Bad grounds force electrical components to seek ground in strange ways. The main symptom is the vehicle starts acting like it is possessed! Lots of things start acting strange. Physically remove bolts holding ground connections to the frame and body even if they look good. Clean those contacts and the ground ends and reattach. Cover those cleaned ground connections with dielectric grease to halt any further rust and corrosion. Look for missing or broken ground wires and straps. After some repairs sometimes ground connections are not bolted down again.
Basically think of resistors and voltage dividers, causes a lot of strange behavior especially if you add water in any form, just humidity maybe. Coffee is the worst for wiring
yep it's everywhere, then where would a person start and what would they clean the rest with? I have dialectic grease but how do you get it off(the rust)
@@eddeweese571 Just visually check for wires running to ground against the frame and body parts. Then check a wiring diagram for less obvious grounds. Unscrew all ground fasteners and clean the connection with sand paper or scraping. Then reattach the fasteners and cover with dielectric grease. On old vehicles bad grounds are common. Many have never been cleaned before. Most electrical functions noticeably improve if you do that. Some functions that were not working can be restored. Always check and renew ground connections before torching off the expensive parts cannon!
just think, my vehicle did Not come with an engine guard or anything like that, not even fender liners, do you think that's why it has all that light rust, even the bar behind the stereo has light rust on it. i feel like it's starting ty take over like a plague. Thanks for the advice
I believe this is the problem with my future wife’s car. She has a 2019 Nissan Rogue and randomly the AC would turn off, radio would turn off, window stopped rolling up, now it flickers on the dash when trying to start with a rapid clicking noise occasionally. Thank you for this video, she took my Subaru Crosstrek (that has zero problems, old Outback took me almost 300,000 miles) to work and I will try and fix it before she gets home. Good luck everyone and I hope it fixes your problem and mine. ❤
Hi, I really appreciate your delivery. Easy to understand for a girl like me who knows nothing automotive. No bus message for over a year. Cluster is lit up but gauges not working. It starts and runs fine but I've actually ran out of gas a few times, once on the highway, YIKES HELP!
I just found ur channel i'm just learning more about auto mechanics. Because my uncle's too old to work on my stuff now and he's like a big ground guy and he's always told me all my problems on my s*** boxes were ground related and I thought he was just overreacting a little bit but the way that you explained it makes me believe everything he ever said not that I didn't believe him before. But this is a great video. It's short and sweet and very true.
The radio only actually produces sound in my 04 xterra if i am actively pushing the gas pedal. Both hitting the brake and just taking my foot off the accelerator causes the radio to go silent. Additionally, the ABS and airbag lights on the dash flick on and off at random and at times do so very rapidly. The first symptom was the doors rapidly locking and unlocking by themselves while driving, then the battery became weak and it wouldnt start in the mornings. Replaced the battery which immediately resulted in the headlights literally exploding within just a short time of installing a new set, went through like 9 sets of headlights in a week! One week after installing the new battery i noticed it had acid bubbling up out of the top of it along a seam in the battery casing. So, replaced the battery yet again, which seemed to fix whatever was causing the headlights to explode. But now its been maybe 3 months since putting the last new battery in and in that time all the weird issues with the radio and abs/airbag lights have persisted.
I just found corrosion on my ground to ground from my negative cable wire and have had every single problem mentioned. Will replace and update yall! P0603 has been the latest code that has first showed a code for evap and my 02 sensors
I currently have a car issue with my 2000 Toyota Camry. No electrical power shows on the dashboard except the airbag light (which last for 5 secs). The headlights and tail lights work, even the hazard lights work. And all this happened when I changed my starter. I'm starting to think it's either a battery issue, main fuse issue, or some other issue.
I think you've solved my problem. I recently notice the grounding wire, loose, from my transmission. Currosion deteriorated the connection. After I reconnect it, I let you know if this is any noticeable improvement.
I feel that I have a ground issue in my 2003 TrailBlazer. My headlights act strange and go out intermittently, my washer sprayers stopped working, and my fuel pump won't turn on. I had my fuel pump replaced 3 times in the last month so I know it's not faulty. All of these issues started happening within the same week.
So are you saying that "IF" I have a bad ground it's possible to experience a no "prime" /no start condition on the fuel pump? Assuming the relay is not able to send over the ground the signal? I have a crank/no start situation. Just swapped the relay, fuse, fuel pump + sender unit, crank shaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor. No Check engine light or diagnostic trouble codes either.
