When troubleshooting vehicle electrical problems, one of the most effective ways to pinpoint a fault is by activating individual components. Instead of guessing whether a bulb, motor, relay, or sensor is working, you can power it directly with the VDIAGTOOL V200 Pro.
Your 2019 Ford F-150 radiator fan isn’t kicking in, and you’re unsure whether the problem lies in the fan itself, the relay, or the wiring. With the V200 Pro, you can send an activation signal directly to the fan while it’s still installed. If the fan spins, you know it’s functional and can shift your focus to relays or wiring. If it doesn’t, you’ve immediately identified the root cause.
In this article, we’ll break down three different scenarios for using the V200 Pro to activate components
Activating Components in Your Hand
The tool allows you to test and activate handheld components such as bulbs, motors, or relays directly. This function helps verify component functionality before installation or during troubleshooting.
To perform the test, follow these steps:
(1) Connect the auxiliary ground lead to the negative terminal or ground side of the component.
(2) Touch the probe tip to the positive terminal of the component. The display will show green, confirming continuity through the component.
(3) Briefly press and release the power switch forward. If the display changes from green to red, the component is ready for activation.
(4) Hold the power switch forward to deliver power to the component. Current will flow from the tool's probe through the component and back via the ground connection.
For example, when testing a bulb:
(1) Connect the ground clip to the bulb's base (negative side).
(2) Touch the probe tip to the bulb's center contact (positive side).
(3) Hold the power switch forward to illuminate the bulb.
If the display turns off or the circuit breaker trips, the tool has detected an overload.
This could happen because:
(1) The contact you're probing is direct ground or negative voltage
(2) The component being tested is short-circuited
(3) It's a high-current component (e.g. starter motor)
To reset, simply wait about 15 seconds for the breaker to cool down before continuing testing.
Activating Components in The Vehicle
To safely activate components while installed in the vehicle, first set the tool to DC Voltage mode and touch the probe tip to the component's positive terminal. The display will show green if proper ground continuity exists. Briefly press and release the power switch - if the display changes from green to red, it is safe to proceed with activation. If the display turns off or the protection activates immediately, this indicates an overload condition.
This could happen for the following reasons:
(1) The contact you are probing is a direct ground
(2) The component you are testing is short-circuited
(3) The component is a very high current component (i.e., starter motor)
If the circuit breaker trips, wait 15 seconds for it to reset automatically.
WARNING
Improper voltage application may damage sensitive vehicle electronics. Always consult the manufacturer's wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures before testing.
NOTE
To prolong switch life, press and hold the power switch before contacting the component. This directs any electrical arcing to the probe tip rather than the switch contacts.
Activating Components w/Ground
To activate components using ground connection, begin by setting the tool to DC Voltage mode and touching the probe tip to the component's negative terminal. The display will show red when a valid ground connection is detected. Briefly press and release the power switch back- ward - if the display changes from red to green, you may proceed with activation. If the display turns off or the protection activates, this indicates an overload condition.
This could happen for the following reasons:
(1) The contact you are probing is a direct positive voltage source
(2) The component you are testing is short-circuited
(3) The component is a very high current component (i.e., starter motor)
If the circuit breaker trips, wait 15 seconds for it to reset automatically.
WARNING
When using this function, applying ground to a protected circuit may blow or trip the vehicle's fuse.
Final Thoughts
With the skills outlined in this guide, using the V200 Pro for component activation transforms vehicle electrical troubleshooting into a precise and efficient process. You can verify the functionality of key components like lights, motors, injectors, and relays safely, whether they are handheld or installed in the vehicle. This reduces uncertainty, prevents unnecessary replacements, and ensures accurate diagnostics.
We welcome your feedback! If you have any questions or need further guidance, please feel free to contact us at any time—we’re here to help.
