Electrical/Electronic Systems
Work Example 11

WorkKey Level: 5
NATEF Automotive Tasks:

Problem:

When you apply your brake, all three brake lights are dim.The two brake lights each have a resistance of 2 ohms.The center break light has a resistance of 4 ohms.Your meter reads 4 ohms at the base of the parallel circuit. Is the reading within the circuit's parameter.

Solution:

R_t = (R₁ × R₂ × R₃)/(R₁ + R₂ + R₃)
R_t = (2 × 2 × 4)/(2 + 2 + 4) = 16/8 = 2

Since R_t = 2 and the meter reads 4 ohms, it is not
within parameters.