Michael,
Diodes are designed to conduct current well in one direction and very poorly
in the other. When you check the resistance of your diode, first connect
your meter one way, take a measurement and then reverse the leads. A good
diode will measure 'open' (or very nearly) with the positive meter probe on
the cathode (the end with the stripe) and the negative probe on the anode.
When you reverse the leads you should have some measurable resistance. Many
meters have a 'diode checker' setting that will show you the same thing when
you reverse the leads. If it's a 'zener' diode this test doesn't work.
Without knowing where in the circuit this diode is placed, I can't tell you
what it's function is. But it sounds like you're on to something - good
luck! Save the old diode if the new one fails to solve your problem - you
may not have the correct replacement diode. If there are any numbers on the
original diode, let me know and I can look it up.
Jeff
----------
> From: Michael Graziano <mgrazian@ltcm.com>
> To: spitfires <spitfires@autox.team.net>, Spridgets
<spridgets@autox.team.net>,MGList <mgs@autox.team.net>
> Subject: Diode -> I think I've got it.
> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 16:56:23 -0500
>
>Hey again.
>
>I think I've got it. It's definitely a diode. Very small (about 1 mm wide
and
>2 mm's long). Light blue line on one side of clear glass cylinder. Axial
>leads. I know the voltage expected out of it is approx. 23 volts. but as I
>understand it, that's not a function of the diode. I purchased 50 ($2.19)
at
>Radio Shack that are the identical size and shape. THe only difference is
the
>color of the line (light purplish white vs light blue). I also understand
these
>are relatively standard items and they should work as long as I solder it
in the
>correct direction.
>
>I'm going to remove a good one and check it's resistance. If the good one
and
>the new one match, a soldering I will go.
>
>This sound like a game plan?
>
>Michael
>
>Oh yeah. I called TDK (the maker of the component). Since the unit is a
>specially made item, they cannot view the schematic. No one at Nissan
know's
>where to look for it. Their answer is buy a new one ($350). As if my $350
>could save them.
>
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