Truly “reading” a wiring diagram will help you in your troubleshooting. Often, with this knowledge, you can isolate a very narrow section of the wiring to focus your actual testing on. And that’s what we’ll focus on in this month’s “The Trainer”.

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