Easiest way to find a short to ground!

When diagnosing a short to ground, the approach is fairly simply. Split the circuit up in to multiple sections, to find out which leg of the circuit is actually at fault.
Jarhead Diagnostics Load Test Light:
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[@foesfly3047]

Dudes with real world skills like this Rule. I have no use for celebrities, pro athletes, politicians and ‘winners’ at the club. Stay Awesome Brother 😎🎩♠️💙

[@billwhite5853]

Great job in identifying the diagnosis and pointing out what a short is. A lot of KZbin video are calling parasitic draws shorts, which is wrong. A parasitic draw drains, while a short burns things, such as fuses.

[@audrybella6405]

Nice job diagnosing the problem using a solid but simple and effective technique. Might add that whenever you have a (new) problem that appears to be a result of other work done on the vehicle, its a good general practice to do a solid visual inspection of the area where the work was done. It's very common for things not to be fully reassembled or properly reassembled when components are replaced. Especially if it required removing interior and/or dash assemblies. Thanks for the video and the tips.

[@alexanderwalle3568]

One example of that that comes to mind is when you get a new radiator, then take your ride to someone else for something else entirely, and they tell you someone forgot to fill your new, empty radiator (after that--and it was a reputable place I've gone to for years that I will not slam because I'll probably keep going back--I do some checking after that one and I'm supposed to be the idiot when it comes to practical matters).

[@uptownimports-foreignautor5338]

An even easier way is to use a DVOM. Ground the negative lead of the meter and put the other end of the meter to the fuse output (this one will give you continuity to the ground). Select continuity on the DVOM (the one that makes noise when there is continuity). Then disconnect connectors or components until the DVOM does not give out a tone. This way you don't have to be looking at the light all the time you can go by sound when there is no more short to ground.

[@raynic1173]

but have tht think buzzing the whole time? Not sure that's worth it.

[@johnshanderuk4503]

@@raynic1173 it's not too bad at all plus you don't have to keep going back and look at the light because sound travels all over but you have to go back and look at the light all the time.

[@ovedalgaard7645]

No go. You have to draw current through the test lamp to eliminate "weak" earth/ground through motors, bulbs other "consumers."

[@neilhanley3468]

The DVOM is not enough of a load. I've had circuits that the DVOM said had 12v but would not carry the load

[@deewalk1337]

Both ways are correct, just have to know how to read a meter is all. 0.1-0.3 is normal and you add a point for every module the circuit runs through so 0.6 or 7 is fine if it has the additional modules if not then you have a bad or shaky ground.

[@garywinkel1831]

This kind of electrical diagnostics ability is hard to find. Nice job explaining it.

[@FlatlandMando]

it is like true voodoo to me

[@8power0]

I COULD ONLY IMAGINE HOW SWEET A TOUR OF THAT VAN WOULD BE. GREAT TIP AND THANKS FOR YOUR TIME !

[@shamessun]

Thank you very much…. I watched this video long time ago, when you posted first time….. last week I received a Chavy impala with fuse emission 2 15 amp keep blowing, 2 workmates didn’t figure it out and they replaced that fuse….. my service manager handed to me… I figured out there is a short by using power probe and no tone or light on the ground side…. It was not convincing… I remembered your video and attached the light bulb and that helped me a lot…. Found the bank 2 sensor 2 O2 sensor rubbing against the CV axle…..Thank you

[@JarheadDiagnostics]

Awesome find!

[@RJ6AV6]

Quick and easy to comprehend video, thank you! 👍👍

[@davidk4190]

wow, you made that look real easy when its actually a pain. someones lucky to have you around.

[@vh3531]

As soon as you said it had a new heater core put in, I figured the problem would be in that area. If I know someone has previously worked on the car, I would give that area a quick visual first. Good way to show how to use a test light.

[@JarheadDiagnostics]

I fully agree with you!

[@tjsingh5163]

My uncle (electrician) taught me that trick when I was a kid. Definitely comes in handy. To one’s not understanding how it works it’s very simple at a fuse you shouldn’t have a strong enough ground to light an incandescent bulb. If it lights there is a short to ground in that circuit. Then old fashioned short tracing after that.

[@JarheadDiagnostics]

Very true!

[@DrHarryT]

There could be loads down circuit which will cause the light to illuminate when the short is gone. A high current incandescent lamp such as a headlamp will reduce this possibility.

[@adanarceo4636]

Thanks for sharing this brother, I’m dealing with this issue in my car. Greatly appreciated and I’m your newest subscriber 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@fuseone]

Seems like a great idea, can’t wait to try it out.

