User`s Manual - General Technologies Corp.
Contents
1. sales receipt safely in your FaultFinder storage case In the event a flaw develops in the FaultFinder please return it to your dealer who will arrange repair or replacement The manufacturer will either repair or replace the tool at the manufacturer s option free of charge providing the FaultFinder is still under warranty If the warranty has expired there will be a repair charge payable to your dealer when you pick up the unit When a unit has been repaired or replaced under warranty the replacement unit will continue the warranty period of the original unit for six 6 months after the date of replacement or until the original warranty expires whichever is the longest period This warranty shall not apply to any defect failure or damage caused by improper use or inadequate maintenance or care The manufacturer shall not be obligated to provide service under this warranty or to repair damage resulting from attempts by unauthorized persons to repair or service the FaultFinder other than to replace the battery orto repair damage resulting from improper use Specifically if there is evidence of an attempt to open the FaultFinder the warranty is void Any implied warranties arising out of the sale of the FaultFinder including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are limited in duration to the above one 1 year period the manufacturer shall not be liable for loss of use of the FaultFin2. setting generates a quick triple flashing of the green LED a double flashing in the medium sensitivity range and a single flashing indicates a low sensitivity level setting Green LED shows a FF300R Tracer set to Single 1 flash and beep _ gt Low sensitivity Double 2 flash and beep gt Medium sensitivity Triple 3 flash and beep gt High sensitivity When turned off the FF310R will retain the last selected sensitivity setting 4 2 Procedure to select the FF310R s range 1 Unit should be on if not turn it on by momentarily pressing the ON OFF button 2 Press and Hold ON OFF button for approximately 3 seconds until a beeping and flashing occurs This initial beeping and flashing indicates the current sensitivity level setting By holding the ON OFF button pressed the FF310 will cycle to the next sensitivity setting following the pattern indicated below l Low Sensitivity single 1 flash and beep ll Medium Sensitivity double 2 flash and beep lll High Sensitivity Triple 3 flash and beep The sensitivity level is selected in the following sequence LOW gt MEDIUM gt HIGH Sensitivity Adjustment Sequence For example If the FF310R unit is set to MEDIUM in order to set the sensitivity to LOW press the ON OFF button until a double beep and flashing occurs current setting keep holding the button pressed and a triple b
3. wires FF310T FF310R Light bulb socket or connector Fig 5 Set up for upstream tracing of open circuits or location of wires FF310R FF310T Page 6 12 General Procedures Short and Open Circuit operation Differences The FF310 FaultFinder uses two different types of signals to trace either short or open circuits Understanding its differences as explained in the following paragraphs will allow you to make the most effective use of this versatile tool 12 1 Working with open circuits On detection of an open circuit the FF310T injects a special radio signal into the circuit which can be picked up by the FF310R tracer probe When tracing an open circuit keep in mind that RF radio frequency signals injected in the faulty wire being traced will be easily absorbed by any other conductor nearby e g other wires metal frames Weakened p orno lt lt signal area D Weakened P or no NE signal Lei area Other Wire 4 da Fig 6 Detection field when tracing open circuit with the FF300 The effect of this absorption may vary from a reduction in the tracer s range to a total shielding of the signal with no detection being possible at all See Fig 6 In order to avoid confusing a shielded portion of the faulty wire with the actual fault on it the circuit should be checked on all possible sections to confirm that no signal is picked up on one side of the suspected faulty sectio
