Circuit Analysis Using Jumper Wires (Creating Substitute Circuits)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Jumper wires may be employed for circuit analysis if the following cautions are carefully observed:
- Always use fused jumper wires -- the recommended universal-testing jumper wire fuse is 5 amperes or less; larger fuse ratings should be used only when the load requires them.
- Use flex probes or equivalent to prevent connector terminal damage.
- Flex probes are not intended to carry high current (greater than 5 amperes). Do not use them to connect power for cooling fans, blower motors, or other high current devices.
- Follow diagnostic test directions carefully when using jumper wires to avoid component or harness damage caused by incorrect jumper connections.
- Never repair a circuit by adding a new wire in parallel to the old one (overlaying the circuit) without fully understanding what caused the circuit to fail. Always find, examine, and repair the fault to correct the root cause and to repair any adjacent wiring that has been damaged.