Abstract: Trainline controller including testing of signal quality on a trainline network by commanding each node to transmitter calibration signal. A signal detector is connected to the trainline at a common junction with a head end termination circuit. A stuck-on transmitter is determined by a transmission current drawn by the transceiver is on for a present amount of time.

Abstract: A method for generating a fault signal in a system voltage regulator by a phase signal includes detecting the system voltage and phase signal; comparing the system voltage and phase signal with respective fault levels; and generating a fault signal upon either the system voltage or the phase signal falling below the respective fault level of the fault levels. The fault signal generating method also inhibits generating a fault signal using a drive signal of the system voltage regulator. A diagnostic circuit for a system voltage regulator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for testing whether proper connections (30, 34) are made between wire harnesses and fuel injector assemblies (26) includes at least one gripper mechanism (44) for grasping a selected portion (32, 36) of a wire harness associated with the fuel injector assembly (26). The gripper mechanism (44) preferably moves relative to the fuel injector assembly after it has been positioned on an appropriate support (40). The gripper mechanism (44) preferably grasps a selected portion (32, 36) of the wire harness and pulls it in a direction away from the fuel injector assembly (26). If a proper connection is made, the wire harness does not become disconnected from the fuel injector assembly. If a proper connection is not made, however, that is revealed as the gripper mechanism (44) pulls the wire harness off of the fuel injector assembly.

Abstract: An automobile multi-purpose DC source protection monitor includes of a fuse protection module; multiple units of fuse being arranged on each fuse-carrier, then respectively connected to electric appliance; individual sensor being provided to form individual detection loop; a signal retrieval module connected to each sensor through transmission wire to convert analog signals detected by each fuse into digital signals; and a display module to clearly indicate the location of a failing fuse, immediate display of voltage, amperage and power in numeric values by means of the signal retrieval module and the digital signals of the detection loop from each fuse on the fuse-carrier.

Abstract: A ground-fault detecting device includes a power source which is electrically insulated from a vehicle body, a pulse signal generator which generates a pulse signal having a high level and a low level which are appeared repeatedly in a prescribed cycle, a detection resistor which is connected to the pulse signal generator and the power source, a coupling capacitor which is connected to the detecting resistor in series, an integrator which integrates a difference between a first reference voltage and a detection voltage of the pulse signal at a connecting point of the detection resistor and the coupling capacitor over an integration interval, and a ground-fault determinant which judges whether a ground fault is occurred on the basis of an output of the integrator. The integration interval is at least part of a high-level interval and a low-level interval of the pulse signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to quickly electrically test an electrical wiring system that has a large number of contacts by maximally reducing the number of electrical tests. A plurality of contacts forming a network of an electrical wiring system is divided into a plurality of groups. The respective groups are insulated from each other. The insulated states of these groups are discriminated, and the insulated states of the respective contacts in the respective groups are discriminated if the insulated states of the respective groups are judged to be satisfactory.

Abstract: A compulsory drive unit (1) for electrical equipment provided in a vehicle is capable of easily and compulsorily driving the electrical equipment (11) in the vehicle to check the operation thereof. The compulsory drive unit (1) brings a power supply unit (30) into contact with a bus bar (21) through a conduction hole (2c) of a junction block (2) to thereby supply the electrical equipment with power from an outside battery (+B) and compulsorily drive the electrical equipment. It is therefore possible to easily check the operation of the electrical equipment, and this significantly improves the operating efficiency.

Abstract: A short-circuit detector has connected between positive and negative terminals of a DC power source a series connection including sequentially a first switch, a first detection resistor, a second detection resistor and a second switch, a third switch between a grounding terminal such as a vehicle chassis and a point between the first and second detection resistors and a voltage detector circuit connected in parallel with the first and second detection resistors.