4. User s Handbook FF310 Electrical Circuits FaultFinder Table of contents 1 Check Out list Page 1 2 Start up Page 1 3 Switching On and Off The FF300 Page 1 4 Setting the sensitivity level Page 2 5 How to use the probe Page 3 6 Locating Short Circuits Page 3 7 Wire tracing Page 4 8 Locating Current Leaks Page 4 9 Locating Open Circuits Page 5 10 Wire Identification Page 5 11 Hook Up Reference Chart Page 6 12 General Procedures Page 7 13 Special Tracing Procedures Page 8 14 Technical specifications Page 11 15 CT8002 Circuit Tester Page 12 16 CT6100 Fuse Socket connectors Page 12 17 Careoftheunit Page 13 18 Warranty Page 13 Caution Very Important Read this first e Foruseonlywith DC voltage Do not connect to circuits exceeding 42 volts DC under any circumstances e DONOTUSE on AC voltage e Donotuse on any circuit directly or indirectly connected to AC lines or any other AC power source e Do not use with any component or part of the ignition system e Before using this device check the vehicle s electrical wiring and disconnect any part or subsystem sensitive to voltage and current pulses such as air bags electronic control modules etc e Always follow the instructions and procedures indicated in the vehicle s service manual before attempting to disconnect any part or subsystem of the electrical circuit Exceeding the limits listed above when using this apparatus or not observing the precautions listed a
5. bove can expose you to physical injury and permanently damage your instrument and parts and components of the vehicle under test V Ready and GTC are registered trademarks of General Technologies Corp 1 Check out list The FF310 set consists of FF310R FaultFinder receiver FF310T FaultFinder transmitter CT8002 Circuit tester CT6100 Fuse socket adapter set Factory supplied 9 volt alkaline batteries type Duracell MN1604 Foam padded polypropylene carrying case User s handbook OOOOOO0O 2 Start Up Both the FF310R and FF310T are factory supplied with batteries To install the batteries follow the steps below 1 Open battery drawer at back of each unit factory supplied batteries are disconnected 2 Remove the battery and connect it observing the polarity of the battery connector repeating the operation on both units 3 Press the On Off button on the FF310T FaultFinder Transmitter green LED will start flashing If green LED does not starts flashing check the battery polarity and reinstall if necessary To turn the unit off press the On Off button again 4 Press the On Off button on the FF310R FaultFinder Receiver green LED will turn on If the green LED does not turn on check the battery polarity and reinstall if necessary To turn the unit off press the On Off button again 3 Switching On and Off the FF310 set The FF310T FaultFinder Transmitter is turned on and off by momentarily
6. ch as a light bulb socket or a switch etc and a ground point somewhere else in the vehicle see Fig 9 This last method should be used only as last resource and with the FF310R set to low sensitivity as it may make the pinpoint of the precise location more difficult due to the much increased range Always verify that the FF310T is connected in series with the circuit being tested and that its red indicator light is on as this confirms a proper connection and will limit the amount of current flowing in the circuit Page 9 13 3 Circuits with multiple loads or branches When tracing circuits connected to or which are powering multiple loads and or branches See Fig 10 and when these circuits are active or live the bulk of the current injected into the circuit by the FF310T will be directed to the shorted branch of the circuit However smaller amounts of current or stray currents will flow to the other branches as long as these provide a path to ground i e close the circuit These stray currents present in the non shorted branches of the circuit and depending on the circuit configuration and physical layout of the wires could be picked up by the FF310R receiver making the tracing procedures confusing and even misleading The simplest and most effective way to deal with these cases is to disconnect or remove all the loads from the circuit being traced i e removing light bulbs in example shown in Fig 10 Light B
7. der or other incidental damages expenses or economic loss Some Jurisdictions do not allow limitations on how long implied warranties last or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above may not apply to you Page 13 Part FF300MN0302EN 1996 2007 General Technologies Corp Printed in Canada
8. duce the range of the tracer accordingly In all cases the FF310R s probe should be positioned as close as possible to the wires in order to maximize the signal captured by the tracer and set to a higher sensitivity level For hook up refer to the Hook Up Reference Chart Fig 2 and 3 in Page 6 Page 4 9 Locating Open Circuits Refer to the Hook Up Reference Chart in Page 6 9 1 Observe the limits and safety precautions at all times refer to the beginning of this handbook 9 2 Connect the FF310T transmitter in series with the open ended wire making sure one of the unit s clips is connected to the circuit s positive supply or ground A fuse socket with the fuse removed a connector etc provides a convenient hook up as shown in Fig 2 3 4 and 5 of the Hook Up Reference Chart 9 3 Make sure that the clips are firmly attached to their connection points and switch the transmitter on by pressing the On Off button Observe if the Green LED on the FF310T starts flashing In the case of having connected the unit to any place other than the fuse socket check that the circuits fuse is installed and in working condition not open If necessary replace with a new fuse with same rating 9 4 Switch the FF310R tracer on and check if green LED turns ON and set if necessary the sensitivity level to LOW 9 5 Slowly sweep the wire with the FF310R ensuring the tracer s probe is perpendicular to and above or below the wire bei
