How to test a starter (engine doesn't crank)- bad park/neutral switch-GM 3800

Here is a playlist of other no crank videos I've done
• Starting, Charging and...
There are many variable when it comes to no crank problems. In this video I cover the following:
How to test the anti-theft system
How to test the starter relay
How to test the ignition switch
How to test the park-neutral or neutral safety switch
How to test the starter motor wiring
For more information on this topic, I have written a “field manual” called Engine Performance Diagnostics which is available at www.scannerdanner.com as an eBook or paper book.
Want even more diagnostic training? Whether you are a DIY trying to fix your own car, someone looking to become an auto technician, or a current auto technician that wants to get more into diagnostics, subscribe to ScannerDanner Premium www.scannerdanner.com/join-sc... There is a 14 day free trial.
On ScannerDanner Premium I will bring you right into my classroom at Rosedale Technical College. You will find page for page lectures taken right from my book as well as exclusive classroom type case studies. What is so special about these classroom case studies? I pull live problem vehicles directly into my classroom and we troubleshoot them in real time, using and applying the theory and testing procedures we learn during the classroom lectures. There is no better on-line training of how to troubleshoot automotive electrical and electronics systems anywhere!
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. ScannerDanner LLC assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. ScannerDanner LLC 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 ScannerDanner LLC, 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 ScannerDanner LLC.

[@blairjefferyj]

Mr. Danner, you have inspired me so much in each video that you record. I watch at least one of your videos each day to increase my knowledge on diagnosing a car. A few years ago, I had a car come to me with a problem and for two days I could not figure out what the problem was so I gave up and soon after gave up on working on vehicles. Last year, I got bored and decided to fix a car that had been sitting around and the same thing, could not figure it out. So I searched KZbin and the problem and the first result to come up was one of your videos. After watching the video I went back and performed the work that I had watched you do and bam, problem fixed. So I subscribed to your channel and you have just really changed my views and perspectives on the whole diagnosing process. Now i'm having fun again. I've become better at what I do. I am really thankful to you and all the work that you have done. And hopefully one day I will be able to pass the knowledge that I have learned over the years and from you to my kid. Thanks again to you Mr. Danner for inspiring me to move forward.

[@ScannerDanner]

thank you so much for this comment! Made my day man, seriously.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

@8:20 "We got the guru on it now. It'll get fixed."

[@ScannerDanner]

+motoYam82 lol, that wasn't staged, I promise :)

[@budaiadi8185]

+ScannerDanner XD pit has sad that ? :)

[@user-fm6ny3uo2b]

Sounded like jealousy to me. That must have been the Tech that does all the tire repairs ? Or maybe the guy that only does front end work ? Not because he has no clue how to actually diagnosis properly ? I always loved those guys. They always available to go get me a coffee (I buy theirs) because I'm actually working while they wait for a job. A well rounded Tech should be able to do any job, not just the gravy.

[@michaelherbert8213]

I loved the comment about "working in the real world" So true. You can always tell when someone has experience under the hood. Thanks for the video.

[@FBobby]

+Michael Herbert There are internet heroes in every profession. I poke holes when I have to, and I seal them up every time. Never have I had a comeback for poking a hole in a wire and it causing a problem. I'm up in Mass and if things don't get corroded up here, then they aren't gonna get corroded anywhere.

[@chekelley6861]

ScannerDanner with a Power Probe? Mark this day in history! I love mine!

[@CariLemme]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I can always rely on you for concise, knowledgeable, real-world diagnostics and fixes for any problem I encounter. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you! XOXO (It also doesn't hurt that you enable me to shut down any know-it-all males in my life. Luv ya even more for that!)

[@ScannerDanner]

hell yeah, that is so awesome to hear. The male ego in this field is absolutely ridiculous isn't it? I'm guilty at times too but man, it is so cool that you can shut them down when you need to. Love seeing females succeed in this business.