Abstract: If there is an error in the feeding system and the error condition allows the motor vehicle to run, the power to electric load systems having a low priority is cut off. If the error condition does not allow the motor vehicle to run, the power to all electric loads is cut off. If there is an error in an electric load system having a high priority, the power to all electric loads is cut off. If there is an error in an electric load system having a low priority, the power to this electric load is cut off.

Abstract: A vehicle provides the automatic activation and deactivation of vehicle lights in a predetermined sequence upon user request to assist the user in making a sight inspection of operation of the lights without further human help.

Abstract: A checking method is described for a wiring harness having first sub-harnesses and second sub-harnesses in which the first sub-harness has a first press-fit terminal joined to each end of a first electrical cable, and the first sub-harness has a first isolator holding the first press-fit terminal and the second sub-harness has a second press-fit terminal, a crimp terminal, a connector housing for accommodating the crimp terminal, a second isolator supporting the second press-fit terminal and wherein a second electrical cable connects the second press fit terminal and the crimp terminal at opposite ends. The checking method, which is effective upon layering of the first and second isolators includes the conduct of decision steps for determining acceptance or rejection of the individual sub-harnesses after assembly thereof and a final decision step for determining acceptance or rejection of the completed wiring harness layering following of the isolators of the first and second sub-harness.

Abstract: A test device for indicating short-circuits in automotive wiring of a vehicle utilizing a 12-volt electrical system and including two incandescent lamps connected in series on opposite sides of a resettable circle breaker. The test devide is connected in series with the fuse junctions of a particular electrical circuit of the vehicle while the fuse is remove, when the second lamp is illuminated, then everything is normal and the particular electrical circuit of the vehicle is healthy, but if the second lamp is not illuminated and the first lamp is illuminated, this means that there is a short-circuit.

Abstract: A portable and easy to use tester for validating the accuracy of wiring diagram manuals and for testing modifications and new installations for proper wiring. The invention also provides an easy way to create a wire list describing all the interconnections between attached connectors. The tester can also be used as a troubleshooting tool without having a previously learned cable reference. The invention further tests wiring insulation in a wiring harness and identifies poor wire to wire and wire to ground insulation. Finally the present invention provides a system for generating a wiring diagram based upon the results of a wiring validation series of checks/tests.

Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing automobile audio systems having a system integrity analyzer which includes speaker testing. The speaker testing includes a member for supplying an input to each of the positive and negative leads while supplying ground to the other of the positive and negative lead. This, in turn, facilitates diagnosis of the operation of the audio system of the vehicle. In addition, the apparatus comprises a system for analyzing vibrations comprising a frequency transmitter and an oscillator. The frequency transmitter is capable of transmitting a signal generated by the oscillator on a frequency that is receivable by a vehicle audio system. The oscillator includes altering the signal generated by the oscillator between the lower audible range and the upper audible range.

Abstract: The present invention is an assembly line testing apparatus and method for automatically verifying proper connectivity of a plurality of components to a wiring harness within an article of manufacture, such as a vehicle engine, by electrically determining whether a closed circuit loop is formed with each component through two respective nodes of the wiring harness. A micro-controller controls application of a test voltage signal at a first node of the wiring harness to be coupled to one node of a component. The micro-controller then determines whether such a test voltage signal appears on a second node of the wiring harness to be coupled to the other node of the component to determine whether the component is properly connected to the wiring harness. In addition, the micro-controller determines and outputs an identification of any of the plurality of components that is not properly connected to the wiring harness.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for determining a torque current in an electric machine coupled to a polyphase bus. The method comprises: detecting a rotational position of the electric machine with a position encoder; controlling an inverter comprising a plurality of switching devices, the inverter having an input coupled to a direct current bus, and an output coupled to the polyphase bus. Where the inverter is responsive to commands from a controller coupled to the inverter and to the position encoder. The method also includes measuring a current from the direct current bus; and capturing the current at a predefined interval of time. Also disclosed is a system for determining a current in an electric machine coupled to a polyphase bus, the system comprising: a position encoder coupled to the electric machine to detect rotational position; an inverter having an input coupled to a direct current bus, and an output coupled to the polyphase bus.

