No crank, Blows Fuse: Short-to-Ground Testing

Here we go again!
This '04 Pontiac drove to the shop to get a starter interlock reprogrammed.
But now it won't start at all, and it keeps blowing fuses!
The problem is not what I expected...
This is a great example on how to quickly and efficiently track down short-to-ground issues.
Enjoy!

[@jimmachen5095]

i been a mechanic 45 years this is my specialty ,,,just want to say good job

[@rsage_]

The headlight trick was pretty brilliant. Combining that with knowing that the fuses weren't blown really narrowed down where the failure point would be. Solid work, Ivan!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Another great diag! You are so suited to this job. Calm and cool, you just go through the steps. I am sure the shop is so happy you were able to help.

[@andrewshedron425]

This, in my opinion, has to be the easiest way to test for a direct short to ground. The current is only going to flow along that path. Actually even easier than a voltage stop test using the amp meter. Great job!

[@Bunkysworkshop]

I think you have the best attitude with these wires. I love working on clocks and vacuums . I wish I could learn more about these cars. Great job Ivan

[@baxrok2.]

You've got a unique style Ivan. A mix of old school basics and new school high tech. It sure is fun to watch you work.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

+Baxrok2 I don't know how I got through life without the amp clamp...

[@highroaddrifter]

Wow Ivan you have the best job in the world,good job.Drivability work is awesome.

[@halelorf]

great diagnosis Ivan!

[@jewllake]

Wow! that smart start is a big mess. I learned something new today as in how those gizmos work. Great job in tracing down the problem.

[@cygnus58]

during 30 years in tv/small aplliiance repair, we used a 300 watt bulb in series with the AC supply. saved very many fuses over the years. excellent load application

[@unclefranj8460]

Your explanation (and logic) are easy to follow - thank you!

[@547Rick]

Nice work young man!

[@felmar39]

nice fix Ivan , you are one of the best.

[@p2437]

You’re badass sir. Love the positive attitude as well!!! Nice work.

[@miller745]

Love watching these videos

[@brianmacmac1000]

That was very satisfying. thanks Moto.

[@djb4069]

Such a talented young Man, from the UK

[@EZRider1979]

My 03 S-10 had the same issue, harness rubbing on the bracket for the emergency brake assembly. Good video Ivan!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

+EZRider1979 Yeah GM isn't the most careful with some of their wiring harness routing. Come to think of it, this is maybe the fifth short-to-ground vehicle that I have diagnosed within a year...an ALL of them were GMs!!

[@wysetech2000]

Extremely well done, Ivan. You always think that the problem is associated with aftermarket accessory installation but as you show not always. It took many years to chafe through that wire assuming that the fuse panel has never been removed.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

+wysetech2000 12 years to be exact :)

[@RODALCO2007]

The lamp in series is often done for testing old tube amplifiers and TV's when no variac is available. It is a perfect way of setting / controlling a maximum current in an electrical circuit.

[@karlbuttler]

I Like the use of that Amp meter; Ivan you sure make Electronics Fun....K

[@glenharper3136]

Another good fix Ivan.

[@ericcorse]

Well done Ivan

[@nandor690]

I watch your videos next if scannerdanner hasent posted any. I like the way you troubleshoot.

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Nice touch with the light and amp clamp...simple but effective & beats buying expensive equipment. Nice troubleshooting and hope your business is growing!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

+Hayward's Automotive Simple, cheap, and effective...that's my approach to just about everything haha

[@chungaleta1234]

Great video, !!!

[@eddiemartinez265]

Good job ivan you made it look ez!

[@CARRJ142]

Another great video.

[@wyattoneable]

Eric O would be yelling "After market crap"! Nice work Ivan. I have yet to understand everything about wiring, current, etc. but I'm working on it.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

+wyattoneable Oh yeah Eric's expression was the first thing that popped into my head when I saw this mess lol

[@stuzman52]

Nice work Ivan. Just for some info, you can use your 200mA test light instead of the fog light, and you would see that it would glow brightly also. Keep up the good work!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

+stuzman52 Hey Terry! I just used the big lamp for a better signal-to-noise ratio on the amp clamp. 5A is a lot easier to track than 0.2A :)

[@stuzman52]

+motoYam82 Okay Ivan sounds good. Didn't think about you using the amp clamp and in that case, the fog light was a good idea!

