Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A6 Electrical/Electronic SystemsGeneral Electrical/Electronic System DiagnosisMedium

A technician is using service information to troubleshoot an intermittent fault with a vehicle's climate control system. The wiring diagram shows a wire labeled 'G/W' connecting the climate control module to the blower motor relay. How should the technician interpret this wire color code?

  1. AGreen with a White stripe.
  2. BGround wire with White insulation.
  3. CGray with a White stripe.
  4. DGreen wire with White insulation.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Green with a White stripe.

In automotive wiring diagrams, a two-letter abbreviation for wire color codes typically indicates the main color followed by a stripe color. 'G' stands for Green, and 'W' stands for White. Therefore, 'G/W' means a Green wire with a White stripe.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. Ground is typically 'B' (Black) or specific symbols, not 'G/W'.
  • C. Gray is typically 'GY' or 'GRY'.
  • D. This notation specifies a stripe, not just insulation.

Wiring Diagram Color Codes

Standardized abbreviations used in automotive wiring diagrams to denote the color of electrical wires, often indicating a main color and a stripe color.

  • First letter is the main wire color, second letter (after a slash or hyphen) is the stripe color.
  • Common abbreviations include B (Black), W (White), R (Red), G (Green), Y (Yellow), BL (Blue), BR (Brown), P (Pink), V (Violet), OR (Orange), LG (Light Green), GR (Gray).
  • Consult the legend of the specific service manual as some manufacturers may vary.

Memory trick: First letter is the body, second's the stripe, easy to grasp, no need to gripe.

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