Abstract: If there is an error in the feeding system and the error condition allows the motor vehicle to run, the power to electric load systems having a low priority is cut off. If the error condition does not allow the motor vehicle to run, the power to all electric loads is cut off. If there is an error in an electric load system having a high priority, the power to all electric loads is cut off. If there is an error in an electric load system having a low priority, the power to this electric load is cut off.

Abstract: In a diagnostic tester for electronic control devices in a variety of different motor vehicles, a universal plug connection is provided that is identical for the various types of motor vehicles. The tester can be connected through the plug connection to a diagnostic plug connection in each motor vehicle that is linked with the control devices to be diagnosed. The connection is standardized mechanically with a fixed number of plug contacts but not in terms of the signal assignments of the plug contacts and the electrical properties of the signals to be transmitted. The universal plug connection is mechanically adapted to the standardized diagnostic plug connection. In addition, an adapter unit is connected to the diagnostic device side of the universal plug connection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a work bench for holding electric wires. The work bench includes a generally vertical pillar and a head provided on the top of the pillar. The head includes a body having an upper surface on which electric wires may be hung. A stopper is provided at a front end of the body so as to prevent the electric wires from falling from the body and to enable the electric wire to be pulled out from the body along the stopper. A swingable member is provided on the body so that at least a portion of each electric wire is held between the body and the swingable member. The work bench can prevent the electric wire falling off the body and can store many kinds of electric wires in a compact way that improves work and space efficiency.

Abstract: A method and system for diagnostics and ascertaining status of an electric machine coupled to a polyphase bus. The method and system include: detecting a rotational position with a position encoder coupled to the electric machine; controlling an inverter having an input coupled to a direct current bus and an output coupled to the polyphase bus, where the inverter is responsive to commands from a controller coupled to the inverter and to the position encoder. The method and system further include measuring a current from the direct current bus; capturing a torque current; calculating a current error; establishing a bound limit for the torque current; comparing the current error to the bound limit. The method and system also include: determining whether a fault exists by evaluating if the bound limit has been exceeded; incrementing a fault counter if a fault exists; decrementing a fault counter if no fault exists; and indicating a failure if the fault counter exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: To enable calling and turning off of failure codes stored in a control unit without using a dedicated switch or the like. An electronic control unit controls an actuator of a braking device, stores failure codes representing problems in the braking device, and has its power terminal connected to a battery via a fuse. A main switch is turned on to connect the power terminal to the battery. Thereafter, the fuse is made inoperative or detached, and is re-installed after a lapse of a predetermined time interval. A failure code stored in the electronic control unit is called, and is displayed by an indicator. Then, the fuse is again made inoperative or detached, and re-installed in the predetermined time interval. The failure code will be automatically turned off. Alternatively, a connector may be used to substitute for or in combination with the fuse.

Abstract: In a device for detecting the abnormality of a wire harness or a power supply device for a motor vehicle, a temperature fuse which blows out when a temperature exceeds a certain value is arranged within or adjacently to a wire harness. By detecting the presence or absence of break of the temperature fuse, abnormality of the wire harness is detected. Thus, deterioration of the wire harness due to rare short can be avoided.

Abstract: A circuit includes a plurality of inexpensive resistors connected at one end to the open collector outputs of an output array of NPN output transistors which are connected to a wiring harness or the like for selectively powering a preselected load. The opposite ends of the resistors are connected to the base of an NPN sense transistor. The output NPN transistors, when in the on condition, are biased well into saturation for normal loads and therefore provide a very low Vce (sat) when properly connected through the harness to the intended load. In the off condition, the output NPN transistors look essentially like an open circuit. Vce (sat) is lower than the base turn-on voltage of the NPN sense transistor which has a grounded emitter. The collector of the NPN sense transistor is connected to a source of voltage through a pull-up resistor and to an input of the microprocessor which controls the signals to the output array transistors.

