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Common Causes and Solutions of Testing Errors

Cable Testing Error

Finding the causes of errors then implementing the correct solution can be a confusing task. There are so many reasons an error can occur that finding the right solution can be difficult. The following table shows common errors, their causes, and possible solutions. We hope it helps you more easily fix errors found in your cables and harnesses.

We’d like to thank Trevor Morris, Gary Grahn, and all the customers who contributed to this article. Their knowledge and experience provided valuable insight into how Cirris users solve testing errors. 

Low Voltage

ErrorError MessageDetailsCausesPotential Fixes
Wire Missing #2 Wires missing J1-1 J1-2 No connection between a specified point of contact and another point of contact in an instruction.
  • Wire missing.
  •  Recessed contact.
  •  Excessive FOD on contact.
  • Above issues occur on test fixture.
  • Improper contact termination
  •  Incorrect instruction included in test program.
  • Identify and install missing wire.
  • Check affected contacts on harness/fixture for retention/FOD. Clean FOD and insert contact/replace connector.
  • Inspect the affected wires and replace the contacts if defective.
  • Check test program against current drawing and revise the test program if necessary.
Short #3 Short J1-1 J1-2 A connection exists between a point of contact and another point where there should be no contact.
  • Wire strands not caught in crimped contact
  • Solder bridge between contacts
  • Backshells/Connectors are touching during testing.
  • Nets are spliced where they shouldn’t be.
  • Instruction missing in test program
  • Problems in test fixture.
  • Examine connectors for possible wire strand or solder contact between pins. Fix any problems found.
  • Separate backshells and connectors.
  • Identify affected wires and check for incorrect splices.
  • Check test program against current drawing and revise the test program if necessary.
  • Verify test fixtures do not have shorts if run in a test without DUT. Fix any problems found.
High Resistance #1 High Resis J1-1 J1-2 A connection exists between the intended points, but the resistance is not low enough to be considered a good connection (based on connection resistance setting).
  • Excessive FOD on contact.
  • Test fixture is wearing out or adding unintended resistance.
  • Mating connection on DUT or test fixture is not sold.
  • Connection Resistance setting is too low.
  • Check affected contacts on harness/fixture for retention/FOD. Clean FOD and insert contact/replace connector.
  • Ensure all connectors are mated properly.
  • Check connection resistance settings.
Miswire #4 Miswire J1-12 Net4 The wire is terminated to the incorrect contact.
  • True miswire.
  • Test fixtures are not inserted/aligned properly.
  • The test program is incorrect.
  • The wrong test program is loaded.
  • Rewire according to drawing.
  • Check that the part is being tested against the correct test program.
  • Check that the test fixtures are inserted/aligned correctly.
  • Revise the test program.

 High Voltage

ErrorError MessageDetailsCausesPotential Fixes
Arc, Point-Point

#144 DW Arc Error or #145 IR Arc Error (CH2)

Dielectric Failure (1100/Easy Touch)

 Electricity unexpected jumps from one net to another.
  • Nicked wires.
  • Damaged dielectric on connector.
  • Insulation clearance on contacts is out of tolerance.
  • Exposed solder/shield strands on shield terminations.
  • Solder flowed onto wire insulation.
  • Thin insulation.
  • Wire cut by screw or clamp during final assembly.
  • Conductive FOD is present near connectors/contacts.
  • Insulation melted by heat gun or soldering iron.
  • Worn/broken shrink tubing from excessive heat, handling, or sharp wire strands.
  • Identify affected wires and inspect them for damage/thin insulation.
  • Replace connector.
  • Remove and replace affected contacts.
  • Inspect shield terminations for exposed solder, solder that flowed onto insulation, or exposed strands.
  • Inspect strain relief for contact with wires.
  • Inspect connectors for FOD.
  • Check the proximity of the nets to the location of the arc. (Near proximity implies the arc was near the connector. Far proximity indicates the arc is in the wire bundle.)
Arc, Single #144 DW Arc Error (CH2) Electricity unexpected jumps from one net to an unknown source. (Possibly to conductive material near test area.)
  • Conductive material is too close to testing area.
  • Conductive FOD is present near connectors/contacts.
  • Nicked Wires.
  • Damaged dielectric on connector.
  • Insulation clearance on contacts is out of tolerance.
  • Exposed solder/shield strands on shield terminations.
  • Solder flowed onto wire insulation.
  • Thin insulation.
  • Insulation melted by heat gun or soldering iron.
  • Clean/clear testing area of foreign objects and retest.
  • Make sure conductive shells on DUT are not touching tester case or conductive surfaces.
  • Inspect connectors for FOD.
  • Identify affected wires and inspect them for damage/thin insulation.
  • Replace connector.
  • Remove and replace affected contacts.
  • Inspect shield terminations for exposed solder, solder that flowed onto insulation, or exposed strands.
  • Inspect strain relief for contact with wires.
IR Leakage Failure

#150 $J1-1 Has Leakage Error (CH2)

Leakage Error (1100/Easy Touch)

 There is insufficient insulation between the net and some other path to ground.  
  • Moisture in air or device.
  • Damaged Insulation.
  • Contamination from soldering (flux) or other processes.
  • Insulation melted by heat gun or soldering iron.
  • Flush with dry air, apply heat, or allow to sit 24 hours, then retest.
  • Inspect affected nets for damaged/thin insulation.
  • Inspect affected nets near exposed conductor points (contacts, shield terminations, splices, etc.).
DW Current High Error

#146 $J1-1 DW Current High (CH2)

Leakage Error (1100/Easy Touch)

 Current level exceeded DW Max Current setting, but was not a sudden spike in current. This is not common.  
  • Problems like IR leakage failures.
  • A short or near short occurred after the LV test (i.e. moving the cable before pushing HV button).
  • Follow recommendations for Leakage and Arc errors.
  • Retest cable without moving to check for LV shorts.
Change Error

#142 DW Charge > 45uC at V Error (CH2)

Overcurrent Error (1100/Easy Touch)

 The charge put out by the tester exceeded safe limits. Excessive capacitance in device (usually a shield or long coiled wire)..  
  • Make sure there is no floating metal in harness (i.e. any metal that is not connected back to a test point in the test program).
  • HV settings for the net may need to be changed to lower voltage or marked as High Cap net.
  • Uncoil the harness to reduce capacitance.

 Glossary of Terms:

  • DUT – Device Under Test
  • FOD – Foreign Object Debry
  • HV – High Voltage
  • LV – Low Voltage
  • DW – Dielectric Withstand
  • IR – Insulation Resistance
  • Test Fixture – Anything used to connect the DUT back to the tester