[@vicpetrishak7705]

A semi tractor low air warning beeper also works well . If it is too loud place layers of electrical tape over the audio hole .

[@johnbayliss1098]

Thank you my brother you're the greatest I like your calm demeanor

[@Troy_Built]

I've also seen guys use a noise maker of some type in place of the bulb. It would make it so you don't actually need to see the bulb each time. Nice and simple way to show this.

[@JarheadDiagnostics]

Our updated video has that in it! Excellent use for sure! The Best Way To Find A Shorted Circuit!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpfOXqmjmrBnfZI

[@Troy_Built]

Thanks! I'll have to watch that one also.@@JarheadDiagnostics

[@garylee1544]

I Love this Channel!! Good Stuff. Thanks!

[@orionmyth]

Took me watching videos on these topics for a year for it to finally sink in 🤯

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

Well, stated, these shorts can be a hard find without this training. Thank you! Liked and subscribed!

[@magid5441]

Same method I used.. Million thanks 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@jcmobilediagnostics8611]

Excellent video Brandon.

[@OneLegged-honda-mechanic]

Great Job, Brandon!

[@stevenmiller1963]

Super simple and effective ! I like it!

[@colbinbarrita288]

happy watching for reviewing,thanks sir❤❤

[@spencerwvcmoon]

Brilliant just what needed thanks big love❤

[@davidbauld5800]

Love the van!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

First? My favorite method as well! 5A test light works well. Sweet diag van 😁👍

[@JarheadDiagnostics]

Thank man! And yeah, it’s great way to save money on fuses. Lol

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

@@JarheadDiagnostics Keith DeFazio always used a Pulsar tool for shorts, but they are hard to find and kind of bulky

[@patmurch6184]

​@@JarheadDiagnosticslolol you must be joking right?! Lolol fuses are pretty dang cheap I bought a box and I have constant electrical problems and i still have a few dozen left.... What is a pain in the asd is the TIME it takes pulling fuses.... At least that's how I feel lol

[@grassroot1100]

We were taught to do a half split on the circuitry to simplify the job. Basic trouble shooting here. And hint to save fuses while doing it, haa Good work, thanks.

[@mylifeisdope916]

awesome! very simple once you lay it out like that. thank you, much appreciated

[@markhubanks3715]

Great information and video.Thank You!

[@OlTrailDog]

Damn, you are one of my heroes ;-) . I usually make the sign of the cross when it comes to electrical problems.

[@jimmorton3009]

Been using that method FOREVER, back in the day, I would use a 4652 headlight and because of padded dash tops, I would lay the headlamp on a ceramic tile on top of the dash so I could see the light while pushing and tugging slightly harness.

[@DrHarryT]

They call that the wiggle test.

[@ezkempinkemp3467]

Thanks!

[@Hulk-mc7bp]

Well…definitely not a video for the average guy who has no experience with mechanical/electrical work.

[@zach914v8]

Great video!!!! Thank you.

[@RoseA.P1986]

Was there a specific fuse cavity that you placed the test light before pulling the connectors?

[@neilhanley3468]

I've been using a sealed beam light for decades. My shop foreman convinced me a test light is adequate as long as it's not LED. I found out this week that it is NOT adequate when looking at a bad relay. I put two supercharger coolant pumps on with same results until I went back to my sealed beam. It would light up my test light, not the sealed beam. Quite a few choice words fer that one lol

[@woodybear8298]

Beautifully done.

[@JarheadDiagnostics]

Thank you.

[@nicolasdakota3446]

Useful video. Thanks

[@PhilFamolaro]

Well done. Thank you.

[@heroknaderi]

Very Informative.

[@adrenalinefamily2339]

Great short informative video. Where can I get wire diagram schematics

[@yepme6484]

It's shorted out, all the way to the ground post , isolated , no ground hooked up. And I have 12.6 to ground post of the car frame , all the fuses is 12.6, alternator has 12.6 volts on the terminal side and the ground side. I reversed the process isolated the positive and of course it has ground all the way through. I pulled fuses and relays and no voltage drop. The only thing I did not unplug is the ECM. So I have closed relay or a exposed positive wire touching the frame. But I have a power probe 3 and a signal tester for breaks. It's a chrysler sebring 2006 2.7 litter . Be for the wife broke down the battery light came on, wife said smoke came from the passenger side of the engine.

[@bozomartin3191]

Thanks for the excellent video. When you probed pin 7, was the lead on that probe just jumped from one side of the test light? Also, where are you located?