[@CariLemme]

XOXO💋👍🚘 And those egos aren't even the real pissers-the real pisser is that not only have they already decided that I'm dumb, but, also that they think they are smart enough to bullshit me. . . . ."uh darlin' your spelunkifier needs to be replaced before it sags and then ruins that go switch-a-bobulator and since I like you it'll only be $2300. . .wink wink." And I'm thinking dude, for $2300 I could buy 5 younger you's who could do my wrenching AND see to my every other need. Thanks, mostly, for being the new generation of NOT that guy!!

[@CariLemme]

I can think of 10,000 things I'd enjoy with Scanner Danner and sleep sure as hell wouldn't make it on that list till I'd absolutely exhausted all those things-and maybe not even then. Expand your imagination, man! Unless you're 8 years old, in which case, I apologize, but, I also wonder, does your mom know you're up this late and on the internet??? 'Cause I bet it's past your bedtime about now. Run along before you get grounded. Nitey nite

[@Discretesignals]

Great video! I had a Ford Taurus towed in for a no crank. I jumped the starter relay with the ignition turned on like a dummy and the car started up and took off. Luckily, I was able to get into the seat and turned off the ignition. Thank goodness it was in the parking lot and not in my bay cause it would have pushed my tool chest through the shop wall. The reason it wouldn't crank is because the shifter cable wasn't attached and the transaxle was in gear. Just to others it doesn't matter how much experience and time you have in the automotive field. Things can turn bad really fast. Stay safe and pay attention to detail.

[@ScannerDanner]

+Discretesignals wow man! I'm glad it turned out okay. That could have been really bad! Great word on safety. Next time I jump a starter on camera I'll mention it and use your story if you don't mind.

[@olddavid4]

Now I know why Search and Auto Market Weekly have such faith in your methods. Excellent and concise. Thank you. DaveP

[@JOHNPHUFNAGEL]

I did a ford rustang with a bad fuel pump and the customer was positive that it wouldn't start because of the security light was on I used a power probe and put power to the pump and showed him that the pump would not run and still thought the security light being on when the key was in the run position was the problem. So I told him I would pay for the pump if that wasn't the problem and he said he would get back to me. A week later he told me he had it towed to Butler County Ford and they put a fuel pump in it for $950.00 I just laughed at him and said I could have saved you 700 dollars. I wont do any work for him anymore since he did not believe me the first time. Great Video!!

[@AGuysGarage]

+JOHN HUFNAGEL I get that a lot too, I am not a mechanic in the shop, but my some of my "friends" ask me to help them fix their rides. Half the time i get it diagnosed and BAM off to the shop it goes..... Makes it burn, right on the tip.

[@blackiechong4344]

+JOHN HUFNAGEL That's the way it is. People just do not believe a mechanic with true experience telling them what is wrong and latter it comes back and bites them in the walet

[@Chris-Fennimore]

Yep, you said the right statement.... when testing, feel free to poke all the holes in the wires that you want .... Just make sure you use something like liquid electrical tape to fill em back in. Good video :)

[@richcharlijohnson1112]

Glad to see you have joined the world of power probe. And when you do a lot of electrical troubleshooting you have to poke holes in wires as often a small hole in a wire can save you hours of strip down time and effectively saving the customer money. I think the people that don't poke holes mainly work on big rigs where access is not a problem. But in the car world there is no way around it and I do it everyday and then just repair it. Keep up the good work. Your very talented and I have learned a lot from you.

[@roadkill5333]

Oh mighty guru!! That's a great video! Sometimes, it's something obscure, most won't think about. I have many times, helped someone get a car started, by putting it in neutral, or moving the lever while holding it in the start position. Thanks for another great video.

[@qnzboy223]

I go to UTI in Exton,PA and paused when you showed the wiring diagram and was already taking notes to what I should see before getting any measurements and followed through everything. This was a great video for testing for what I know. (Obviously you wrote the component at fault in the Title but my assumption for what I should see measurement wise were all spot on). Thanks Dan

[@scottgaydos6564]

Hey Paul, excellent video as usual and I just wanted to say bravo on the poking a small hole in the wire and "real world" comments. You are so right, sometimes it cannot be avoided. Thanks for the video!

