Electrical Troubleshooting Basics - EricTheCarGuy

Electrical Troubleshooting Basics - EricTheCarGuy
I get a lot of questions regarding electrical issues so when this 1994 Geo came in I thought it might be a perfect opportunity to show some of the basic steps that I follow when confronted with an electrical problem. Keep in mind that electrical problems come in all shapes and sizes so there really is no 'magic bullet' here but if you follow a basic procedure like the one shown in this video it might help you find and repair the problem. Here is a video that I did some time ago on soldering wires.
Soldering wires
• How To Solder Wires To...
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@HumbleMechanic]

"do as much diagnosis from the drivers seat as possible" Automotive words to live by my friend!!!!!

[@MultiBananaman69]

HumbleMechanic yeah except testing the headlights. Or even the horn.

[@murderyurface3595]

@@MultiBananaman69 well if you had a mirror you could potentially do the diagnosing from just the driver seat

[@WestCoastUSA546]

@@MultiBananaman69 He said: " As possible". He didn't say " Everything".

[@donaldneal3116]

P

[@xSpeedModder]

Nice to see you here Humble Mechanic I’m watching this while checking all my fuses on my 2011 Volkswagen Jetta se 2.5 my head lights aren’t working after pulling all fuses none appeared broken but I didn’t have a power probe tool so I don’t know if ones isn’t receiving power or if it’s just my lights but both being out at once made me think it could be something electrical or a blown fuse out of everything something I need to drive at night

[@area51invader]

DUDE, my 99 chevy k3500 didn't crank over yesterday morning, and watched one of your videos and with your expert tips I got it to crank over and got it started! I am no mechanic by any imagination but your tips got me out of the NATIONAL FOREST and homemade safely! Thank you a million times!!! Ivar, Uncompahgre National Forest, Montrose County, Colorado

[@aamiramir2541]

Hey eric to be honest with you i have my garage in Saudi Arabia. I am a mechanic but i want to learn electrician work... your videos are helping me alot. I just want to say thank you so much for these video keep uploading.

[@XvS6-Lemaza]

كيف الجراج يا ابو شريك؟

[@Tantoblade1pd]

I love the way you diagnose problems, it is so methodical and thought out. I wish i could be more like you, learnin everyday but not there yet.

[@keithamerson2382]

I bet you've gotten alot better over 9 years I know I have over the last 5

[@fwijffels]

I just started college, Automotive engineering. I'm watching your videos for a while now and I really think they can be a huge help for me! Thanks Eric!

[@corkforbrains]

Great Job Eric! I'm trying to show my grandson about this stuff and I'm finding it maddening to explain things that are so clear in my 65 y/o mind, in words that make sense to his 17 y/o brain.. You videos are helping alot! Thank you for that!!

[@3dartstudio007]

Thank you for this vid. I appreciate all the helpful tips and tricks I can get. You are ABSOLUTELY right about watching out for body work. I purchased a truck with a new paint job, and that evening I noticed I had no hi beam headlights. I bought a pair of new headlights and installed, still no hi beams. That's when I found out the truck was a front end collison repair and someone had twisted and taped the wires in such a way I'm amazed the headlamps worked at all. Thanks again, I don't comment on all your vids but I am thankful you're making them.

[@rexisretro]

11 years later youre still a real one

[@VinzofTay30]

Why go school when I can learn everything right here for free. Thanks Eric.

[@snosrfr71]

To learn grammar.

[@kevinburns1739]

thassss right tayvin...i hope erics gettin paid handsomely for these videos

[@wilmergonzalez5080]

chuck julian I think he meant trade school 🤣

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

If he helps you out, send him a few bucks for beer.

[@albj5119]

in school all you learn: your Name and ABC to Z , and Count number 123 to 1000 ...and copy some useless books and paste them to your brain for exam then you will be a stupid doctor, teacher and etc... so after all years in school that is also not guaranted, some people after they finished after whole years in school and university they looking for jobs like a nurse lol or taxi driver, pizza delivery, or some of them lucky if them body help to be bodyguard front of disco etc... ps: what i learned in some videos in few days, never i learned for 14 years in school.

[@dominiccollins670]

Hey Man im currently going to school in automotive engineering. You have really helped me get a jump on knowing what i am talking about. Keep doing what your doing. Cheers from New Zealand

[@josholiver515]

Very professional, very informative and very well spoken. I've worked on cars for a good amount of time and these are very well put together videos. Thank you for your input and time spent making these.