[@pigeonsil240sx]

same question?did he jump from the test light or hook up to power from one side of the light then when he probed #7 that should be 12v power it lit up the light because the short was a path to ground.i want this to be my new method for locating shorts but need more info do you know any other vids that use the same method?

[@rick31869]

MMMMMMMAN !!!! THATS SOME AWESOME DIO MY BROTHER . here is my story i been told to share with you . 1 yr 11 months ago i drive my((((((((((( 2011 BUICK LACROSSE CXS with 3.6L engine)))))))))))))) to the V.A. HODPITAL for my doctors appointment . after i was done 3 hrs later lol , you know this as a vet yourself lol , i came to my car ,when i opened my drivers door ,i heard what sounded like a machine gun going off under the hood .got in car , pushed the starter button and wouldnt crank or start . i got out went under the hood and began investigating . i finally called for a ride and later came with tools to diagnose . i found the # 10 fuse burnt and keeps burning everytime i try to start . what gets me ,everytime i push something on my remote , first connect the battery ,open doors,trunk i hear that very rapid clicking under the hood .i towed to house and i been working on it almost 2 years since , i get frustrated and stop a while then continue eventually lol . i notice when i pull the KR71 RELAY "MITCHELL 1 CALLS IT ,BUT CHILTON CALLS IT KR75 , MY FUSES DONT BURN ANYMORE . THE # 10 fuse goes to a junction that splits into 3 wires that goes to PCM(ECM).THIS RELAY ALSO FEEDS FIUSES 8, 9 ,11, AND 47 OR 46 DEPENDING ON WHAT VERSION YOU HAVE . ! i have never encounter such a terrible problem in 40 yrs my brother . i got a overwhelming good feeling you can help me brother , strange right ? . my CODES COME UP THEN AND NOW AS UO100 AND PO23F . THE DASH ALWAYS SAID ,SOMETHING WRONG WITH STABILTY TRACK AND OBJECT DETECTION . SO MANY strange things about this one brother . any tips or ideas you may have is greatly appreciated my brother ! thank you in advance for your reply ! i have a bluedriver mod and app , powerprobe "the hook" , pp3 and ect-2000 and several test lights different kinds especially found of the computer safe one i got from harbor fright lol ,shows ground and hot , online chilton and pro demand at my disposal ! i have put die-electric grease on a lot of connections fearing fretting the most .i dont want to be a parts changer thats why im still at it , please HELLLLLP ! LOL, I JUST SUBBED ALSO BROTHER !!!

[@gutshotgriz3936]

nicely done!!!

[@desmondcollier1256]

I enjoy the video I learn a lot

[@deanamartin2967]

I didn't understand what you were saying until you showed the harness was short to ground on the frame. But I appreciate your information thanks

[@maxsacchi3755]

Ooorah outstanding work

[@deansley174]

Thank you for the video

[@chaoscobraflashbacks5044]

When you buy it from your website does it come with the light and the pins?

[@deckgun31]

I have neither the experience nor the knowledge to perform this task. But I sure like to learn new things! Thanks!

[@stevemamooshka3425]

I like the light bulb trick, I'll be using that!

[@FroggyFrog9000]

great info

[@starsstripesandotvoldtimev667]

Subscribed and rang the bell !!!! Thank you!!!

[@pl7868]

Good video Thx , i have an old voltmeter with a bulb taped on it so can use the leads an of course working voltmeter lol an a pencil probe that pretty much covers anything anybody needs

[@josephmcnamee9338]

We have a trailblazer that has a issue with the rear hatch, hatch control module is clicking and won’t allow us to unlock by remote. I replaced the module with a brand new one and it’s still doing it. Think I have a short to ground somewhere ?

[@pigeonsil240sx]

i want this to be my go to method but a few things confusing would you be willing to make another video when you do another short to ground?

[@Imwright720]

The light is a cool trick. Thanks

[@DerWor-vz2hd]

Great video.

[@trevorrutherford5438]

How did you wire up and make your test light that can be put in the fuse locations????

[@user-si9iy9ch7e]

a light and one wire end to one of the fuse side and the other wire to the other side .

[@Markb8608]

thanks for the video

[@greenreaper8663]

Nice diagnostic process.

[@philmanwarren3666]

great vid i have a problem my right brake light and right turn signal don't work on my 2000 blazer and ideas would be great thanks

[@frugalprepper]

Nice Diag!

