When troubleshooting a system failure, which procedure should be performed first?

Consulting the aircraft manual first during troubleshooting is essential because it provides detailed information specific to the system in question, including possible failure modes, error codes, and troubleshooting guidelines. The manual often includes procedures for diagnosing issues, information on system architecture, and even diagrams that can aid in understanding what might be going wrong.

By starting with the manual, technicians can avoid making assumptions or performing unnecessary actions, such as checking electrical connections or attempting a reset, which might be irrelevant to the actual problem. Additionally, proper approach as described in the manual enhances safety by ensuring that the technician references the manufacturer’s guidelines, which have been developed based on extensive testing and data. This ensures a methodical approach to diagnosing issues rather than relying on immediate actions that may overlook critical steps in the troubleshooting process.