a method and system for testing and protecting the operability of an output module . an output channel includes a transistor having a gate , a source , and a drain . the output channel drives a load with a load voltage and a load current in dependence upon a gate drive signal applied to the gate . the system determines a voltage threshold and a current threshold and monotonically varies the gate drive signal from a starting value for a predetermined time interval while monitoring the load current and the load voltage . the system returns the gate drive signal to the starting value if any of the load voltage reaches the voltage threshold , the load current reaches the current threshold , or a predetermined time interval expires indicating the condition of the output module .