[@Pablo_Automotive]

Nice work =P

[@screamindemon811]

Ivan there will still be a lot of blowin in that car, just wont be fuses anymore. That was quite the mess behind the stereo there, I dont know who made that mess, but that re affirms my belief if you dont know what you are doing don't do it. Nice job on the diagnosis, first time I have seen a blow unit. I would guess they put the camera in to make sure it is the actual driver who has to blow doing the blowing a not a friend and then the driver hops in the seat.

[@jeffarmer4428]

Hey Ivan , how you doing . You post some great videos , keep it up . I have one question for you to ponder , being the techie guru that you are . Do fuse go bad with age .

[@Robert-ts2ef]

Removing those fuses was a good idea in terms of isolating the shorted part of the circuit but those two 10 amp fuses would never have blown anyway as only the up stream 40 amp fuse is protecting the battery. Short circuit faults only blow fuses or circuit breakers upstream to a fault as the direction of the fault will always be toward the power source.

[@mikep4440]

headlight was genius, gives you enough current flow to trace the issue but restricts the short to ground amp flow

[@tracycolorado]

Think the owner should just stick to walking or is that Stumbling

[@srdporter]

Go Ivan! Awesome stuff!

[@theoldwizard998]

Curious how you actually fixed it. I would cit the wire at the burn mark and install a butt splice and heat shrink and then try to re-tape the entire harness.

[@seasonmechanic]

I got a 1996 tacoma ,2.7 . My distributor hot wire has 12 volts at it and the ignitor also with key in on position .With key off these same wires are a ground . I got a p01300 dtc . It won’t start . New ecu, new oem distributor from toyota, new crank sensor from toyota, all wires have excellent continuity . Its getting fuel . All cylinder plugs fire , but #2 and #3 seem weaker . I wondering if my key switch is causing this with this weird ground . Or does this ground come into effect to shut the vehicle off ? Help !

[@janvanmaanen7445]

nice job

[@zoidberg444]

When I saw the hack job on the wiring I was certain that would be the issue. That chafed wiring was pretty bad. I'm surprised that it didn't fry anything sensitive. Nice trick with the 5 amp light. I'll have to remember that one.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

+zoidberg444 After this diag I rigged up a custom "variable-current" test light with current draws of: 0.5, 1, 2, 2.5, 4, and 5Amps. Look for it in some upcoming vids!

[@erwinramnandanlall6217]

nice trick and cheap thanks

[@pigeonsil240sx]

one thing i dont understand is shouldnt the light still light even without the short because its in series when you connect it to the fuce holder?ive been racking my brain because i created a simple circuit using test lights and indeed the light did light without a short to ground but then i went outside and tried on the car with fuse removed and it didnt? is this because so much more draw as a fuse usually has multiple things powered that even though its in series it doesnt light unless you have a draw?

[@rexanderson5458]

Hook up a fusible jumper at the fuse box and see which circuit is shorted. Hook up a test light to the battery and pull fuses. The ignition switch could be shorted. Check for voltage at the starter relay. Plastic fuse puller is safer. Use a wire piercing test light to check for voltage and breaks in wires.

[@whitetiger8652]

Nice job Ivan. Where did you find the ends that you put on the fog light to plug in the fuse block? Looks like a perfect fit.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

+White Tiger UActivate relay test kit from AESWave.com; I don't use the relay tester, but the adapters are very handy!

