Beginners Guide to Automotive Electrical Testing - Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

Using some basic tools to identify error codes and electrical wiring
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[@zackk695]

I was raised by a mechanic who was highly skilled and also done most of my own work yet know little about electrical. I’m convinced that 99% of mechanics do not know advanced electrical such as finding a short. Someone skilled will find it quickly. In Houston I only know of one that’s at a Buick dealership and they say he’s a rockstar. If the young mechanics would learn all electrical they would be worth $150k a year easily because nobody knows how to do it. Great video bud!

[@PetesGarage]

I agree 100%

[@MChehab100]

How would I learn how to do that? Can you advise please

[@nicolasalvarado9327]

DOESNT matter on age I know mechanics in they’re 20s that have more knowledge on wiring vs the 20+year vets. 😮

[@just456bc]

In my experience when I was a young apprentice who had a background in electronics(my grandfather being an electrical engineer and my step dad being a 25+ year electrician) the part where mechanics not knowing anything about electrical is 100% true

[@nicolasalvarado9327]

@@just456bc idc about you experienced as a kid

[@joeidaho5938]

I used to hate doing electrical work, until I watched a friend go through my rear lighting wiring...and figure out why my rear lights weren't functioning properly. It was meticulous...unwrapping tape...testing...removing useless stuff that others left behind...and learning to crimp wiring properly. When he did it, I realized I could do it also. Was just a matter of focussing on the problem at hand.

[@PetesGarage]

You can do it if you try

[@joeidaho5938]

Agree completely. Just another learning curve....which is standard if you're gonna take on any automotive project...lol. I'm sure you're doing almost perpetual learning, even after many years at it.

[@PetesGarage]

I lean something new every day

[@gamersens2363]

Currently in school to become an automotive technician, and my goal is to get into a Porsche dealership. Anyway, turning wrench is easy. It’s easy to take an engine out of the car when you have the fundamentals. What I’m seeing nowadays is that technicians aren’t paid for their wrenching skills, they are paid for their knowledge and troubleshooting. I absolutely sucked at electrical at first, I stayed in class an extra hour because I couldn’t understand the circuits, and in my school we built them, wiring the headlights, taillights, hazard lights, turn signals, anything lights in a car we wired. I just couldn’t figure out the difference between parallel and series circuits and the different resistors we needed. After many more hours out of class, I decided I’d just mess with my car, follow the diagrams and just study until I got the hang of it. Finally, it clicked and it all made sense, and when it made sense, diagnosing became a breeze. Definitely a great skill to have.

[@PetesGarage]

That's awesome!! Good for you, hard work pays off

[@joshuaschyft]

Where are you studying it

[@dejithomas7529]

This video so straight forward and very impactful. I love it. Thank you Pete.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@joeidaho5938]

I generally use both a multimeter...or a test light. The thing that gets in the way sometimes is how short the leads are....especially if I'm working on the tranny wiring or something else in the middle or back of the truck. I end up clipping together some clip extensions. Wiring is definitely a challenge, especially when dealing with stuff that goes through larger bundles of wiring by the ecm or relay box under the hood. I'm definitely no expert at all on wiring, but with persistence I usually figure things out. I recently had a no crank no start on my truck, after it was off the road for a year and a half....after I got engine rebuilt and rebuilt the tranny myself. At first, it would crank with a screwdriver over the solenoid terminals...but then I got nothing. Ended up finding a break of the solenoid signal wire at the starter.....and also had a new neutral safety switch that was faulty. That neutral safety switch was a real block...because I couldn't believe it would be faulty...lol.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Joe

[@stephens7107]

I purchased a Power Probe II , sort of Pete’s tester on steroids. One of the best tools I ever found.

[@PetesGarage]

Awesome!

[@thirdcargarage2951]

Good vid for the beginner. A power probe, or similar item is a god sent. I have the $300 Fluke meter...BUT. I always go to my $5 Harbor Freight tester. Just the simple pointy tip with the incandescent bulb. Never get the LED tester. You can judge the current by the brightness of the incandescent. Can’t do that with the LED.

[@PetesGarage]

Interesting, thanks for the comment

[@Xera01]

I learned the old system. This is the first time I have heard of the floating system. Going forward I think things will be less confusing. Thanks!