9. e 4 Connect test leads to the connectors tabs of the fuse socket connector Page 12 17 Care of the Unit The FaultFinder is a precision instrument and should be treated as such Damage caused by mistreatment is not covered by the warranty Keep the units in their carrying case when not in use and do not subject to dampness or severe heat or cold Do not use the units in the rain if they should accidentally get wet Dry off with a clean paper towel before storing away Protect the units from contact with any solvents Never clean with a solvent or petroleum based medium such as gasoline as these chemicals may attack the plastic parts and cause permanent damage Never use an abrasive cleaner Cleaning should be limited to wiping with a clean damp paper towel with a small amount of soap if required Dry the units thoroughly after any cleaning The unit is a sealed instrument and contains no user serviceable parts other than the battery which can be replaced by opening the drawer on the back of the units Opening other parts of the units will void the warranty 16 Warranty With the exception of the batteries your FaultFinder is warranted against defects of material or workmanship which develop within a period of one 1 year following the date of purchase by the original owner Proof of date of purchase will be required when applying for repair or replacement under guarantee For this reason we strongly suggest that you keep your
10. eeping and flashing occurs setting now is HIGH keep holding the button pressed until a single flash and beep indicates that the new setting is LOW Page 2 5 How to use the probe The probe of the FF310R is built of coiled steel and can be bent as needed in order to reach wires in congested or difficult areas Depending on the circuit characteristics and the sensitivity setting the probe will pick up the signal from the wire in a wide range of positions However for the best possible range the FF310R s probe tip yellow cap should be positioned perpendicular at 90 to the wire being traced and either above or below it as shown in Fig 1 below Sensor Correct Incorrect Sensor Cable Fig 1 Probe positioning 6 Locating Short Circuits Refer to the Hook Up Reference Chart in Page 6 6 1 Observe the limits and safety precautions at all times refer to the beginning of this handbook 6 2 Connect the FF310T transmitter in series with the short circuited wire making sure one of the unit s clips is connected to the circuit s positive supply or vice versa for vehicles with positive supply connected to chassis Afuse socket connector in place of the blown fuse a connector etc provides a convenient hook up as shown in Fig 2 and Fig 3 in Page 6 6 3 Switch the transmitter on by pressing the On Off button and observe if the Red LED on the FF310T starts flashing If not check connections power su
11. entification Refer to the Hook Up Reference Chart in Page 6 Wiring can be identified by following the hook up and procedures for locating short circuits or open circuits depending on the particular configuration of the circuit e For identifying wires with load connected Connect transmitter as described in section 6 Locating Short Circuits to the circuit to be identified then proceed to scan all suspected wiring with the FF310R s probe until the flashing and beeping is at its maximum In the case of tightly packed wires bundles conduits etc it may be necessary to spread these apart to facilitate the identification process of a particular wire Page 5 e For identifying wires without load connected Connect transmitter as described in section 9 Locating Open Circuits to the circuit to be identified then proceed to scan all suspected wiring with the FF310R s probe until the flashing and beeping is at its maximum In the case of tightly packed wires bundles conduits etc it may be necessary to spread these apart to facilitate the identification process of a particular wire 11 Hook up reference chart Fuse Socket or Connector a Fig 2 Set up for tracing short or open circuits or location of wiring FF310T FF310R Fig 3 Set up for tracing short and open circuits or FF3411 tracing wiring Fuse Socket or Connector lt u Fig 4 Set up for tracing open Ground circuits or identification of