[@wxynz12able]

Hi when I turn my lights on my fuse blows instantly I have brake lights but not running lights in the back any help is good

[@4stringbazooka]

This was a great video. Thank you for the share and the look into your mobile diagnostics journey. Just wondering. Do you use a wireless hotspot or just get lucky with wifi everywhere?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Wireless hotspot on my phone :) Can't count on luck haha

[@4stringbazooka]

HAH! I know right. If I didn't have bad luck I wouldn't have any luck at all. I was thinking just to hotspot off my phone as well (starting a mobile diag business soon myself). Thinking it's best to just get an unlimited data plan. Do you know if your computer sucks up much data?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

only if you watch KZbin vids and use Google Maps lol

[@4stringbazooka]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@konquerorx]

Hey Ivan, question, I known it's silly but it will help me understand. Why would you use a 5amp fog lamp when it blows a 40amp fuse? I'm just wondering, is it because it subtracts 5amps from the 40, so not blowing it again or? I know its to take the load but I keep thinking you need a larger amp drawing item to diagnose this. I'm sorry, not sure at all, so hopefully you can clear that up please

[@smithraymond09029]

The bonus footage? Would've been neat to see someone using the Blow n Go machine.

[@RODALCO2007]

That wiring is a mess. That is not done by a professional installer of that anti-alcohol device. Great fault analyses.

[@acarl-lo5tg]

I did a Google search on keywords "smart start breathalyzer Pennsylvania" and found some interesting discussions. Smart Start is just one of many vendors anxious to install this device on your vehicle if you are unfortunate enough to have the State mandate it due to a DUI conviction. Reading about all the problems encountered and frustration it causes, that is just more evidence that one should not "drink and drive". This device reminds me of "Big Brother" mandating that 1974 model cars have a starter interlock for seat belt usage. Drivers were NOT using seat belts and killing and/or injuring themselves because of seat belt noncompliance. Those devices had an electronic logic circuit and soon failed and caused lots of frustration. Congress received so many complaints about the devices that this safety mandate was reversed by mid-1975 and these devices were no longer installed. Today the cabin interior is surrounded by pillow type devices (airbags) to protect "us from ourselves". Ivan is BRAVE to tackle this type of electrical nightmare!

[@willemstreutgers1154]

+acarl1018 Seatbelts are not only for the driver. They are also used to keep the driver in the seat and let the driver keeping control over the car and so avoiding damage to others.

[@brianbartley4894]

I have 1989 Silverado, I replaced the engine modulater,,replaced the disturber cap still trying to start!! My Papaw gave me this truck please help!!

[@patrickdubose2828]

100 amp fuse is blown in my 95 Honda accord. I have no power on the dash and will not turn over. The emergency flashers work and Horn works and that is it. Is it just the 100 amp fuse that is stopping that or what?

[@geraldolmstead1335]

Why didn't you do the classic tug test ?

[@caspadafuck580]

I wish you was closer Brodie 😂 SOS

[@larrypeterson7710]

Have you ever tried a tester like KD Tools 2524 Short Circuit Detector ?. Several companies make them

[@D_Mitch13]

We install a lot of intoxalocks at the shop here also in Lancaster. I'm very surprised how many people get DUIs out here. Smfh

[@user-rm5sp4gd9t]

My 1999 driving me nuts,tryed changing the pigtail and the lights didnt wanna come on but the fans did

[@toroon]

Nice diag Ivan. Was the problem caused by after market butchery?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

+toroon01 Davis Nope, surprisingly in this case it was caused by poor OEM routing of the wiring harness! The aftermarket butchery doesn't help either haha

[@tam1381]

Nice job Ivan but the previous repair to the wiring is shocking, really shocking.Its a wonder the thing didn't go up in flames.Tam.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

+Tam Couch That's what fuses are for LOL

[@BADD400]

Great job Ivan

[@687805]

I have a question, and would value any feedback. I just put a new starter in my sierra 1500. New starter matches old, same lugs/ wiring etc. After install I went to crank, nothing happened and blew the 40amp ign 1 mega fuse. What does this mean? Starter body (which is ground) has no resistance to frame, so good ground. Any insight? Thanks in advance!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Did the problem happen before the installation? Just follow the diag procedure outlined in this video and you are sure to find your problem ;)

[@687805]

Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics - it only happened upon installation of new starter. I think I found the problem (will know tomorrow). The ignition terminal appeared to be shorting to hot solenoid terminal.

[@687805]

Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics - Thanks for the reply to my question. I figured it out. I disconnected the two cables and checked resistance to ground ( thankfully before pulling new starter out). Found all was normal, but noticed a burn mark and some rubber on main terminal. Ignition wire had burned through the insulation and shorted to other terminal. Re wrapped ignition ring terminal, and put an insulating layer of liquid electrical tape on the other. Good to go!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Awesome!

