Six-Step Troubleshooting

System: Location: Date: _________

Time Started: End Time:

1. You are being tasked with diagnosing a possible issue with a system. You will
be utilizing the six-step troubleshooting method to isolate the faulty module, then
the faulty function, and finally the faulty circuit/component.

Step 1. Symptom Recognition

A. Speak with the operator(s) and ask them what made them place a
service call. Ask them what the symptoms were and when they noticed the
problem. Using operational checks, determine and identify the existence of
a malfunction in the equipment. Record your observations below:

Step 2. Symptom Elaboration

A. By using available built in test equipment and diagnostics, meters,

operational controls, alarm history, LED’s, and displays, elaborate on the
symptom(s) to ensure that you fully understand what the symptoms are
and what they indicate. Record your observations below:

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Step 3. List the Possible Faulty Modules/Functions

A. Utilizing your documentation and the test data obtained in Step 1 and 2,
list all the probably modules/functions that could be the cause of the
malfunction. (You should not be utilizing any external test equipment at
this time).

Step 4. Localizing the Faulty Functional Module/Function

A. Using the appropriate external test equipment; locate the faulty

Module/Function. List the test data utilized to isolate the malfunction to a
faulty module/function.

Check Condition Expected Result Actual Result

/Reading /Reading

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Step 5. Localizing the faulty Circuit/Assembly

A. Utilizing the appropriate test equipment make the necessary checks to

locate the faulty circuit/assembly, list the test data obtained to isolate the
faulty circuit within the faulty module/function.

Check Condition Expected Result Actual Result

/Reading /Reading

Step 6. Failure Analysis

A. Utilizing the appropriate test equipment, locate the faulty component and
list the test data used to isolate the faulty component.

Check Condition Expected Result Actual Result

/Reading /Reading

List the faulty component:

Why would this faulty component give the symptoms you identified in steps 1 and
2?

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