[@flbartlett]

Timely video, for me. Used a Power-Probe for the first time yesterday to diagnose a circuit that kept blowing fuses on a 91 Camaro. Turned out to be a frayed wire touching ground. Thanks and keep the videos coming!

[@Koshunae]

You can also use a standard multimeter as a power probe. If you use a gator clip to ground the black lead, the red lead should act as your power probe. 12v coming into the fuse, 0 volts coming out would indicate a blown fuse.

[@rubenske091]

I'm going to graduate from Eric's KZbin school!! Thanks man

[@DONCHILLS]

Now this video was very informative.Amazing.All props to Eric for this one.Makes me want to be a automotive technician even more.

[@theessentials5094]

Eric, you're a hero that never wears a cape. Keep up the good work dude! This video really helped me to understand the basics of my electrical unit. Thanks!

[@mushy18100]

The Essentials Eric is one hell of a dirty hero

[@timcoalwell2179]

Aa

[@aleksandarmihaljev1160]

Highly professional video. I enjoyed watching it and learned a lot. Thank you Eric.

[@MariMiniattL]

Thanks for this. We replaced everything when the blower shorted in our car and fried the control panel. But never checked fuses not related to the HVAC. After watching this, my husband went through all the fuses and found one blown that we would have never thought would have been the issue.

[@stuzman52]

No problem twn5858, I knew you would get it once you thought about it. I've been in the electrical field for about 41 years starting out as an electronics tech troubleshooting Sylvania TV's, then industrial tech, electrical contractor (licensed), three electronics degrees and now an electrical engineer designing and programming automated industrial equipment. And I work on all my cars with scopes, factory scanners and a slew of other test equipment. Glad you got it figured out twn5858.

[@PacificMoceans]

Very informative. Thank you for your great overview. Appreciate it!

[@Morehills840]

Great informational video, thank you for posting.

[@MyShannice]

that was the most helpful video that i have seen, I feel like i can actually try and fix my car by myself, that was great and the direction you gave me was awesome, my father use to work on cars and has given me a little idea of what i can do but you gave me a good base to try my skills on, thanks alot

[@jacmeglen9736]

Nice

[@21FEEZY]

Wow this video was published in 2012 and It's still helping people 7 years later..I love KZbin and people like Eric👍

[@billdougan4022]

Thanks!; I figured out my slow battery drain by watching this video. Same missing blinker with wires touching frame, but not blowing fuse, and not allowing battery to charge. Excellent video!!!

[@johnpalma7265]

Nice video,Some very helpful suggestions.Thanks.

[@nabin306]

+john palma If you is interested in electronics the best results that I have had was with the Gregs Electro Blog (just google it) without a doubt the best course that I've tried.

[@RampageSvGAMING]

Congratulation...i liked the video..good details... learned a lot... keep the good vibe!!!

[@eemarko]

Eric, thank you VERY much for making this vid and telling that I need to test ALL the fuses. I found out that my 10amp (marked as cruise control) fuse was blown and by changing it I've fixed my ABS light, cruise control and not working power windows completely for FREE. Thank you again and keep making these vids, I enjoy watching them :)

[@gonne16]

Great video. Great tips. Glad people still help others with tips and experience on KZbin . Thanks for the advice

[@HellssBells]

hahaha. I really like the "well there's your problem there!" moment.

[@metalh4779]

Alabama Eric the car guy.

[@Trohawkk]

Erics a beauty.

[@mickblock]

Your input is valid and welcomed. Turn signal problems are common so even "what worked for you" information is valuable. And it's not like you suggested a hack repair.

[@georgekrysac9318]

I like your approach and analysis. Your videos is well thought through and put together. Thank you.

[@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper]

Elect. diagnosis and repair was my main function at the Pontiac & GMC dealership, oh yea and squeak and rattles and wind and water leaks. Items other techs hated preforming .

[@A4ANT]

I’m thinking about a career change to auto electronics (hybrids, Tesla, EV) think it’s a good move ?

[@KenCarTechMeow]

Well, you could use voltage on a MM, but you SHOULD use ohms (resistance) to test for continuity.