[@MaicSalazarDiagnostics]

Great video Paul!! Good that you have a power probe finally!! I have the 3, the Hook and the 4!! All are great tools! Makes diagnostic faster!!!

[@scubasteel8411]

thats was to cool...i work at a shop and just bought a solus edge i learn new things with it every day and you videos helps me every day...i just want to learn were to get each cars pid values...thats been my biggest issue..i still have alot to learn..thanks again scannerdanner

[@jamesrossmotors]

Thanks for the reply Paul. Couldn't help but giggle when i read about the pacemaker and electrical stuff. Fair enough though, wouldn't want a shorted wire arcing up his arm. As always. Great work from a great man

[@wmndthrbysable]

I have had my modus ultra for about 6 months and curious how you like it. Glad to see you using it and hopefully watching your videos i will learn even more of its capabilities.

[@jitomingo2000]

i cant believe you are using a power probe. i have always wondered why you dont like using power probes. i love it. one of my favorite tools.

[@engamen87]

Thanks alot Scannar, i have seen all your videos and i learned alot of useful tips in our field from you.Thank you very much

[@kevinedward1234]

Dan, the Power Probe open short finder tool is another great tool. Once again another top notch video as always!!

[@AmYisraelChaiEchad]

Really loving this channel

[@brianaplin7370]

Usually when I install a used transmission I swap over the electrical components. Provided it was a mechanical failure you know the sensor and switches are still good. Thanks for the great video

[@nancylewis7142]

Thank you SD. thank you for all your videos.

[@freddylee729]

Nice video. You finally used Power Probe. I love it. Thanks PAUL.

[@monzsterman]

You said that it was hard to get to the starter wires and I am not sure if this would help on this car but I have in my tool box a coat hanger that is about 18 inches long and has been sharpened to a point on one end and it is incased in windshield washer hose so as to not ground out when checking for current at the starter. You can bend that thing into any position. I always like to check the starter first if possible as a time saver. Just my preference. As always great video. In my opinion poking holes in wires is ok as long as you repair the hole. Been doing it for years without any issues. Again Thanks for the video.

[@xZENxSAMURAIx]

This was an awesome video! Love watching these video's.

[@Antto]

I am an automation engineer and I poke holes to wires almost everyday. Heck, I poked holes to wires even today. I like my Fluke connectors.

[@JBAutomotive794]

good video Paul, good to see the Power Probe used along side the Scope which is a little more typical of a tech that is also doing the Repair as well as the Diagnosis along the Way which is more typical for myself

[@whitetiger8652]

Great job Paul.

[@PaulR387]

Great stuff, didn’t know about the power probe, going to get one, thank you, good job..

[@dronedbr]

Awesome, very well explained. Reminds me of my electrical instructor in the votech days.

[@ScannerDanner]

+Dan R thank you!

[@southtexas512]

Great Video. I had the same issue with a Dodge Intrepid. The TRS or neutral switch as you discovered, was my issue also.

[@scientist100]

does this neutral switch send a ground or power signal to the PCM? I'm working on a 05 Dodge Durango 4.7L and that's the last thing I need to check before condemning the PCM since I have no ground outputs to starter relay, injector or coils when manually engaging the starter relay.

[@eveinfinityz]

I completely agree with your commentary at 12:00, great video!

[@ScannerDanner]

+Tony L thanks Tony!

[@4stringbazooka]

Thanks for another great video man! Had the same problem about a week ago. Hah! Kinda put the new one in without checking my adjustment. Threw myself off for a second. But, I figured it out. Final note... In the field you from time to time have to poke a hole or two. Never say sorry for being good at your job.

[@robe5000]

Would absolutely love to see you use the powerprobe more!