Abstract: A conductivity testing method for a sub-harness and a sub-harness manufacturing apparatus are provided, which sub-harness manufacturing apparatus includes: a pair of connecting units each having a wire connecting portion, made of metal, vertically movable so as to connect one end of one of wires composing a sub-harness to one of terminals having a sheathing clamping portion and being arranged in a wire feeding direction; and a pair of transferring means to transfer the terminals in a direction perpendicular to the wire feeding direction so as to position each one of the terminals under each wire connecting portions, wherein a clamping punch portion to clamp the sheathing clamping portion is provided on the wire connecting portion of each of the pair of connecting units and a conductivity testing means to judge the one, having terminals on the respective ends thereof, of the wires being good or bad is arranged between the clamping punch portions of the pair of connecting units.

Abstract: There is provided a bend-test device for wire harnesses, capable of handling a plurality of samples at the same time. The bend-test device includes a fixed frame unit, a hinge unit with a fulcrum axis, and a mobile frame unit connected to the fixed frame unit via the hinge unit in a freely pivotable manner around the fulcrum axis. The fixed frame unit includes fixed-side panels respectively including holder holes, each of which holds a grommet carrying a wire harness. The fixed-side panels are arranged in a parallel relation to each other, and aligned perpendicular to the direction of the fulcrum axis, in a freely mountable and removable manner. Likewise, the mobile frame unit includes mobile-side panels respectively including holder holes, each of which holds another grommet carrying the wire harness. The mobile-side panels are arranged as mentioned above, so that each of the mobile-side panels can be opposed to a corresponding one among the fixed-side panels.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing operation of devices on a vehicular trailer without the necessity of a truck being connected thereto. A digital signal which is different for each device to be tested is encoded and wirelessly transmitted. Upon receipt of the signal, a power source is connected to the respective device to be tested. In order to reliably apply the signal in a multiplexed system in the trailer, the signal is mixed with a pseudorandom digital sequence to provide a direct sequence spread spectrum for the signal.

Abstract: A control for sensing impending and existing electrical connection faults in a vehicular transmission control circuit (42) including a plurality of individually energized and de-energized electrical devices such as electric motors (36 and 38) and solenoid-controlled valves (24 and 30). A voltage monitor (46) senses voltage drop across a power source (44) for properly operating devices and compares it to an expected voltage drop (REF) to determine if an electrical connection fault condition exists.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electric circuit arrangement (1) for checking a series circuit including a switch (2) and a load (3). The circuit arrangement (1) includes a first circuit (11) which is connected to the connecting circuit node (6) between the switch (2) and the load (3) and is suitable for detecting a first state. The first state defines a short circuit of the connecting circuit node (6) to the supply voltage (5). Furthermore, a second circuit (12) is connected in parallel with the first circuit (11) and is connected to the connecting circuit node (6). The second circuit (12) is suitable for detecting a second or a third state. The second state defines a short circuit of the connecting circuit node (6) to ground (4) and the third state defines an interruption of the connecting circuit node (6) to the supply voltage (5).

Abstract: A circuit includes a plurality of inexpensive resistors connected at one end to the open collector outputs of an output array of NPN output transistors which are connected to a wiring harness or the like for selectively powering a preselected load. The opposite ends of the resistors are connected to the base of an NPN sense transistor. The output NPN transistors, when in the on condition, are biased well into saturation for normal loads and therefore provide a very low Vce (sat) when properly connected through the harness to the intended load. In the off condition, the output NPN transistors look essentially like an open circuit. Vce (sat) is lower than the base turn-on voltage of the NPN sense transistor which has a grounded emitter. The collector of the NPN sense transistor is connected to a source of voltage through a pull-up resistor and to an input of the microprocessor which controls the signals to the output array transistors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing excessive resistance in an electrical harness of an internal combustion engine. Voltage is applied from a power source (24) through contacts (30a, 30b, 32a, 32b, 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b) and harness leads (26 and 28) to an electrical assembly (20). Electrical assembly (20) includes the load of a first electrical component (23), and by switching means (25) includes the electrical load of a second electrical component (21). An electronic control module (22 or 38) controls switching means (25) and compares the voltage drop across electrical assembly (20) when the second electrical component (21) is switched in or out. By comparing the voltage drops ECM (22 or 38) can determine if there is excessive resistance in the contacts (30a, 30b, 32a, 32b, 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b) or leads (26 and 28).