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@hieronymus..bosch8532]

Electrical is frustrating, i have a fair bit of experience but it doesn't hurt to get other wrench pullers opinion because ego doesn't get anything done

[@FATCHICKS4DAYS]

I need to tell you your videos have opened a new world to me I've been so timid about electrical. Thank you for making it extremely easy to listen too and take notes while understanding what you are saying. Thank you

[@PetesGarage]

You are so welcome

[@witnessmalinga2377]

This is a very helpful video I have ever come across

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you!

[@johneric3886]

Good tutorial, Excellent communication skills. Nice tool review

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you very much!

[@jamesbehrick9588]

Great Vid Pete, I needed the refresher.

[@PetesGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RyanDohertyRacing]

Thank you for this introductory video. Very helpful for me.

[@PetesGarage]

You are welcome!

[@abadmixtape]

Great video, Pete! Very informative!

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you kindly!

[@RickWalshCleaning]

excellent teacher👍

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you! 😃

[@albertscalla1532]

This really helped! Thank you!

[@PetesGarage]

You're welcome!

[@imagreatguy1250]

Pete, this was amazing 👍

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you kindly!

[@normhodgkinson6965]

Pete, thanks for the video. i ordered the tester just now. automotive wiring from mid 70's on back i've been pretty good at, except installing relays to added-on accessories. any chance you could do a tutorial on relays in the future ?

[@PetesGarage]

Absolutely, thanks for the idea Norm

[@cezartrasfiero6443]

Thank you Sir for sharing your knowledge

[@PetesGarage]

Welcome!

[@TurkVladimir]

Thanks For your Time, Very Useful, Informative Video.

[@PetesGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@guillermonieri4203]

Thank you. Very educational & useful.

[@PetesGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barneygordon2585]

When you tested the components, was it still hooked up to the battery?

[@PetesGarage]

Yes

[@maar5725]

شكراً لّككك ؛ Thank Pete Very Excellent . instruction bud

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@jake68vesta]

Hi, you sound like you like wiring , so i have a 1992 Dodge van w/318 I have a crank but no start. I grounded out the fuel pump relay and now don't have spark or fuel. Change the relay's and then found a fusible link bad , peeled the insulation back and just twisted the wires together temporarily now I have power to the relay but won't prime fuel. I can jumper the wires without relay and fuel pump runs. Still had no spark at coil, found 30 amp fuse in the fuse block fried changed that and still no spark. Has new key cylinder lock and ignition module. What to do next trying to find if any other fusible links are fried but seem to be ok. Can you help me with a schematic and how to proceed?

[@PetesGarage]

There is either other blown fuses and relays, or a bad ground somewhere.

[@Bosniakov000]

is there one of these to help urgent electrical professor electrician electric technician my case : ( when i connect the multimeter red to red the + / and black probs ) . gives reading as continuity important notes : 1 - NO BATTERY 2 - multimeter ON Diode mode " continuity" - is that normal - ?!?!?!

[@EFRAINCARLIN]

Wow your video is easy to understand thanks

[@PetesGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rastiarjaff7347]

Thank you very much for your videos But I can’t see the link of your tools .

[@PetesGarage]

Under the video you have to expand the MORE tab

[@AaronLKLD]

Great presentation!

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you kindly!

[@ryankirker1120]

Wonderfully done

[@PetesGarage]

Many thanks!

[@Chrisymcmb]

The intro sounded like it was going to be followed by: “rev your engine!”

[@PetesGarage]

Absolutely not

[@Emoji_TTV]

Acdc joke was hilarious 😂

[@PetesGarage]

It's a long way to the top....

[@gator7095]

What is the name of the Electrical tool, for testing shorts etc. I couldn’t open the link in the description or the Amazon page no longer exists.

[@PetesGarage]

It's a continuity check tool. I'll fix the link

[@steddie1]

Super helpful vid...thank you for it!

[@PetesGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Darrin_Wyatt]

Great video, on another note I feel weird texting you out of the blue do you have any info on common issues with 351 Cleveland's. I've been inside and out of chevys but I just recently got a 351c for an 89 mustang gt project of my own. Not as familiar with ford's but this mustang has always been a dream of mine, 408 stroker, stock appearing fuel injection, and a tremic 6 speed the works.

[@PetesGarage]

It's no problem to text me. There are a couple things you can do for a Cleveland.

[@DavidAConnerSr]

Where can I find the tool that test different electric systems like a fuse light headlight or horn switch

[@PetesGarage]

Any auto parts store

[@Ericdz302]

Great video thanks for the upload

[@PetesGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@julians-stuff]

Just FYI, the Amz link to the tools is not working any more.