[@rhkips]

Supercharged 3800? Squee! Engines like that are why we need to keep at least some OBD I equipment and knowledge around. Long after a majority of the stuff from the 80s and early 90s dies off and rusts out of existence, there will be enthusiasts who keep the few truly special things like that Buick running and driving, and the few people who have the knowledge, equipment and enthusiasm to work on them will be quite valuable. :) Also, I see no problem with piercing a wire. A little bit of liquid electrical tape, or even clear nail polish, and it's good as new! With the number of times I've seen PCMs mounted in the middle of oblivion, sometimes it's easier to just wiggle a wire out of a bundle and stab it. Experience is a good teacher, and over time, one can develop a "feel" for whether or not a test warrants further digging.

[@byrysh]

+rhkips I got a 94 lesabre and im in the mnarket for a SC'd 3.8. I saw one that was a granny grocery getter blow the doors off a mustang. It was classic. The passenger in the mustang was screaming' why arent we passing him?" LMA0

[@23thebull]

I'm with you bro i poke holes all the time , never had a problem.

[@aarms]

Solid diagnosis. Pierce the damn wire if you need to; I thought it was the best call. Having similar issue with my e46 BMW, starter is also extremely hard to access

[@andresgiorgio7335]

Saludos desde Venezuela, Mr Danner.

[@samdigital6093]

its good to see you using a power probe 4 paul i use the 3 and it work well good vid

[@YouTube.TOM.A]

Thank you Mr Danner

[@MrFreddywise1]

Paul you do what you need to do ..... don't waste you time reading comments from those who talk rubbish .... poking holes in wires don't hurt them unless you go breaking wires when doing so or not sealing them afterward's allowing them to get wet an causing other issues..... great videos ....i can see why your an instructor at the same college you attended, they be fools not to have wanted you back to teach an train students ....... keep up the good work my friend cheers .....

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you so much Scott

[@AutoScopeTech]

All these years iv been following you I have purchased a number of test lights all with different current draws so I can manually energise outputs, and now you've got a power probe, how dare you lol, those things can be dangerous. Great video

[@ScannerDanner]

+Pico Tech yes they can but no more than a jumper wire in the wrong hands right?

[@LynxStarAuto]

Wow Power Probe? About damn time!

[@o0Orange]

Great explanations.. stay like that.. thank you

[@ScannerDanner]

+o0Orange thanks!

[@florentinosanchez3233]

thanks very good videos

[@MaicSalazarDiagnostics]

And completely agree with you on poking holes!! Sometimes is the only way!!!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Excellent diagnostics once again Paul. Your the man! Hey, fyi at the 15:53 mark the video ends and you have about 6 minutes of dead video space. Just letting you know, take care man

[@ScannerDanner]

+Ozzstar I just realized that. Edit is in works as we speak. thanks bro

[@aryo2902]

Thank a lot very informative

[@weldingjunkie]

Do insurance companies give discounts for broken park neutral switch? Lol he can just carry a power prob around with him. Great video Paul appreciate you showing us.

[@reddlove7166]

You have to do what you have to do. Paul grate logical approach to diagnosis.Fast and smart get it diagnosed get paid and get out of there lol

[@martinguitarhd28]

Great explanation.

[@williamarnold958]

martinguitarhd28

[@Mazel_Tov_888]

i have a new found respect for you.

[@ahmedbig1356]

thank you mr danner and how to test hyundia crank sensor tow wires

[@FBobby]

Ya know I was just about to send you a message and ask why you had never used a power probe in any of your videos. I've got the PP3 and I love the thing. I hope you enjoy using it for diagnostic purposes as much as I do.

[@kevinedward1234]

That is a great sounding 3.8 lt !!

[@kevinbemused9907]

great vid!!!

[@jesusmalagon4336]

thanks Paul

[@SKOTIESSMALLENGINE]

lmao you hole poker , you tell them . I got a tester end just for hole poking . I love it !!!!!

[@williams6975]

Damm your good wish you were here to fix my 2 cars!!!

