What is the first step in the 6-step troubleshooting procedure using signal tracing?

The initial step in the 6-step troubleshooting procedure using signal tracing is identifying the symptom. Before you can localize the trouble or analyze any circuit diagrams, it is imperative to recognize and define the symptoms that indicate a problem exists. By identifying the symptoms, you gain a clearer understanding of the issue at hand and can focus on specific areas that may require further investigation. This step allows you to establish a baseline for follow-up actions throughout the troubleshooting process, aligning your efforts with the actual problem experienced, rather than assumptions or guesses about potential circuit issues.

Moving forward through the troubleshooting procedure relies heavily on the information gathered during this initial identification phase, as it sets the stage for subsequent steps like localizing trouble to the circuit, analyzing circuit diagrams, or testing output signals, all of which depend on a well-defined symptom to direct the troubleshooting efforts effectively.