How To Use a Test Light to Diagnose Electrical Problems

An automotive test light is a very handy tool to help diagnose electrical issues on many different things. A test light can help you to narrow down and pinpoint a problem on and electrical circuit on your automobile, camper, RV, boat and even a utility trailer.
This video will show you how to properly use a test light to diagnose where electrical problems may be on a circuit
Where to buy
Home Depot: www.homedepot.c...
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[@HomeOwnerRepair]

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[@hp2179]

No Lowe or home Depot sell them kind of test light.harbor freight sell that type.

[@RadDad85]

The only thing I would add is, after probing the circuit, seal it with electrical tape, especially if it is an outdoor harness, such as that on a trailer. The small opening could allow moisture and eventually a short in the circuit. Other than that, very informative video! Thank you!

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Thanks for watching

[@ashadedreflection4486]

great point, and thank you because my primary question was if he did in fact puncture the rubber coating to test it, being that hes standing in front of the camera while performing the action, but anyhoo, stanks

[@tmon3409]

Before trying on my truck I get to this video 👍 Thank you

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Do you have a short on the truck somewhere?

[@RampartPh]

just got an auto circuit tester and this is of great big help

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Glad this helped you out

[@luxurycarkey7209]

Great video you explain it very well good job

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Thanks for watching. Hope this helps you out

[@truthaboveagenda]

Thanks. All the best on your jobs.

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Thanks for watching. Hope this helps you out

[@AlwaysDiagnoseVehicleFirst]

Could you do a video on how to read and follow the blower motor wiring diagram from start to finish, please?

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

We will keep this request in mind. I currently do not have a wiring diagram handy.

[@thomasoutlaw2282]

So you can stab through the wire like that and it'll be fine. I'm pretty sure a wire is bad or a few in my vehicle. Testing it just the first way you did I've done and the fuses. But starting to think it's the part where all of the fuse relays are. Like the actual box that holds them in their positions / proper spot is bad?? Crazy crazy chasing wiring issues

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Thank you for watching out video that shows you how to diagnose an electrical issue.

[@jakesteele7754]

Fantastic video, thanks

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ac_tv2050]

Do i need to turned the key to ON position before testing or not?

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Yes, The truck should be powered on

[@Anth4044]

Thank you for sharing this 👍

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Thanks for watching. Don't forget to sub the channel to for more videos like this!

[@joeg7969]

You poke in or touch the wire to get signal ?

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Poke in with this light.

[@J.Crooner]

Fantastic video wanted to know if you ever used this probe for an ATV? I have a Brute Force 750 and I was in the process of changing the spark plug. When I got ready to take the battery out it slipped out of my hand and made contact with frame of the bike before I could detach the positive and negative terminals from the battery. Now the push start button won't work. I'm just trying to determine what could of happened. All the fuses and relays are good. If you have a clue feel free to share i'd appreciate any help from anyone with intimate knowledge on the subject matter thanks.👍😎👌

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

You should be able to use it to test ATV wiring.

[@5jjt]

Why do they make probes with a ground and only one probe? Would it not make more sense to have two probes on one end with no ground? Kind of like a light bulb with two probes coming out the bottom. I know nothing about electronics, so sorry if that was a stupid question.

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

The ground allows you to ground to metal instead of a wire.

[@basedpatriotLT]

Why is it blinking if the turn signal is not on? I mean if you connected the bulb, it would not blink, jnless you switched the turn signal on in your car. Or is it necause this tool is connected to ground = immitates that turn signal lever is switched on?

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

The light will blink when the turn signal is activated.

[@JasonSmith-qx3zh]

H.O.R. I really can't find anything on here about making or setting up a bulb for blowing fuses to check for shortages in a line or harness? Wondering if you can show or explain how to set up one on mini fuses thanks in advance when, loose or draw.

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

You can do this using a test light between the battery and negative cable. Pull the fuses one-by-one. When the test light goes out you found the circuit with the draw. I'll do a video for you guys at some point. Hope this helps you out.

[@BezabihBekele-bk8rt]

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[@HomeOwnerRepair]

We will keep this request in mind in the event that we need to make this repair in the future.

[@kelcritcarroll]

Found one of these in my dads tools….it looks old balkamp 700-1069 printed on it

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Thanks for checking us out.

[@diegocastillo1415]

How about on a chrysler 300 headlight not workin just got new ballist i want to know if its bulb or ballist?

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Start simple, check the fuse, if it's good follow the circuit and test at different points to see where you are loosing the power.

[@zayyarwin8684]

Can I use this method to determine the positive and negative of the car light bulb wiring? I need to wire the reverse camera and need to determine the polarity of the reverse light. I plan to connect the wire to the car body (as a ground) and connect the tip to each of two wires of the reverse light. I assume if it lights up, it means the wire is positive and if not, it is negative? Thanks

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

I need a beer after reading this

[@oppy2002]

well done..

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@kelcritcarroll]

Thank u!

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

You're welcome!

[@soleslayer91]

What if there is no access to a ground?

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

There should be a bolt or any piece of metal under the bumper you can ground it to.

[@phillipharris8646]

Helpful video, thank you.

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Thanks for watching. Don't forget to sub the channel to receive all of our latest uploads.

[@Sceneyour]

I guarantee he paks his ca in havad yad.

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

yah..yah.yah...lol

[@ShortyKing-l8w]

How to bypass ignition switch for 2006 dodge grand caravan

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

We currently do not have a video for this procedure

[@sandilesah6198]

My back light is not turning off until i take out a fuse

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

It sounds like there may be a short or pinched wire somewhere

[@kylenunnelley1482]

Thanks helped a million ty ty ty

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Thanks for watching. Don't forget to sub the channel to receive all of our latest uploads.

[@ahedres5874]

thanks bro...i found you..👍👍😅

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Thanks for watching. Don't forget to sub the channel to receive all of our latest uploads.

[@the_polymath_guyoum5587]

Can i use this on a license plate light harness?

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

You can use a test light on pretty much and circuit on the vehicle to test for power.

[@davembeck]

so if you tap the 3 wires one at a TIME AND THE TEST LIGHT LIGHT LIGHTS UP THEY ARE OBVIOUSLY GOOD?

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Yes if there is power to the test light then those wires are good. Hope this helps you out

[@owensmith6119]

can you do more videos on your trxs

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Which one and what did you want to see

[@owensmith6119]

HomeOwnerRepair the 250

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

Is there anything in particular you wanted to know how to do

[@owensmith6119]

HomeOwnerRepair maybe if u can do like cheap or easy modifications

[@owensmith6119]

HomeOwnerRepair or like pros and cons of the 250