[@carslover3509]

you are smart man very smart

[@820performancecomptonbro4]

Awesome video I saw that you have MODIS ultra I just bought one of those is it possible you can do more videos on that unit like the one you have on your premium channel

[@DJDevon3]

I've had a faulty TRS on my Mazda 626 and it will cause a no-crank no-start. Not all TRS's are compatible within my model too but it's pretty obvious when the number of pins don't match. Having no continuity on any pins in any position is another way to test the TRS. Also some work on voltage and some work on resistance. By that I mean the actual switch position tells the PCM the gear selection using resistance, not voltage. If the resistance is too high you'll get the same no-start even though you might have voltage. If your TRS works on resistance you might get caught with a misdiagnosis testing voltage only. All of that is within the scope of different 1993-2002 626 models from my experience let alone different vehicle manufacturers. Great video.

[@ScannerDanner]

+DJDevon3 technically the TRS that uses different resistors is still a voltage sensing circuit. You just have a different voltage signal for each gear position. (based a how much resistance) Why can't you check your voltage? I'm confused.

[@DJDevon3]

ScannerDanner I don't know, The factory manual says to test voltage for my 93-97 model but the manual says to test resistance on the 98-02 model TRS. I just go by the testing procedure. I see what you're saying about voltage drop, never thought of it that way or tested it that way just because I'm a by the book kind of guy. Great point. There are no voltage specs in the manual, got me curious now! :)

[@trainer2018]

+DJDevon3 It sounds like to me the type of Range switch you work on is wired into a pull down circuit to the computer, which in essence is a voltage divider circuit, so each resistance will have a different voltage drop and the computer knows this by basing the drop off of a calibrated resistor with the external resistance value in the range switch, so you could figure out the current flow through each switch position and then take the current and multiply it by the resistance and that will give you the voltage drop for each switch position, just think of Kirchoff's law and it will make sense.

[@DJDevon3]

busjockey1 I realize that now. Odd how the manual lists resistance values for a TRS but not voltage. Seems like voltage would be a much easier thing to backprobe and test for while the car is running. Why would they change from a continuity/voltage design to voltage divider/resistance? Just seems like such an odd thing to do.

[@trainer2018]

+DJDevon3 I don't know either DJ, I just learn how they work and fix em,lol.

[@slimeslimgamerz3043]

cool you got a powerprobe, were is your verus.you made a step down with the modus

[@Mrwagzilla]

Mr Paul, I like that you keep it real!! have you looked at the new verus edge?

[@saladsnake7911]

Fantastic video as always. Is there a certain wire piercer that you would recommend over others ?

[@ScannerDanner]

+Phillip Creoruska any one really, just don't leave giant holes when your done and make sure you seal them.

[@michaelfrancis3261]

Do you have any video on the p0705

[@Inkd_watkins]

I agree with you Paul. I work on flag time. Work has to get done. Where-ever I have to get to that that wire. I will. Then I can put a drop of crazy glue on it and call it a day. Then move on to the next one.

[@khaniftikhar9225]

Good

[@matutenoel4833]

good video amigo exselente. diagnostic Como conextate. El. alabre. Amarillo

[@wtbm123]

Poking a hole in a wire , then fixing the hole to me is ok when needed . Had a car here the other day and every wire i looked at on the car had a big hole , looked like they were poking with a 16 penny nail. But a small hole is sometimes needed

[@ScannerDanner]

+wtbm123 for sure, some people get carried away. I love the ones that they've taken a razor blade and cut the insulation half off, and a few strands of copper wire while they were at it.

[@andrewjohnson4255]

Glad i watched this one. Not sure why, but I've been nervous to use my power probe on the starter circuit. Haven't done much research as to what's safe and what's not safe. But after watching this I'm guessing either it has a high amperage rating or the amperage doesn't pass through it.

[@ScannerDanner]

+andrew johnson I would still be careful. Do not use it to energize a load side of a starter. And even the control side is pushing the limits of the tool. I think the PP4 has a 20 amp max output. Not sure if it is fuse protected. I think it is.

