What is typically the first step in troubleshooting equipment failure?

The first step in troubleshooting equipment failure is to identify the symptoms of the problem. This involves closely examining the equipment to understand what issues are occurring and how they manifest. By gathering information about the specific symptoms—such as strange noises, loss of functionality, or error messages—technicians can form a clearer picture of the potential underlying issues.

Identifying the symptoms is crucial because it sets the groundwork for further steps in the troubleshooting process. Understanding the details allows for more effective hypothesis generation regarding what might be wrong and guides the technician in determining whether the failure is mechanical, electrical, or software-related. This step is foundational and influences all subsequent actions, whether they involve repairs, contacting a manufacturer for support, or preparing documentation for future reference.