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you

[@jerryf609]

My horn quit working. I checked the fuse. It was OK. I looked at the wire connections to the horn unit and it was OK, not corroded. The horn doesn't work with the keyfob double lock nor from the steering wheel. What should be my next step, please. Thanks

[@PetesGarage]

Wire the horn to the battery to make sure it works

[@jerryf609]

@@PetesGarage Thanks Pete. That makes sense.

[@MrMrBigro]

Can you have the same thing for obd 1?

[@AlwaysDiagnoseVehicleFirst]

Good afternoon sir hope your day is going good! I have an INNOVA 3300 and i want to set it on DC10A and using the red and black lead probe the starter relay pin 30 & 87 to crank the vehicle while im diagnosing it under the hood cause i dont have a helper to crank the vehicle for me, is it possible to do that with the INNOVA 3300 sir?

[@PetesGarage]

I do not know

[@hongscave]

Guys please help me out. As a student, I’m wondering would it be beneficial to study mechanical with electrical, or just electrical but more in depth working as auto electrician? Would auto electrician need to work on mechanical side at all? Would having know mechanical side help getting me the first auto electrician job?

[@PetesGarage]

I would do mechanical and learn basic electrical. Electrical can be very specialized but is not as common, in my opinion

[@hongscave]

@@PetesGarage Thank you for the advice!

[@TheOutlawGeneralBacon]

Thanks Pete!!!

[@PetesGarage]

You're welcome!

[@abeebadam1926]

How do I get the testing tool

[@turnipsucks6416]

GREAT...NEED THIS TOOL NOW....UGH.

[@PetesGarage]

It's only $23

[@nicolasosteguin5440]

Agreed very good

[@mohunkevin7809]

What is the name of the tools plz

[@PetesGarage]

12V circuit tester

[@TheRallyCoop]

It’s not possible to say what needs to be replaced by looking at the code alone.

[@dewaynebraley2820]

Why does the cheap test light I have only have one lead wire

[@PetesGarage]

it's not cheap, it's only testing power to ground

[@alexmessina3383]

Would have been helpful to have some deeper explanation, examples and applied testing of floating grounds

[@PetesGarage]

Great suggestion!

[@DieselEngine1234]

Please what the name of the electrical test

[@PetesGarage]

Continuity tester

[@edwinendaya2967]

Good pm am sir may I know what is the color code of any car model regarding the unlock door opening when key are inside the car I'm in philippines

[@PetesGarage]

I do not know

[@asid731]

What is a good source for unlimited wiring diagrams online? Thanks

[@PetesGarage]

There are a few places, but it really depends on the vehicle

[@asid731]

@@PetesGarage ok thanks

[@magnatron7734]

Great vid

[@WBIGTVBuffalo]

I'm ordering one! Mine are decrepit .

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@PetesGarage]

Can't go wrong for $23

[@WBIGTVBuffalo]

@@PetesGarage Plus it is big and hard to misplace!

[@felm3283]

I don’t recommend fixd they lie you never pay $19.99 you pay more.

[@PetesGarage]

You do not have to pay monthly. Mine still works fine without it.

[@76kamikazi]

Do not leave that Fixed plugged in your car all day use it and remove it,or it will drain your car battery dead.

[@PetesGarage]

I never had that problem, but thanks for the comment

[@gregoriorazgado5541]

What about when the component had many pins 📌 🤔 👀 😳

[@PetesGarage]

I don't know

[@turnipsucks6416]

I only hate the diagrams. Otherwise not worried.

[@PetesGarage]

Gotta have the diagrams

[@michaelvlahakis5652]

Lovely presentation please share link or your whatsApp line

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@marvinramireztejada1848]

Bro the first minute abraticing came on man at least start with something else

[@PetesGarage]

I don't get to choose that

[@ventura9513]

Gday from Aussie land Pete,,,, great vids as always,,, being a diesel fiitter myself, 12v and 24v electrical wiring and fault finding is part of our jobs, so for people like you and myself it comes naturally, I have Snap Ons equivelant to the power probe, wasn't cheap might i add haha,, makes your job lots easier in fault finding,,,,,,, but for those who thinks its a big birds nest, your vids help alot, having said that, please bring on more of the AC Cobra build mate

[@PetesGarage]

Excellent points, I'm getting back to the Cobra this week, finally

[@MrBojangles901]

It's a shame I had to waste my time watching the three videos above yours in the KZbin search results. Great, simple and straight to the point. Helped me answer my question. Thank you sir 🙏

[@abadmixtape]

Also, please make another video about finding shorts in a circuit. That would be greatly appreciated!