[@howtowithelizabeth7513]

Dang I bet u saved this car from catching fire Now was it a factory issue or the dui devise that caused it

[@NftpMotovlogsPR]

Neeed help can I ask you quick question

[@jessicariffle2097]

Have a 2006 explorer and it keeps blowing coil packs and blows a fuse every time. #3 And #5 cylinders ones not firing. Replaced 3 times same results. Anyone else had this problem or could anyone tell me where I need to start looking. Think maybe have a Ground! Appreciate any help

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Hi Jessica, sounds like the control wire for the #3-5 coil pack is shorted to ground either externally, or internally through the PCM (engine computer). You need to disconnect the coil pack and hook up a testlight between battery positive and the control wire for the #3-5. If it lights up bright, you have a short to ground! Now keep the light connected and wiggle the wiring harness going from the coil pack back to the engine computer (I think it's mounted on the firewall under the hood?). If test light flickers or goes out, you found your problem. If wiggle doesn't work, disconnect main connector at PCM. If light goes out, you have a shorted driver in the PCM :)

[@8power0]

Very COOL Video . BOY I KNOW THAT BOX SUCKS TO BE IN THAT GUYS CAR BUT ON THE AUTHOR HAND COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE THOU .

[@SteveRobReviews]

Rule #1 always replace a blown fuse with a bigger one . Rule #2 call Ivan to find out rule #1 is not a good idea. LOL

[@Adam-bw4lw]

LOL i actual know a case when somebody blow the fuse for cigar lighter because of a power inverter and then he replaces it whit a 60A one,evriting was fine and ok ....1 day the fuse panel insed the dase starts to smoke.i was like in my minde that hapens if you replace a small amperage whit a big one:))

[@SteveRobReviews]

Adam Budai WOW 60 amp, sure go real big you get more smoke for your money. LOL

[@Adam-bw4lw]

+STEVE ROB Yea he basickly burnd the fuse box,wiers,and the cigarelighter:)) go big or go home.LOL

[@SteveRobReviews]

+Adam Budai I see we better give our buddy Ivan some congrats for passing the 5000 sub count. Well done Ivan your awesome. !!!

[@Adam-bw4lw]

+STEVE ROB Congratulation Ivan on 5,000 subscribers. You are awesome guy,whit super content,kep up budy :))

[@jasongraham882]

Ivan please explain why replacing the fuse with a fog light would be safe. I would think without a fuse you would run the risk of burning up wiring with 40 amps shorted to ground for an extended period of time.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

+Jason Graham Well that's the beauty of using the light! I'm only sending 5A down a 40-Amp circuit...could leave it on all day long until the battey gets drained :)

[@alexschmidbauer3671]

+motoYam82 I really like the trick Ivan . Just to understand, if you put in different watt bulbs will the current vary because of the bulbs resistance ? Will this test work on higher amp and lower amp circuits ?

[@anthonybeaudry6066]

+motoYam82 hey Ivan, like your videos. Just to expand on Jason's thoughts about the fog lamp. without current flow in the circuit the fog lamp will not light, correct. by pulling the fuses for the two other legs of the circuit that eliminates any possible current flow in the circuit. When you started to trace the green wire in the circuit and you found the bad wires and ungrounded them thats when the light went off, correct thanks again for all your hard work on the videos, Tony

[@robertopenheimer1451]

The car was blowing the fuse while the drunk was blowing the blow and go. hahaha

[@wtbm123]

Cool

[@abelvasquez7165]

Nice..

[@mohawkmike142]

If the 40 amp protection was blowing and not the 10's why did you bother with them? And..I still don't get why you substituted a load for a fuse ????

[@jstutz101]

+moomike laloo Cheaper to light the fog light to prove the short to ground then blowing 40 amp fuses constantly...

[@brucel.6078]

Cool man! Im from Johnstown!

[@conorcousins27]

Nice video..would ya sell then socks ha

[@bharatlalchohan5192]

Great job I like your test light talking about short taking circuit thank you sir

[@robertdavis6708]

Son ,you get in some shit situations. If someone asked me to diagnose that quirk after leaving that that Thanksgiving dinner, I would have run. That's why I enjoy your's and Eric's videos. You take the time to find the Prize.

