CIRCUIT ANALYSIS &
TROUBLESHOOTING
PURPOSE
Circuit analysis and troubleshooting is
the systematic process of recognizing
the symptoms of a problem,
identifying the possible cause, and
locating the failed component or
conductor in the circuit.
PROFICIENCY
To become proficient at troubleshooting
the technician must have the following
tools.
Recognize the type of circuit
Understand how the circuit operates
normally
Be able to recognize faults.
Knowledge and proficiency in the usage
of test equipment.
Read and understand schematics
TROUBLESHOOTING LOGIC TREE
SCHEMATICS & DRAWINGS
Types of schematics & drawings
Pictorial
Basically a picture schematic
More useful to the new maintenance
tech.
Types
Parts location
Circuit flow
Logic
BLOCK DIAGRAM
Block Diagram
Useful for
understanding
batte
ry switch solenoid Motor
signal flow from
point to point.
Usually hand
written by
maintenance
man
Simple schematic
Simplified wiring
M
diagram without
+
the wire numbers.
-
Useful for simple
flow.
Only applies to
the circuit you
SIMPLE SCHEMATIC happen to be
working
WIRING DIAGRAM
Best for actual troubleshooting.
Has both wire numbers and pin
numbers.
WIRING DIAGRAM
FAULTS
There are basically two types of faults.
Opens
Caused by an open wire or component in the circuit.
An open can be found by either using a continuity or a voltage
reading.
Logical way to troubleshoot the entire system is to split the system
in half.
Shorts
Normally caused by an excess of current flow due to a component
being shorted.
Most often the circuit breaker or fuse will open up.
TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS
Read the discrepancy and understand what happened.
Obtain all the pertinent facts
When did it occur (preflight, takeoff, cruising altitude, landing, etc.)
What were you doing (altitude, airspeed, maneuvering, etc.)
Was it a sudden appears or did it degrade over time.
Test the system
Try to duplicate the conditions.
Perform a system check to see if the discrepancy still can be
duplicated.