[@pigeonsil240sx]

can anyone please help me so when you go wiggle wire harness and find the short does the bulb dim or go out completely as ive watched two vids of this method and both had light dim when found and other the bulb went out seen here?,i couldnt figure out why the bulb would go out because wouldnt this create a series circuit thus dimming both bulbs (pretend its a headlight circuit) as they now share the same circuit?

[@1725skinner]

You can set your DMM on DC voltage in place of the light. And as long as there is a short to ground it will show the circuit voltage.

[@joelbagodonuts124]

True. But a light is good, simple, and easily seen from a distances.

[@hightttech]

DMM input impedance too high; you'll read ghost voltage if there is leakage in circuit. Without a load, you might waste time following leakage paths. If you choose not to use a ballast lamp technique, then select an appropriate shunt resistor to substitute for fuse, and use DMM to measure voltage across that.

[@sartorst3376]

Only if all other loads are removed and there are many on this circuit it's a fake vidio

[@spelunkerd]

Exactly the approach I use, after deciding which circuit it is.

[@billw.1567]

It may have been short but, it was good.

[@richardpichardo1055]

Hey man wondering if you can shed some light on a situation I’m having in a 2009 Acura TSX while installing my aftermarket radio my constant power cable made some contact and all I heard was the spark and now I have no constant power all fuses are good in the car and under the hood any info would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance

[@jacksautorepair]

I pull up the fuse chart in service information or owners manual. The service information may be more complete in one chart as to what that fuse powers. The chart or tables show the fuse number, fuse size, and everything that fuse powers. What items are in the dash and go from there.

[@gearheadautomotivel.l.c.5476]

Excellent video brother! I also use this method and it works well.

[@sartorst3376]

Bs only if its the only load and it's not

[@gearheadautomotivel.l.c.5476]

@sartorst3376 Care to explain yourself further? Perhaps you know something we don't. What I can say is that I've used this method to successfully diagnose a short to ground on numerous occasions, as have many others. At the end of the day, it's tough to argue with results.

[@coyoteofwallst4521]

nice find

[@HelgiThorisson]

Not only the easiest but the best way. If you don't have a test light you can make an emergency light yourself. You need to have a wire long enough to be cut in two. The other materials are already in the car. You can use the blown fuse and any working light bulb in the car.

[@leeancroft7805]

Your a liar

[@trojangpete8]

Lol, I am clueless here. I have a throttle issue that upon testing the harness. It shows short to ground. But no fuses are blown, and the relays are fine. What would you suggest I do here to the short to ground.

[@user-ih3qp8vq9o]

Absolute legend. Can you recommend someone to do this level of diagnosing in San Antonio texas?

[@MFEeee]

Good stuff.

[@Tman317]

Is this safe to do always and wont fry something else? I have a blown 15A ECM fuse where thebwire goes to the ECM. Fuse blows anytime the door is opened (car wakesbup I guess). Just dont want to fry my ECM or other components using this method. But im having trouble finding where to search next!

[@DrHarryT]

There is also another way, to use a constant current supply set at about 10A and follow the heat with a thermal imager. The possible problem with that is that during the test it could cause the short to go away and then you can't find it until it comes back. I did a heater core on a Saturn and after wards you turn the key, the engine would start but when released to run position the engine would shut down. [It would only run during cranking.] Part of the procedure was to pull the center console and disconnecting some block connectors to remove the dash panel. I traced the problem to one of the connectors where during reassembly one of the pins got bent over. It was a long sliding mating with an 8mm bolt to draw the connectors together making it fool proof. [similar to a bulkhead or PCM connector] I have no idea how one of the pins could have bent over other than being slightly out of alignment so during the mating process it folded over. What ever, I found the problem, straightened the pin and everything was fine.

[@JarheadDiagnostics]

I don’t know if I would trust supplying current enough to have it register on a thermal imager. Doesn’t seem as safe.

[@DrHarryT]

@@JarheadDiagnostics Simply do not exceed the CC supply value greater than the original fuse rating.

[@grtntgod]

Insightful

[@jennifern5376]

Hi I have a utv that is blowing a fuse intermittent what's bast way to find it there is lots of things running on this thanks

[@aaronmenchinger]

So if the light comes on, there is a short to ground? Key need to be on to accessorie or off or twat? Thanks in advance 👍

[@deanamartin2967]

So does it mean that the harness of the side impact sensor on my car was off of the sensor and grounding to the to the frame?

[@vicpnut1]

As soon as you said new heater core the thought of pinched or crossed connection in the glove box was my first thought ….but being only shade tree level experience only ,idve gotten frustrated if I didnt notice the issue quickly ….😂

[@justforkiks29]

Link to the tools used to connect to the fuse box?