[@PetesGarage]

Will do!

[@badreldinelhag5145]

How

[@mirukuchan]

❤

[@PetesGarage]

👍

[@BLACCRAINBOW1997]

I need help with schematics, I cannot seem to get it.

[@davidsongv]

Dude just for that acdc band meme i gave you a thumbs up …. Nice one

[@PetesGarage]

Rock on!

[@rolandos64]

GoD dam everyone is thirsty to be an infomercial!

[@yazming1720]

Awesome Video I've always be nervous about messing electrical part or wire etc.etc. I'm ordering the light tester from your link & gonna start doing all electrical in my Nova. Your explanation gave me the courage to give it a shot. Also keep this easy to follow Videos coming👍💯 Thanks Pete's Garage Yazmin Venice Beach CA ⛱ ⛱

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend, you can do it

[@gabumunjiru5885]

Hi I'm in kenya wish to have one that I connect with my phone

[@rc4211]

Or, just learn how to properly use a multimeter. It's really not that difficult, and a good one is much more capable than this tool.

[@PetesGarage]

That is true, but some people have zero understanding and just need a simple tool to check for continuity

[@cybersight5171]

I was very excited to learn. I approached my mastee mechanic. He said i dint get paid to pay u. Plus ur going to take my work. I have never asked to learn something n het reply with such an insecure answer. But here iam.

[@livewireOrourke]

Find a short in my car? I did find a pair of my pants...does that count?

[@PetesGarage]

Depends whose they are

[@garrettprosser7336]

Anyone use that obd scanner or another like it and have anything to say about it?

[@PetesGarage]

They all work well

[@comrobukadetaejoseph1200]

How much is it sir

[@jonetrance4495]

hi i have a 2009 ford fiesta 1.6 tdci,i was driving it last week with no problems,then out of the blue a cog light came on which i have been told is the pcm light,the car died and wouldnt start for around 5 mins,eventually got it running and got it home,a friend plugged it in and a p0698 code came up,he said it was throttle pedal,so replaced that also put a new fuel filter after a day or 2 same thing happend,it wouldnt start so i put a forscan on it turned the pcm light off and it started,after 2 hours cut out again so i unplugged egr and it run fine for 2 days then the light came on again even with the egr unplugged,it has no problem starting but once that pcm light comes on the car will not start until i plug forscan into it and clear the p0698 code,is there anyone out there who can help it says sensor reference voltage c circuit low additional fault symptom circuit voltage below threshold......thanks in advance,jon

[@PetesGarage]

That's a tough one, I'd have to see it

[@jonetrance4495]

@@PetesGarage do you live in cardiff?,lol

[@johndeloach503]

I have a 97 mustang, when it's cold outside and I start it up the wipers come for a cycle. any idea what could fix that? everything else is great.

[@PetesGarage]

Maybe a new wiper switch

[@albertsautodiagnosticsllc2130]

I have my ASE A6 ELECTRICAL and A8 Engine performance im studying for my A1 engine repair your videos help quite a bit

[@PetesGarage]

Awesome!

[@Luis-fp9eg]

Good very good.

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@bryanquiroga3912]

I have a question, what is the best way to learn mechanics hands-on or classroom?

[@PetesGarage]

I learned by doing

[@DougHinVA]

He assumes too much ... plugging in an OBD device to send things to a phone is NOT what everyone wants or knows how to do.

[@PetesGarage]

You can try

[@DougHinVA]

nope; some guys view the video and have no interest in a smart phone at all... that's me.

[@adamissah452]

Please is helpful can I get the tester

[@PetesGarage]

You can buy them at any store or online

[@Assertiveman]

I didn't expect that acdc clip haha

[@PetesGarage]

Gotta have a little fun

[@jimjim2119]

Where is the link for the tester?

[@PetesGarage]

Right in the video description

[@ricardoawah6727]

how can i contact you sir

[@PetesGarage]

[e-mail]

[@KA-pq3yz]

Very clear information for DIY guys. Thanks a lot

[@PetesGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@justinekatele2061]

Thanks a lot sir

[@PetesGarage]

Most welcome

[@jmcenterprises9591]

Thanks Pete, much appreciated!

[@PetesGarage]

Very welcome