Figure 6-14.--Electrical symbols.
When a malfunction is reported concerning any of
illustrates the electrical symbols commonly found in
the components or systems that are maintained by the
schematic diagrams.
AME, the difficulty must be located and corrected
Loose connections are located by checking all
quickly.
connectors in the circuit. A connector that can be turned
To troubleshoot intelligently, the AME must be
by hand is loose and should be tightened hand-tight.
familiar with the system(s) at hand, knowing the
A continuity check is simply a matter of
function of each component in the system and with a
determining whether the circuit to the valve or other
mental picture of the location of each component in the
electrically controlled unit is complete. To perform a
system in relation to other components, as well as the
continuity check, the connector at the electrically
location of the component in the aircraft. This can be
controlled unit is first disconnected. Then, with all
achieved best by studying the installation and
necessary switches and circuit breakers closed, a test
schematic diagrams of the system found in the
lamp is connected into the circuit at the electrical
applicable MIM.
connector. The lamp indicates whether or not the circuit
Troubleshooting procedures are similar in
is complete.
practically all applications. The procedures covered in
Continuity checks may also be made with the use
this section are adaptable to almost all aircraft systems.
of a multimeter, an instrument used for measuring
Auto mechanics use these steps to find and repair
resistance, voltage, or amperage.
automobile malfunctions. The AME can use these
procedures to find and repair malfunctions within
Troubleshooting
aircraft systems.
Troubleshooting is the process of locating a
There are seven distinct steps to follow during
malfunctioning component or other unit in a system or
troubleshooting, as follows:
mechanism. For the AME, troubleshooting is an
1. Conduct a visual inspection. This inspection
important responsibility and one which will require a
should be thorough and searching--checking all lines,
lot of squadron time.
linkages, and components for obvious damage,
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