12. her nearby branch of the circuit the branches should be swept maintaining the probe outside the apex area between the split as shown in Fig 8 Careful attention should be paid to the beeping and flashing speed of the tracer unit indicators as these provide the necessary feedback to evaluate the proximity of the probe to the wire being traced 13 2 How to increase the pick up range when tracing wires Positive Live and ground f wires running parallel to each other S Connection of the FF300T transmitter at the load using a jumper wire to ground Wires shielded by door frame Door Switch Fuse Battery Box Fig 9 Simplified dome light circuit hook up for wire tracing When tracing or identifying wires connected to lightly loaded circuit low currents this reduces the range of pick up significantly A possible solution is after connecting the FF310T transmitter in series with the circuit to trace is to replace the load light bulb module etc with a direct connection to ground This allows the FF310T to inject a more powerful signal easier to detect For the cases in which it is suspected the layout of the wires is the cause of a very difficult to pick up or weak signal a dramatic increase of the range can be accomplished by spreading the circuit This is achieved by means of connecting a jumper wire between the live wire preferably at a termination point in the circuit su
13. hort circuit is located in the area where the audio visual signal stops or changes significantly 6 11 When the test is completed switch off the transmitter unit pressing the On Off button and disconnect from circuit Note The closer the tracer probe is to the wire carrying the signal the faster the beeping and the flashing will be Some times it will prove advantageous to reduce the sensitivity level to pint point more accurately the faulty area 7 Wire tracing Wire tracing hook up and procedures are essentially the same as for locating short circuits The transmitter sees the load light accessory etc as the short circuit or connection to ground For wire tracing simply follow the wire with positive beeping and flashing audio visual indicator s feedback on the tracer from source to load For step by step directions please refer to point 6 Locating Short Circuits for some hints and specific differences refer to the notes below The type and size of load connected to the circuit impedance or resistance to ground determines the amount of current allowed to flow in the circuit Small loads low Wattage lamps electronic systems etc will reduce the range of the tracer accordingly In cases where the full range of the tracer is required to follow the wire it may prove advantageous to use one of the two methods described below Tracing wires downstream from supply to load replacing the load for a full short circuit allow
14. n Hint In some cases when tracing open circuits connecting the FF310 transmitter s clip with the slotted wire to the faulty wire and the clip with the flat wire to ground or positive supply will improve the tracer s range 12 2 Working with short circuits and tracing circuits When the FF310T detects a short circuit or closed circuit it injects pulses of electrical current in the wires which generate magnetic fields Unlike radio signals magnetic fields are not easily absorbed by nearby conductors and therefore can be picked up by the FF310R tracer probe in a wider range of situations See Fig 7 Page 7 N r Sa i N Weakened signal Pa area Other Wire Traced wire ye Steel Part Fig 7 Detection field when tracing short circuits with the FF310 12 3 Some circuit characteristics that may affect the tracing of a wire e Electromagnetic loop size and geometry etc may affect the range of the FF310 Receiver For example for circuits in which the live and ground return wire run parallel and close to each other in the same circuit the two magnetic fields interaction may weaken the signal thereby reducing the FF310 range e Wires enclosed or tightly lining the metal frame or body of the vehicle i e door frames have the same effects as having the live and ground wires running in parallel in the same circuit since the metal frame or vehicle body will be acting as a ground wire Anothe