Abstract: A combination ground and power source circuit tester device includes a cylindrical plug with a cone-shaped end that fits into a vehicle accessory receptacle. An attached body member engages the plug and retains first and second radially extending contacts that function to provide a connection with conductive studs that attach to leads to a circuit. A light bulb indicating that the circuitry is powered is retained in the body member and in a parallel circuit with the contacts.

Abstract: A new and improved system for testing tractor and trailer light systems interconnected by a cable wherein the trailer has a gladhand. The system includes a housing having a front control panel, a pair of battery terminals connected to said housing for connecting it to a battery and a cable connected to the housing having a connector which can be connected to an electrical receptacle of a trailer. Further, a plurality of switches are connected to the battery and the connector for testing various electrical circuits in the trailer. Additionally, a support rod is provided for engaging a convention glad hand thereby supporting the device in a hands free manner when in use.

Abstract: The electric power breaker for breaking the electric power is placed on the midpoint of the electric power line from the battery power supply, and the electric power line is extracted from the electric power breaker. In addition, the electric power supply terminal is placed on the midpoint on the electric power line, from which the electric power is supplied to the individual electric loads. The electric power distribution and the electric power supply operation to the electric loads are controlled by the multiplex communication. A semiconductor device having a self protection function is used as the switching device for supplying the electric power. The electric power line covered by the electric conductive material is arranged in a loop topology so as to start from the connection point to the battery and pass through the designated positions in the vehicle and return to the battery.

Abstract: A switching configuration for electrical control devices, in particular for use in control devices of an electrical system of power-driven vehicles is disclosed. The switching configuration includes a busline with a defined thermal conductivity and a defined heat capacity, which is connected with a first predefined power supply potential. The switching configuration has a plurality of switching devices for switching on and off at least one associated load of a respective switching device, for each of which a first current-conducting connection of the switching device is connected with the busline with a defined thermal conductivity and a heat capacity. Whereby each load of a respective switching device is connected between a second current-conducting connection of the switching devices and a second predefined power supply potential.

Abstract: A safety inspection system includes a remote control unit having a user interface that is operated by a user to communicate commands to a main unit. The main unit is coupled to a power source, a source of pressurized air, and a trailer, such as a trailer of a tractor-trailer, to enable the user to verify the operation of a variety of lighting elements, which may include clearance and running lights, hazard lights, backup lights, turn signal indicators, and brake lights, and to further verify the operation of an air brake system of the trailer.

Abstract: A motor driving circuit controls driving currents to be supplied to stator coils of a plurality of phases so as to supply the driving currents to the stator coils in sequence so as to generate a rotating magnetic field. The interaction between the rotating magnetic field generated by the stator coils and a magnetic field generated by a magnet of a rotor causes the rotor to rotate with respect to the stator coils. The motor driving circuit includes a driving circuit for supplying the driving currents to the stator coils, respectively; and a preventing circuit for preventing the driving means from supplying the driving currents to the stator coils in sequence.