[@oz7245]

Had an issue on a 89 chevy truck. Tried to find it by removing fuses no luck there finally tracked it down to a worn positive battery cable shorted to the battery tray intermittently draining the battery overnight.

[@chagoman2001]

Can I use it to trace the ground on a Diesel Forklift 24 volt circuit?

[@jimkillen1065]

Good job thanks

[@saluteyourshortsplz]

I am curious. You said there was a short showing on pin 6, 7, and 19. When you have multiple possible short locations like this, what allows you to decisively say that pin 6 is there error circuit? I only ask because I am showing like 7 pins on a connector with a short to ground, so does this mean they share the same ground? How do I figure out which is the circuit in the connector with the short to ground?

[@simplytrolling6869]

Bi or try type of curious? Asking for a brother that commented above…

[@ayeeiou9147]

@@simplytrolling6869??

[@simplytrolling6869]

@@ayeeiou9147 wondering if the curiosity he has is dealing with his sexuality… ??

[@tedyoung9825]

What is the program or website where you get your wiring diagrams?

[@nealk6387]

A blown fuse and a buzzer soldered to it works great to find a short too.

[@albuendormir5264]

That's a great idea.

[@ChrisMichaelsChicago]

i'M BUMMED rADIO sHACK ISN'T AROUND FOR THE SHORT TRIP TO GET COMMON ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS. nOW IT'S A DDRAG

[@DaveA-bi6kv]

Hi, have 2006 jeep liberty was working fine ,took keyfob from pants pocket to unlock it and the unlock button seemed stuck/depressed position ,wouldnt unlock , checked fob battery {good] used key to unlock and tried doorpad switches [didnt work either ]....would a stuck on position create a short in the power locks controller ? I then checked 20 amp fuse and it was blown replaced fuse and activated locks they work but when using unlock it blows the fuse , If i plug the test light into the fuse holder and try each switch to try and isolate def switch/motor or is it probably the wire in the door harness chafed /boken and grounding

[@edwinwise6751]

Well done

[@JarheadDiagnostics]

Thank you!

[@janessalekanof5124]

Do you have a video of a 2008 ford explorer xlt of the pcm mini 39 fuse blown I narrowed it down between the mini number 39 fuse to the key on the inside as soon as I turn the key on the 15amp number 39 mini fuse blows and I can't find the short I'm hoping you will be able to help me out

[@Mike-we3rb]

There’s about 10 electrical problems with my car. Literally. I hope doing this even helps at all considering my weakness with car mechanics is electrical stuff. The car is trash so I mean, what am I gonna lose possibly shorting something else out by trying this. (Accidentally doing or touching the wrong thing) lol

[@papergatorzfedducca7998]

Damn!! New subscriber!! I have a 95 Roadmaster and the horn blows when the fuse is in and it goes off when I remove the fuse. It blows constantly while the fuse is in.

[@flyingfox80]

Hi Brandon love your work probably a silly question but does the circuit have to be active or should the bulb never light

[@patrickmazzone9066]

Excellent diag cool

[@louisperich6678]

this is a great technique. I would very much appreciate a more complete explanation of how to hook up the tester, though. Do you put its leads across the fuse connectors? put one lead on one side of fuse, the other lead on chassis somewhere? if you get no light, then move the first lead to other side of fuse? I would assume some readers know very little to start.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Yup, that would be me. Watched this video and got nothing because how the test leads were hooked up wasn’t explained.

[@electromech7335]

You put the test lead into the battery + side of the fuse holder and the other lead in the load side of the fuse holder. If there is a short the light will light up because you will have current flow. The light acts like a resistor which limits the current. This keeps you from having to replace blown fuses constantly till you find the short. Hope that helps.

[@rob0516]

There shouldnt be voltage or a lit bulb across the fuse terminals if the the switch in the affected circuit is open thus completing a path back to ground.

[@debracarty170]

Please explain how you hook up the test light, I know nothing...lol

[@debracarty170]

How do you know the battery side from the load side

[@Vitaliy-zx1nz]

Nice👍 explained

[@cesarjorgemurillobarientos1813]

Very good

[@LuisMartinez-fr9gq]

Hello Sir, what do you mean by fuse output, is that like toching the fuses with the red lead of the meter and if it beeps that means the fuse has a short, please help me out to understand. Can i connect the black lead of meter to the battery negative post? Hope you have time to explain me thanks in advance

[@tonyhuggins6407]

2009 infinity g37x engine fuse 15 and coil constantly blow out Where should I start my test Thanks