15. ng traced and as close as possible to it 9 6 Follow the wire or check it at different points starting from the transmitter and moving towards the load accessory light etc observing the positioning of the probe as indicated above Continue this procedure while the audio signal beep ing sound and visual signal flashing green LED light indicates the integrity of the circuit If beeping and flashing slows or stops it indicates that the probe is either moving away from the wire or it has passed beyond the open break or bad connection in the circuit 9 7 If difficult or impossible to get the FF310R Tracer to pick up any signal then adjust the sensitivity to HIGH and repeat again step 9 6 9 8 Double check by positioning the probe before and after the suspected place If the open circuit point has been found the audio visual indicators will show circuit integrity on one side and not on the other 9 9 At this point where the audio visual signal stops you have found the open circuit 9 10 When the test is completed switch off the FF310T transmitter unit pressing the On Off button and disconnect from circuit You may also switch OFF the FF310R tracer by pressing the On Off button on the unit However to conserve power the FF310R will automatically turn off after 3 minutes of not being used Note The closer the tracer probe is to the wire carrying the signal the faster the beeping and the flashing will be 10 Wire id
16. pply and in the case of having connected the unit to any place other than the fuse socket check that the circuit s fuse is installed and in working condition not open If necessary replace with a new fuse with the same ratings 6 4 Switch the FF310R tracer on and if green LED is turn on 6 5 Verify that the FF310R is set to the low sensitivity level single green LED Flash 6 6 Slowly sweep the wire conduit etc with tracer ensuring the tracer s probe is perpendicular and above or below the wire being traced and as close as possible to it 6 7 Follow the wire or check it at different points starting from the transmitter and moving towards the load accessory light etc observing the positioning of the probe as indicated above Continue this procedure while the audio signal beeping sound and visual signal flashing Red LED light indicates the integrity of the circuit If beeping and flashing slows down or stops it indicates that the probe is either moving away from the faulty wire or it has passed beyond the short circuit point 6 8 If difficult or impossible to get the FF310R Tracer to pick up any signal then adjust the sensitivity to HIGH and check again if a signal is received 6 9 Double check positioning the probe before and after the suspected place If the short circuit point has been found the audio visual indicators will show circuit integrity on for one position but not for the other Page 3 6 10 The s
17. pressing the ON OFF button and it must be turned off manually after use by pressing the On Off button Before storing the unit check to make sure that all lights are off failure to do so will result in a much shorter battery life The FF300R FaultFinder Tracer can be turned on and off manually by momentarily pressing the On Off button however after 3 minutes of not being used it will turn off automatically to conserve battery power Turning the unit off manually will prolong battery life Low Battery indicator From time to time the batteries on both units will need to be replaced When the battery is below the minimum operating voltage upon turning the unit on FF310T and FF310R both lights will flash for 1 second and the unit will turn off automatically In this case replace the batteries with a new set of 9 Volt alkaline batteries To install the new batteries follow the instructions in the preceding section 2 Start Up Page 1 4 Setting the sensitivity level The FF310R has three user selectable sensitivity ranges Low Medium and High These ranges allow the technician to choose the degree of sensitivity most suitable to the particular detection being performed 4 1 Checking the current sensitivity setting The FF310R s current sensitivity setting is displayed when the ON OFF button is pressed for 2 or 3 seconds while the unit is ON steady green indicator on The high sensitivity
18. r unfavorable factor may be due to the channeling effect steel parts have on magnetic fields These two cases individually or combined will reduce and sometimes impede the tracing of the wire sections affected Hint Whenever possible the short circuit mode of operation should be used be cause it provides with the best tracing capabilities 13 Special Tracing procedures Page 8 In all cases first set the FF310R at the lower sensitivity level and increase it as necessary Proceed as indicated in the sections of this User s Manual applicable to your situation Always after locating a probable fault area verify several points in the wires on both sides before and after the suspected area The signal should be present at only one side of the fault open or short This procedure will help avoid confusing a signal loss with the actual trouble point Trace with probe on this side Tracing inside this area may generate misleading results Wire Bundle or Counduit Trace with probe Sa on this side Fig 8 Tracing Wires inside bundles and conduits 13 1 Wire bundles and conduits Special care should be given in the case of tracing a wire inside a bundle or conduit when there is a split In this case it may be possible to follow the wrong branch for a short distance and still receive a positive audio visual indication To avoid following the wrong path which could happen if the probe picks up the signal from the ot