Abstract: A tester is disclosed for any one of three different types of cruise control systems on a vehicle, each of which has a cruise engage signal conductor which is tested for circuit continuity. The continuity testing circuit includes a battery, light emitting diode (LED) and a transistor with its base connected through a bias resistor to a connector element which is connected to the cruise engage signal conductor for testing its continuity. The circuit continuity is indicated by turn-on of the LED for two types of cruise control systems and by failure to turn-on the LED for the third type of cruise control system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing the time required to test an integrated circuit (10) using slew rate control. Using a very slow slew rate during normal operation may reduce electromagnetic interference, while using a faster slew rate during testing may reduce the test costs. In one embodiment, terminal control circuitry (40) includes a fast test control bit (50) to select a slow slew rate during normal operation, to select a faster slew rate during functional testing, and to optionally select a variety of slew rates during a special test to more fully characterize the behavior of integrated circuit (10). In one embodiment, each pre-driver circuit (80, 81) includes a low resistance device (61, 63) which may be selectively enabled or disabled to join with capacitors (66, 67) in output driver (82) to affect the slew rate of the signal driven as an output by integrated circuit terminal (83).

Abstract: In order to detect abnormality of a cable, the cable has an electrical conduction line surrounding a power supply line, an electric potential of the electrical conduction line is controlled by a controller, and the abnormality of the cable is judged by detecting the inability of the controller not to control the electric potential of the electrical conduction line in case of contact by the electrical conduction line with the ground or the power supply line. Damage to the power supply line from the accident is prevented by previously detecting the accident of the cable, thereby, the reliability of the cable is highly improved.

Abstract: A portable diagnostic device for checking electrical signalling systems of school buses and/or tractor trailers. The device has several receptacles for connection to a corresponding receptacle or pin connector of a school bus and most types of trailers. One electrical circuit includes switches for energizing individual signalling or illumination circuits of the trailer individually, and indicating lamps for annunciating circuit operability. Another electrical circuit includes switches for energizing individual signalling or illumination circuits of the school bus individually, and indicating lamps for annunciating circuit operability. The device, which is contained on a wheeled cart, has its own power supply and circuit overcurrent protective devices, and is thus independent of a school bus and a tractor, both of which normally generate the signals. The device enables a shop to perform a safety check for many varieties of school buses and trailers.

Abstract: A communication bus test tool for motor vehicles having a plurality of electronic modules connected to a common communication bus in a body controller by a wiring harness. The wiring harness has an individual bus signal wire for the bus signal for each electronic module and at least one connector for connecting to a corresponding connector of the body controller. The wiring harness's connector has an individual terminal connected to each individual bus signal wire and the body controller's connector has terminals corresponding to the wiring harness' connector terminals. The bus test tool has a first connector for connecting to the wiring harness's connector with individual terminals corresponding to the individual terminals in the wiring harness connector including individual bus terminals corresponding to the terminals in the wiring harness connector connected to the bus signal wires.

Abstract: The electric power breaker for breaking the electric power is placed on the midpoint of the electric power line from the battery power supply, and the electric power line is extracted from the electric power breaker. In addition, the electric power supply terminal is placed on the midpoint on the electric power line, from which the electric power is supplied to the individual electric loads. The electric power distribution and the electric power supply operation to the electric loads are controlled by the multiplex communication. A semiconductor device having a self protection function is used as the switching device for supplying the electric power. The electric power line covered by the electric conductive material is arranged in a loop topology so as to start from the connection point to the battery and pass through the designated positions in the vehicle and return to the battery.

Abstract: The safety device, especially in an electronic motor vehicle control system, protects external circuit branches supplied with current from an engine/motor vehicle control unit so that a single short circuit results in failure of only that circuit branch in which the short circuit is located, so that an emergency operation of the electronic motor vehicle control system is possible. The respective reference grounds of the external circuit branches are connected to a common ground conductor (11) via an interface (3) including respective reference ground connectors (d, k, m). Each reference ground connector includes a safety device in the form of thin wire plug bonds, whose maximum current load sets the maximum current load of the respective external circuit branches. Then, if there is a short circuit to the reference ground of the concerned external circuit branch to a main supply voltage, the remaining circuit branches remain unaffected and operational.