[@daveoverbey2032]

Keep up the good work & thanks for your teaching us more how to do our own stuff with using your experience save's us a lot of grief. Your really a lot of help to us!

[@ojong20521]

Eric, excellent video. You have a real gift explaining things well. I'm working on a Rav42000 fault issue which hopefully I'll resolve today(23Nov2019) here in Bosnia....believe it or not.I'll definitely check out your website too. I really appreciate all you sharing your expertise! Brad

[@thomashvnmusic]

Eric, where can i find wiring diagrams of cars? Is there a specific site or they are just scattered around the web?

[@DP0706]

+Thomas Heaven they would typically be in your owner's manual, unless they are older, pre-OBDI. some manufacturers put them in even before that.

[@atraxr603]

+Thomas Heaven Yea, owners manual won't have wiring diagrams. At least I've never seen them in the owners manual. You'd find them in the service manual tho.

[@thomashvnmusic]

+nunya biness Thanks a lot, the answer i've been looking for. :) Mitchell1 or just plain "Mitchell"?

[@bivideo7]

The Powerprobe doesn't work. If you don't load a circuit the test is inconclusive. The use of a voltage drop test has been well-established and understood for years. Simply seeing the voltage on both sides of a fuse or in any other application without knowing if current can flow is of no real diagnostic value. The Powerprobe's voltmeter is only accurate to 0.1V, as opposed to a real voltmeter and a 0.001 or 0.0001V accuracy. You must learn what readings can actually be trusted, and unloaded (open circuit) voltage is not one of them.

[@aesopsystems]

Haters gotta hate

[@bivideo7]

Teachers gotta teach...

[@juiceandkush1989]

The power probe is not meant to do it all, You still need a DMM for proper automotive diag. But it is definatly a very helpfull tool and has proven its self in my shop of over 26 techs.

[@westcoast84]

of course somebody has to try to make something like checking fuses, so complicated.. testlight, powerprobe or multimeter, if there is power on one side of the fuse and not on the other side, the fuse is no good.. thats the point he's trying to make.

[@bivideo7]

Jory F Checking fuses is not complicated. Having multiple methods of doing something as important as checking voltages - most of which are wrong - is what makes something as easy as electrical diagnostics complicated. When two respected guys (Eric and the scanner guy) use slick video to demonstrate outdated methods that DO NOT WORK, it doesn't magically make the methods work. I've been teaching electrical systems for 30 years - you may think I'm an ass, but the shit I do works every time. UNLOADED VOLTAGE IS USELESS for anything more than a continuity test. I'm getting pretty tired of defending myself against people who have everything invested in outmoded methods. Do you really think someone who's got so much wrapped up in teaching something wrong will just suddenly stop and reverse course? No. PowerPuke has sold FIVE different ULTIMATE tools since I started selling my ONE tool - that has never changed. I have CAT and VOLVO part numbers and PowerProbes are vandalizing trucks and vehicles all over the place. I'll put my methods up against ANYONE ANY TIME. I defy anyone to give me a technical reason why an open-circuit voltage test is BETTER than reading LOADED voltage. My shit is better - and the fact that I'm willing to teach ANYONE who is interested means I'm NOT an arrogant prick (look up the definition of "arrogant") -- it means I'm a teacher.

[@Dennis-et9vq]

Hi Eric. I'm a retired electrician. Not an Auto electrician.It was interesting to follow your electrical diagnosis. What was interesting but seemed wrong was when you tested the wire with your meter on the repaired flasher at the front drivers side lamp. It was flashing too quickly, like a bulb was out. Thinking through it it did make sense. The light on your tester was a small wattage type not like the 21 watt bulb that would be in circuit. So the circuit "thought' there was only one bulb working, the rear driver side lamp. When both lamps were in place all worked properly. Had me puzzling there Eric!

[@craftsman673]

Thanks Eric! You just answered a couple questions I had, without even asking.

[@stuzman52]

Yes, your input and info is just as important and valuable as anyone else. Thanks for your reply panzerveps!

[@timothytran9975]

This helped so much for my auto tech class. Thank you!

[@kima.6611]

Great video to get me started on fixing my similar problem to this vehicle.

[@BROTHAWARRIOR]

Eric, your personality is magnificent. you have a way with words and humorous wit that makes watching your vids "edutaining." You've said many things I say often, and didn't think many other ppl say like "all you need do" and "flippin." Amazing. Most importantly, you get it done in the garage. May your channel stream 4ever!