19. ring the unit as this may avoid injuries 2 Use the V grove protector tip when piercing wires to prevent the tester point from side slipping on the wire and causing injuries or damage 3 The protector tip may be removed for testing in hard to reach places inside connectors sockets etc Replacing the Batteries The batteries supplied with the tester will provide years of service under normal use When the sound and light starts to fade remove the screw and pull out the plastic pointer assembly Extract the batteries and insert new ones type Duracell MN9100 or equivalent observing the polarity negative side goes in first Insert the tester the point assembly then align the holes and replace the screw 16 CT6100 Fuse Socket Connectors The CT6100 fuse socket connectors are designed to facilitate in the connection of test leads of the FF310 to the circuit under test through the fuse box and can also be used for all other situations when access to the fuse socket connections are required These connectors are supplied in three sizes Mini ATO and Maxi Connector tabs fit quick connects cogs x Alligator clips 1 Choose the connector Mini ATO or Maxi that Multimeter leads J lead matches the fuse socket where the connection pone ate are required How to use the CT6100 connectors Rudi Fuse Socket 2 Remove the power to the circuit Connector 3 Insert fuse connector into the socket see figur
20. s the FF310 to work at its maximum capabilities Before proceeding remove all electrical power from the circuit connect the FF310T in series with the wire to trace short circuit the load to ground refer to Hook Up Reference Chart Fig 2 and 3 then reconnect power and follow instructions in section 6 Locating Short Circuits Tracing wires upstream from load to supply If more convenient wires can also be traced the other way around by replacing the load with the FF310T Fig 4 of Hook Up reference chart To do this first remove power from the circuit disconnect load and connect the FF310T in its place Apply power to the circuit and follow instructions in section 6 Locating Short Circuits 8 Locating Current Leaks Hook up and procedures for locating current leaks are essentially the same as for locating short circuits The transmitter sees the leak as a weak short circuit or connection to ground For locating a current leak simply follow the wire with positive beeping and flashing audio visual indicator s feedback on the tracer from source to leak location short circuit For step by step directions please refer to point 6 Locating Short Circuits for some hints and specific differences refer to the notes below Current leak notes e The type and size of the leak in the circuit impedance or resistance to ground de termines the amount of current flowing in the circuit Small leaks i e low current will re
21. ulb Light Bulb Current Flow Socket Short Circuit Fig 10 Schematic of a single circuit with multiples loads Page 10 14 Technical specifications FF310T Transmitter Voltage range Indicator Power source Connector Battery life FF310R Tracer Tracer Sensitivity Tracer probe Indicator Power source Battery life 6 to 42 Volts DC Green LED indicator for Power On or Open Circuits Red Led LED indicator for short circuits 9 Volt alkaline battery Duracell MN1604 or equivalent Two 5 Amp universal micro clips with auto polarity and 18 long cable Approximately 25 hours of use 3 User selectable levels Low Medium and High Flexible 8 gooseneck insulated steel probe Green LED indicator for Power On and Open Circuits Red LED indicator for short circuits Audio signal for shorts and opens Variable flashing and modulated audible signal 9 Volt alkaline battery Duracell MN1604 or equivalent Approximately 25 hours of use Page 11 15 CT8002 Professional Circuit Tester Instructions 1 Hold tester by metal barrel and place free hand on bare grounded metal part of the vehicle 2 Place tester point into connector or wire pierce insulation if necessary 3 Tester will light buzz and vibrate when a positive voltage is detected V Groove Protector Tip uses 1 Always insert the V Groove protector tip on the tester point before carrying or sto
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