Abstract: A method for testing electrical loads in a vehicle electrical system is provided, in which the loads, which are fed by a vehicle battery, are selectively switched on and off. The load-specific current consumption in the switched-on state is determined and assessed in each case. The battery voltage is measured immediately before and shortly after the switching-off of a previously switched-on load in order to determine the load-specific current consumption value from the load-specific battery voltage difference. The internal resistance of the battery serves indirectly as the measuring resistance, which is determined by loading the battery with a known load on a trial basis.

Abstract: A system for testing the electrical components of vehicles during manufacturing includes a hand held tester to which a translator unit can be detachably engaged and with which the tester is in RF communication. The translator unit can be detached from the tester and plugged into a test receptacle under a vehicle's dashboard to communicate with the vehicle by translating computer formatted data from the tester to vehicle bus-formatted data, and vice-versa. Then, the vehicle's VIN is scanned into the tester or manually input into the tester, and the tester transmits the VIN via an RF link in the assembly plant to a computer in the plant. Based on the VIN, the computer determines the electric equipment that the vehicle has, and the computer transmits this information back to the tester. The tester then determines which tests to execute, and the tester causes the translator unit to undertake these tests.

Abstract: A method establishes test setpoints for vehicle electrical testing during vehicle manufacture. The method includes implementing test setpoints for a test protocol using software in a system computer, such that the setpoints can be changed by an operator of the system computer. A portable tester adjacent the vehicle generates a query to the system computer, and in response, the setpoints are transferred to the tester. Then, a test protocol is executed by the portable tester to generate test results in accordance with the test setpoints.

Abstract: A system for testing the electrical components of vehicles during manufacturing includes a hand held tester to which a translator unit can be detachably engaged and with which the tester is in RF communication. The translator unit can be detached from the tester and plugged into a test receptacle under a vehicle's dashboard to communicate with the vehicle by translating computer formatted data from the tester to vehicle bus-formatted data, and vice-versa. Then, the vehicle's VIN is scanned into the tester or manually input into the tester, and the tester transmits the VIN via an RF link in the assembly plant to a computer in the plant. Based on the VIN, the computer determines the electric equipment that the vehicle has, and the computer transmits this information back to the tester. The tester then determines which tests to execute, and the tester causes the translator unit to undertake these tests.

Abstract: At certain operating points, a plausibility test of the detected rotational speed signals is used to recognize an existing defect. The operating point for implementing the plausibility test is determined when it is detected that the motor vehicle has accelerated. The operating point at which defects in speed sensors are detected is determined in a simple manner but in such a way that any defect which may be present can be recognized reliably.

Abstract: A method for detecting a trouble location in wire harnesses can easily detect a position of trouble such as breakage, short circuit, or the like in the wire harnesses without bringing enlargement and complication into the wire harnesses. This method includes the steps of: setting each of electric wires (2) in a main line part (4) and a branch line part (5) of a wire harness (1) as a sensing line, the wires (2) being juxtaposed to each other in the respective parts (4, 5); transmitting a pulse wave in a measuring line of a trouble electric wire in the wire harness and the sensing line corresponding to the measuring line at their ends by a pulse generating unit (11); receiving a pulse wave reflected at a trouble point and measuring a difference in time between the transmitted pulse wave and the reflected pulse wave by a synchroscope (12); and computing a distance from a measuring point to the trouble point in accordance with the difference in time and a pulse propagation velocity by a computing unit (13).

Abstract: A system for testing the electrical components of vehicles during manufacturing includes a hand held tester to which a translator unit can be detachably engaged and with which the tester is in RF communication. The translator unit can be detached from the tester and plugged into a test receptacle under a vehicle's dashboard to communicate with the vehicle by translating computer formatted data from the tester to vehicle bus-formatted data, and vice-versa. Then, the vehicle's VIN is scanned into the tester or manually input into the tester, and the tester transmits the VIN via an RF link in the assembly plant to a computer in the plant. Based on the VIN, the computer determines the electric equipment that the vehicle has, and the computer transmits this information back to the tester. The tester then determines which tests to execute, and the tester causes the translator unit to undertake these tests.