Manual 36541
Solenoid Troubleshooting Guide
Woodward
7
Chapter 2.
Basic Troubleshooting
General Guidelines
Any troubleshooting process involves the following steps:
•
Reviewing customer complaint to understand the problem.
•
Analyzing information and symptoms to determine probable cause.
•
Taking appropriate corrective action to fix the problem.
This section contains some basic troubleshooting instructions. Chapter 3 contains
detailed step-step instructions for diagnosing and troubleshooting solenoid related
problems.
Tools and Equipment
The use of a digital multimeter is recommended for troubleshooting. Other tools
usually found in a mechanic’s tool box should be sufficient for most repairs.
•
Wire cutters/strippers
•
Screwdrivers
•
Adjustable wrenches
•
Soldering iron
The following parts are not essential but may be needed:
•
Tie wraps
•
Electrical tape
•
Wire
•
Crimp-ons
Troubleshooting Techniques
In order to efficiently troubleshoot a system or a piece of equipment, it is important
to take a systematic, step-by-step approach to narrow and identify the probable
cause of the problem. Troubleshooting is a process in which “trail fixing” should not
be attempted.
Many times troubleshooting is a matter of finding out what is “not wrong” with the
system. Therefore, begin with the most obvious and proceed step-by-step in an
orderly fashion.
Be aware that when several items of equipment are connected together it is not
easy to pinpoint the one item that is faulty. Also be aware that in many cases, the
problem may be that the operator is not using the equipment properly or that there is
some misadjustment.