[@docmo217]

I own a 99 M/tang G T. Bought it a year and a half ago. It is a convertible. I was never interested in learning anything about my other vehicles. Find myself eating up anything I can learn about repairs, etc and enjoy watching you. You do the instructions at a speed that I find comfortable with. Have passenger side rear automatic window that stopped working for about a month. Two days ago, it started working again. Recently had slight rain, top down. Anyone have that problem? Moisture. Thanks.

[@happyhatkilinski1457]

Great video as always. Thank you Eric.

[@martinlyons2566]

Hello Eric, Thank you for taking the time for making these videos, you come across really well and you also make it interesting. Be safe.

[@thehowto2691]

Good job bro this was done 9yrs ago and still just as helpful keep it up

[@Cointrip]

TIP for a draining battery with key out, ignition switch off. Put a small light bulb on the battery across the disconnected positive. The drain will light the bulb. Pull and replace fuses till a pulled fuse turns out the light. You then know the circuit the drain is on. . Found a retracting power antenna trying to return down to home. Thanks ERIC, love your stuff.

[@singseno2942]

Thank you so much for your valuable post. It is really do help me to understand something about electrical issue for the beginner. Than you again, Eric

[@leesire]

You’re the best teacher, Eric!

[@FallenMonk55]

Well watching eric's videos is a good start. There's also a lot of info on the internet too. Volunteering to help out at your local auto repair shops would also be a good learning experience

[@davidm3210]

Good content, outstanding delivery - kudos to you, my man.

[@allentuggle2837]

Being able to watch ya do each step with explanation was a big help. THANX FOR POSTING.

[@arnodafe]

Once again, a car problem led me back to The MAN !!!! Even though this was supposed to be a simple video on basic electrics, you delivered so much more, as usual - in such a great easy gracious and wonderful way...... The MAN ! Missed you brah ! 🍷😏🔥

[@speaktruth.7458]

You're the man Eric!!

[@XBaneyX]

Never knew that. You learn something new every day. Thanks for that.

[@marcuslgelite2]

awesome awesome awesome video I have next to no knowledge with electrical systems so I really appreciate you taking the time to show and explain that so well thank you very much!

[@primalut]

Great video. It's like if someone comes to your shop and says "here, solve this murder". (The death of the turn signals). Then you go and investigate by looking for clues,questioning people,etc.(like looking at the new paint job,checking the fuse, signals flash too fast,broken or stripped wires,maybe even smelling something weird).Then coming up with the culprit and apprehending him.(fixing the problem)... Great video Eric.

[@bigmedge]

Eric u should get a Presidential Medal of Freedom for the knowledge u lay out in such a common sense yet articulate manner. U deserve the best in life brotha

[@kevinb7317]

Thank you for posting this video. It has lots of good information.

[@hellmuthboi]

So much great information in a short video, thank you much! I definitely subscribed. Just got a 2000 Odyssey, I need to get that electrical troubleshoot book, lol! THANKS!!!

[@jamesstephens633]

Should I have continuity on the same side of my fuses for instance if you touch fuse 10 and fuse 15 on the right-hand side should it make the continuity beep

[@itumblers]

Thanks for answering my question. I subscribed to this channel because I have questions just like everyone else that watches these videos. Thanks for the info man. We need more people like you! :)

[@brianrichardson2892]

Thank you for a nice video. The information that you have provided has been helpful and makes troubleshooting a little less intimidating.

[@yogipatel5549]

All your videos are excellent !!! Keep up the good work very helpful and good tips

[@BackyardSpaceProgram]

Another great upload mate, thanks alot for brightning up my day.

[@vwiseman88]

i don't ever wait to watch your videos before i click like. your always trusted in my book thanks for everything man.

[@mowntainman4565]

I just wanna say thank you for all the bids man. thank you

[@brianchv3661]

Thanks Eric! You sir are a great teacher

[@gsh319]

Thanks Eric. You are the man. A great down to earth plan of attack. The power probe is great. Got one and I swear by it every time I grab it. Great lesson with the wire diagrams. Thankyou man. Stay dirty big guy. Thanks

[@anthonyprince9560]

Thanks Eric for the great video, my turn signals wasn't working, checked fuses but they were good, I thought, I never checked both sides of the fuse, so I did and it was the hazard lights, thanks again.