[@EarthlyF0rg0ten]

And subbed

[@tecnaman9097]

Took one look at the crap wiring job...erhhhh. Friend of mine down here in OZ who owns an auto electrical shop and installs these devices for the law told me how much it costs drink drive tragics to get back on the road with an interlock. Can runs into $$K's with court and legal costs,meter rental, download charges etc. Very lucrative sideline! Hey Ivan maybe worth investigating for a sideline???

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

+tecnaman eh don't feel like dealing with drunk drivers...they already spent all their money on booze!!

[@mph5896]

"Well theres your problem lady". That looks like it was not an aftermarket issue, just chafing wires?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

+m ph Yup just a coincidence...I'm guessing when they installed the wire for the camera they bumped the fuse box which was the final straw to make that chaffed wire short out :)

[@ROBBAKES310]

How about a wake N bake

[@Andre-tc1wj]

Great Video. What software are you using to look at diagram? Do you need a subscription to use it? Do you have review of what you are using?

[@aymenmohamed1134]

👍🌷🌷🌷

[@Jay-kw5zd]

Look at what you were given to repair...ivan what a shame.. Very old cars u fix..

[@sixpacksandsrts9122]

Heard if guys having other people blow in the box to start it. Camera will blow that plan ......,,

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

+Jason Curry Ah that makes sense. Big Brother is watching your every move! Now what would prevent someone from snipping a wire and disabling the whole system?

[@danielgarcia9095]

+motoYam82 the red had 4 amps and green had 4 also what was the green supposed to show

[@paulcarroll750]

+motoYam82 another good case study,Ivan. That device wouldnt stop anyone who had automotive knowledge like you.

[@jeffreymurdock8366]

They installed the camera addition so the driver couldn't have someone else blow while the drunk is the one driving. Probably a person known for cheating the breath go/ nogo.

[@johnferguson7235]

I can't believe that people are actually dumb enough to replace a 40 amp fuse with a 60 amp fuse to try to "fix" an electrical fault. How can they not understand that fuses are there to PREVENT FIRES IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM? This car was so close to going up in flames.

[@scottfirman]

Good,DUI shouldnt be driving anymore anyways. I have two people in my life that cannot ever drive again because of drinking. Rightly so. If you strike three,you shouldnt be allowed to drive again. Ever.

[@johnferguson7235]

Sweden cut alcohol related car accident deaths by more than 50% with MANDATORY PRISON SENTENCES and LIFETIME DRIVING BANS.

[@renewedautodiagnostics6525]

fuse box cover says fuse 7, wiring schematic says fuse 5

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

+Nikolay Baranyuk Good catch. I noticed that too, but doesn't really change the diagnostic procedure at all...

[@evgenyk5354]

На заводе кусок гофры пожалели:)))

[@SuperGusi1]

the fastest way is with a circuit breaker and some thermo goggles

[@Helmuesi911]

I can’t read! .. well, I can _read_ .. I just can’t read a wiring schematic .. Kept rewinding to see how you were reading that thing, then went cross-eyed.

[@scottfirman]

They need to install idiot drivers interlock system. Drive like an idiot too many times and boom,no driving again.

[@aleksandrzinkevics1253]

запах горелых проводов в салоне? :)

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Не особо...предохранитель сделал своё дело, так что ничего не сгорело :)

[@maxxtech8532]

Win for Ivan. Fail for GM.

[@troutjunkie7330]

Don't think this GM problem. Someone was pulling on all these wires to install all the DUI junk.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

+Astro Camper The chaffed harness that I found was definitely due to poor wiring harness routing by GM. Actually I've seen rubbed-through harnesses on two Astro vans this past year so.....yeah :)

[@gtemnykh]

Habitual DUI offenders and Grand Ams with warped dash plastic just kind of go together, don't they? *No offense to any sober Grand Am owners!

[@donniewheeler1987]

Pap P A P 0

[@nct9466]

This shouldn’t have been hard, seems the techs are stupid! Simple look n test basics!