[@andrewjohnson4255]

+ScannerDanner i must have zoned out somewhere in the middle of the video because i thought you were on the load side lol. Makes a little more sense now.

[@anthonyrosa4388]

hey danner love your vids i wanted to ask you what do you think of the modis altra i would really like to know your opinion thanks

[@ScannerDanner]

+Anthony Rosa so far so good, love to boot up time. It's just as easy as turning on your voltmeter. But I still like the Verus for my videos as I can do desktop recordings on it and totally eliminate the sunlight glare issues.

[@kctheicon]

Exactly! People who complain about piercing wires are not real technicians, they are part replacers playing a gambling game

[@AGuysGarage]

Just want to say i love your videos. I do have a question. I notice when you are checking relays, you check input / output. My question is, why don't you check the output first? In my humble opinion, it would save you time in the long run, if it is good, you get output, so the input was there also. Love your videos, You are the man, i have learned so much from you over the past couple of years, you should charge me tuition lol.

[@ScannerDanner]

+Rhage73 I do sometimes. I'm not partial. Symptoms will dictate my direction and also relay location. Thanks!

[@AGuysGarage]

Thanks for answering me, Have a good one.

[@LeakyDiaper]

Had this exact same issue yesterday with a first gen Scion XB. After 4 hours of diagnosing, it was a hidden GPS tracker installed by the car lot. Dont know if it was faulty or the car lot activated it. Jumped it and it started right up. Still waiting to hear back from the customer after he put in a call to the car lot.

[@mlb0611]

Funny about not piercing wires if you work in the real world so true, especially if you are scoping for a glitch over time, that is where a piercing probe really shines, was that glitch real or did you just bump the tpin? the last several months I have used the hell out of my piercing probes with intermittent ac clutches, pierced on the compressor side of the harness,once I proved it was the clutch not a power issue, no worries on the hole, but most of those you are not getting in there with a t pin

[@jimbuford4147]

Paul, I trust your opinion so for my information could you do the same test with the Load Pro and if so would piercing the wire still be necessary?

[@ScannerDanner]

+Jim Buford never used one and never will. The owner of that tool has called me out on a number of occasions for my methods. And these have been unprovoked attacks. He is hell bent on his methods being the only methods. It's a shame really, I think his tool has a place. He just needs to quit being on the attack with everybody and every thing.

[@retroguitarmaster]

At long last, ScannerDanner with a Power Probe

[@joelopez6525]

Freaking poke the mess out of the wires. I do more electrical checks than any other type of job and there are just some connector you just can't reach, so you get what we have here. Poke'em hard brotha!

[@AutoScopeTech]

+Joe Lopez or the weather seal is rock solid and the only way your gonna get a back probe in is with a hammer

[@michaelodell5296]

also Voltage drop test. Seems like many don't know how or understand this simple test. Many be you could review it.

[@Powerful-weight-loss-tip-bg1nt]

I sometimes strip back the insulation with a razor blade. I patch it with electrical tape and I've never had a comeback. To add -- I've worked at the same fleet job for 16 years, I would very likely know if there was a problem. It's not like the work goes to another shop...

[@sinnano77]

could you explain what a solus,solus pro,modis,modis pro/ultra,ethos,verus,verus pro/ultra/edge can each really do? oh how about that nice power probe you have. im looking for a scanner and a scope but I don't need the top of the line,thanks,matt

[@Pdubforever1]

in reference to 3:56 whr u couldnt find the start relay, i had that exact same thing happened on another Buick. I looked everywhr and could not find it. i think thats a manufacturer error.

[@eyesalooking]

What about an intermittent crank - no start? Was able to get car to start but couldn't get the key out until I wiggled the gear selector and waited to hear a click. Then the car would no restart. Tried starting in neutral. No luck. Would this be the immobilizer?