[@wingnutmcspazatron3957]

this guy does some of the best videos on youtube.

[@PilarCPR]

Excellent video and explanation Eric. Keep it up. Thanks!

[@htxdogs-trainingandgear5546]

Thank you! Visually the fuses looked good. Testing with the multimeter I was able to find the blown fuse.

[@sledgehammer6759]

great vid., you're a good mech. and an electrician . Thank you !

[@craigszwed]

Some very good advice. And some good tactics. Thanks.

[@klopossa2]

Dude you are awesome..ten star type..the pile of fuses will stop today as I get my circuit breaker. I've watched you before..thank you man. I have about 6 cars and then my sons cars..need all the help we can get.

[@Nasonix2]

Amazingly excellent video!!

[@georgesadler7830]

Thank you for the video on Electrical Troubleshooting.

[@HaroRider03088]

Yes, use of the power probe once again. Thank you Eric.

[@gillesngouma3116]

i really appreciate your presentation i didn't know anything about that, but after watching your video i can tell you i have learnt something that will help me to save more money with my car

[@mikek5924]

Eric ... your lesson simply amazing

[@antegas]

Thanks, Erick. As usual excellent vid from you.

[@KenCarTechMeow]

No problem. Just built an entire harness from scratch basically. Saved myself $300+ and learned a lot. I should really hop on Eric's forum for electrical Q&A. Haha.

[@MegaGATOCHULO]

thank you for this great video! very educational

[@MackFFT1]

today some wires running behind the fender to the fuse box were hanging low so I decided to push them up so they stopped rubbing on the tires when driving, as I was doing so the cables touched and it sparked since they have been rubbing for a while. When it came time to start it everything was dead except for the horn and emergency lights so thanks to your video I gave the fuses under the hood a check and the 120A as well a couple other ones were faulty. I replaced them for 13 dollars and fixed!

[@clarencecherrone7914]

I love my power probe tools. If you didn't already know about it, check out the power probe "hook". It has some very unique feature i have found extremely helpful.

[@devoncampbell4039]

Outstanding Work 👍😊

[@aerospaceflyer]

Your Vids are reallllllly helpful dude...keep it up!

[@cargylesolomon3535]

This viedo has helped me a lot. Now I don't have to go to the deelership. KEEP MAKING THEM. I HAVE SUBSCRIBED. Your entire diagnosis was well explained. I am a women by the way. THANKS!

[@tbote]

Thanks got my answer on main fuses. Thought I could test them like standard fuses.

[@conceptsinbiblicalhebrew4866]

Thanx for the video. I did learn, and for that am most greatful.

[@illegaltendencies7803]

Thanks for all the great information

[@rickfrier1647]

Great vid Eric , thanks man

[@RESMITHcarpentry]

Thanks Eric, its a good start. Working on my friends Mercedes ML430. Only the passenger side windows were working, but the window control panel was broken. Ordered a new one and put that in and all the windows work, however now the F30 fuse is blowing within a few minutes of operating the windows. About to pull the door panels off and clean everything up, see if I can figure out what the issue is.

[@RESMITHcarpentry]

I dug and hunted around trying to figure out if it was a short, an issue with the motor, relay or something else. As I was digging around I cleaned and lubricated all the parts as the grease had all dried out and there was tons of grit and dust in everything as they live down a dirt road. Apparently it was just the lack of lubrication and or dirt in the window mechanism blowing the fuse as once everything was back together I've put them up and down over 20 times and have been unable to blow the fuse again.

[@leepase9890]

Eric I love your videos :-) you explain things so well even us lady's who try & sort there own cars can understand lol if only we had more Eric's here in Scotland

[@iam1smiley1]

Glad to here I'm not the only lady who watches these....

[@TheAli2ch]

I'm having an electrical problem with my car right now, but I'm pretty sure it's because of my alternator. My point is that your vids always helps me with giving me an idea and expanding my knowledge about car, Thanks alot... great job.... Stay Dirty...

[@nickwilson1476]

Don't Skip Ads! Keep Eric employed!

[@betchot49]

THANKS ERIC , THATS A NICE VDEO-I LEARNED A LOT, HOPE TO SEE MORE OF IT

[@yomero579]

Señor Eric , You Are The Man! Ty! 👊