[@atraxr603]

I see you have a new scan tool. Is it better than the older one you had, or maybe faster? Or what is the difference between the two? Thanks for the vid btw. In the field vids are my favs. :)

[@ScannerDanner]

+Atrax R It's just different. And I borrowed it from a friend. I still prefer my Verus. Main difference is it has 2 less channels on the scope and it is not a PC

[@atraxr603]

ScannerDanner Ah, so yours is pretty much better then. Also it's good since it's a pc at the same time, just cuts down on stuff you have to haul around with you, which is always a good thing. Thanks for the reply!

[@jolisaarianna09]

i have a 95chevy lumina 3.4 eng. do you know where the starter is? it wants to start but not starting. thanks

[@theblackdragon7321]

I'm guessing there wasn't a way to do a continuity test on the park/neutral safety switch? I'm curious, because I may have a faulty one on my 2002 Montero Sport and I'm currently replacing the transmission cable (friend who gave me the truck broke it) and the truck won't start in park. Thank you for the video

[@ScannerDanner]

Continuity testing is the WORST tests available for wiring integrity Watch this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5TWf4KAq8ljl9E It is a condensed version and worth 14 minutes of your time

[@kevincall4244]

I was told by Power Probe to always put power to the tip then put it on the load so the spark happens at the probe tip and not at the switch. I had to get a new switch on my Power Probe 2 because of this. Kevin.

[@ScannerDanner]

+Kevin Call that actually makes sense. I'll have to ask them if the PP4 has a heavier duty switch that can handle the arc. Thanks for the tip!

[@michaelodell5296]

Very nice Paul but don't for get the easy test first. Use jumper cable from ground on Battery to block. I have seen many broken grounds or loose connections.

[@scientist100]

Danner, I'm about to condemn the PCM because I do not see ground control to the starter relay, I also do not see ground pulses from the PCM to injectors and coils. I bypassed the computer ground to the starter by manually supplying ground, when I start the car with the key, it cranks but no pulses to injectors or coils like I mentioned. Power and grounds to the PCM are good. Will the VAT cause a no crank condition as well? It appears to be driven by the network wires in my case. This is a Dodge Durango 2005 4.7L. I will be checking the signal from the P-N switch as that is the last thing I need to verify, in my case the signal is an input for the computer to ground the starter relay but I don't know if it is also a control for the injectors and coils. Currently I appear to be missing output ground signals. Thank you.

[@SchrodingersBox]

I've never understood the objection to poking a hole to test a wire. I'm willing to bet backprobing which is considered "proper" might actually be more potentially damaging.

[@ScannerDanner]

+Schrodingers Box yep, the same crowd also hates back probing

[@Jonathan11225]

+ScannerDanner i'm fine with poking holes when your hand are ties like you show us but for some tech,poking holes in wires is just normal for them even if they could easely baack probe a connector

[@tbsmith-ht6ej]

Poke away man! Damn the anti-pokers, at least in this case.

[@altimalover555]

Danner Scanner thank you for your time and effort put into these videos. . i have 2004 mercury grand marquis. . the problem is that my interior lights blink alllllllllll the time and some of these went off also some other electrical components like center lock, window switches, cruise control also ??? I don't know what to do. the workshop told me they fixed an A/C short.. and there is no drain on my battery!

[@ScannerDanner]

+Evening_Syndrome center lock, window switches and cruise control are doing what? not working or blinking with the interior lights.

[@DJDevon3]

+Evening_Syndrome Which interior lights exactly? Please name every light. Also does the light flicker at any time or does it turn on and stay on or off and stay off for a period of time? When you say turns on/off allll the time needs to be clarified how it's acting. When interior functions start going all wacky like they have a mind of their own one of the first things to check is the wiring to and from the body control module (interior logic module also known as a the CPU). The BCM has a physical logical CPU in it that is programmed to control door lock timers, anti-theft timer functions such as arming/disarming timers, interior light functions, keyless entry functions (sometimes), door closed timers, headlight warning chimes, etc...

[@altimalover555]

+ScannerDanner centerlock is jamming sometimes the cruise control is not willing to function any more it is like cc is dead.. window switches go out of service quite frequently that i don't want to fix them any more.. im not sure if it is the switch even exactly ... the thing is the windows do not move.. sometimes they are stuck down which happened twice and I could raise them up but they move so slowly and now they are stuck in the up position. . Actually I don't mind this inconvenience if it is going to lead me to catch the main reason for the frequent failure of my electrical components..

[@ScannerDanner]

+Evening_Syndrome you are describing multiple problems on your car. Not much I can help you with here through email. If you like, pick one of your problems you would like to fix and post a help request on my forum. You'll be required to do some testing, it's not a silver bullet type place to get a quick fix.

[@altimalover555]

+DJDevon3 regarding the flicker on interior lights actually i came to notice it is not just the interior ! it is all around the car even head lamps and register plate light they all flicker.. like they have some hesitation It is obvious on idle.. on my obdii through many apps my alternator says 12.3 volts (ad) with the key in run position. the car is parked over 24 hours.. on the road I've seen it reads 14.x

[@joeandgod1]

Now that you've promoted the power probe,maybe the load Pro can be next?😀

[@ScannerDanner]

+joeandgod1 see my comment to Jim Buford

[@nicknicu1787]

Great video Paul! Thanks. Quick question : 2000 Mercedes Benz E320. V6 engine. Coil on plugs. Cylinder 1 misfire plus injector code on cyl 1. Tested injector unplugged-infinite resistance. All the rest were 17 Ohms. It also failed the listening test. I know injector is bad,but I wanted to test control-no access to wiring diagram and no noid light with me. Used my regular test light(not LED). 2 pin connector-connected my test light to battery positive and nothing on both pins with the engine running. Connected my test light to battery negative and got power on one of the pins. Any thoughts?

[@ScannerDanner]

+Nick Nicu you may have a PCM that is intentionally shutting down that driver because it knows the circuit is open. Try this: connect your test light to B+ and touch on the control wire, then clear the trouble code (test light still connected), then start the car. See if the test light begins to blink. It should if the driver is good. Let me know what happens.

[@nicknicu1787]

+ScannerDanner Thanks so much Paul! I'll do that before putting the injector in. That may very well be the case. I should've thought of that when I saw the car will not go into CLOSED loop. I assume it's the same reason?

[@philh9238]

thats the hardest part of the job sometimes is finding the relay when there in weird spots not in the fuse box!

[@randymartin1234]

I was working out in the field on a 01 gm with a 3800 that had a crank no start condition. had an anti theft light on and the computer was actually shutting off the fuel pump and the cam signal. long story short my customer had it towed to the dealer and called me and said it had a bad computer. but my question is, because I didn't know how to check it, what would have been your next step if you had an anti theft/security issue

[@philipstephan4400]

have you used the new ground free snapon test light?

[@ScannerDanner]

+Philip Stephan no I haven't? ! Post the link please

[@philipstephan4400]

+ScannerDanner I don't know how to do that but the snapon part number is eect200 there are some videos of it on KZbin

[@marcoroman5786]

If your real you would reply to my comment you inspired me in so many ways scannerdanner and hope one day I can be like you and teach people

[@ScannerDanner]

I'm real :-) Thank you Marco!

[@marcoroman5786]

How did you do it to become such a good technician ?

[@ScannerDanner]

I just really, really love the electrical side of things and troubleshooting. I feel like a detective when I am troubleshooting. It is awesome. So, I think we all get good at the things we love to do. Don't you think? Repetition is the key to get "good" at anything. Lastly, I never call myself "good", in fact, I feel that staying humble is equally important. Let your work speak for you, not your mouth. Thanks man!

[@marcoroman5786]

ScannerDanner I’m glad I went on your channel you taught me so much just by me watching your videos. I watch all your videos and I appreciate that you do this because of you I am the good technician I am today I hope I can meet you one day your my idol.