Hey I know this is 7 months later but did you figure out if it was a bad ground and get your car going dealing with the same thing on a G6 Pontiac another shop diagnosed it as a bad fuel pump and gave a crazy price I put the fuel pump in didn't fix it the car will start if I pull the fuel pump fuse and relay then replace them it will start right up and run and restart all day you turn it off over night it might or might not start
I will try this on my 2002 Ford E250. Sometimes fuel pump energizes (I can hear it hum) on first key turn, sometimes I try for 20 minutes and no hum. Very embarrassing when I just filled the tank with gas and van won't start. Cars are lined up behind me wanting to buy gas and I can't start the engine and move because my van's fuel pump isn't getting electricity.@@79huddy
I have a 2008 Chevy Equinox parked for about 8 months decided to start using it again and suddenly my dash lights and gauges quit working what would cause this? I read somewhere that it could be a ground wire loose or corroded where would I find the ground wire for this I don't have much knowledge of cars I'm sure it's under the steering wheel somewhere but I have no idea where to start I've also checked all the fuses and they're all good
My truck pulled code for ground issue could that be why my temp sensor is bouncing after replacing thermostat, ect, waterp, radiator cap, and coolant T? Oh, and actuator plug for thermostat
Starter mounting bolt that grounds the starter broke off inside the engine block. Now the ground is not properly connected. Would this cause the battery to drain overnight?
My car has no ability to move. Previously my car was said to have through obd2 codes that i got a c1109 abs low voltage code and a P1701 low voltage to tcm code. As well as torque converter solenoid valve function being not functioning or intermittent. And very intermittently holding reverse on a decline facing down, but thats after letting the car sit and fluid flow out of the torque converter and back into the torque converter which probably allows it to hold itself temporarily but thats it.
If I replaced the battery, starter, and alternator and my battery still wont charge what does that mean? All the parts are good, the battery light comes on and off when a few wires are wiggled. Would that mean I need to replace some wires in the charging system?
You need the longer batter higher voltage amg or something like that it takes the H6 but its for the 6cyl. Using the smaller one the crank start will not work and may need a jump but replace the battery to the bigger one it fixed my issues hopefully it does the same good luck
I have a 2011 Chevy Impala no lights on dash when key is on position no crank. New battery , new alternator and will only start with a jumper cables .I checked all the fuses they’re good I’m in need of some tips ??
This is exactly how my car was acting as your described. Cluster lights flickering til dead and a clicking/buzzing from the fuel system. Ill be taking iut the old negative cable and putting in anew one today I drive a 2011 ford fusion. Stupdiest car ive had to work on.
If I heave a trailer light ground connected to regular brake light ground and go to 1 ground on frame and just the trailer ground wire is bad can it cause the regular brake light to not work too or will it only affect the trailer light?
wow, I feel like everywhere on my vehicle there is rust and my electrical wiring issues seems like it's pinpoint in me from the transmission side all the way back to the rear tail lights. And it all started because I wanted to put a radio in Mari Lancer now I know to check everywherefor rust
Maybe you can help, have an 02, all my lights work, except my headlights are always on as long as the key is turned on, idk if that is related but, my main issue is that when using my right blinker only, left works fine, when I brake it speeds up, as if my bulb is burnt out, and the rear blinker just stops working, but as soon as you let off the brake, it goes back to normal speed and the blinker works again… I’m suspecting a ground but then I also don’t think it would work at all but I’m not expert… any ideas? Thanks in advance.
I'm suspected my 1986 Mr2 might have grounding. For the part, my car is sitting in the garage with start up every now and then. Recently when I try to start, it will start up and run OK for 7 days straight. Next day when I went out and start the car, it will crank but no start. Kept tried multiple times with no success. So, I waited for a few minutes and tried to started back up again it starts. Just replaced with new battery and still did the same. I checked verified the battery terminal connector ot amke sure it secured tight.
Can I mix and match grounds as long as they are similiar in size? I have an f150 with a crusty body to frame ground, found an acdelco copper but treated groubd cable for 10 bucks on Amazon. Looks like what I need. Can I use that?
Do you own a Chevy? There was a massive recall with gm a few years ago. The ignition randomly shuts off. I think I could be wrong, but 2013 models I think that recall was for or sometime around 2013. The ignition switch would randomly jump from on to the start position or something like that.
I am working on a 2018 navigator that keeps burning the led module for one headlamp then eventually the other side goes away too. How could I trouble shoot this ? The scanner shows short to ground on lighting system. It was in an accident and I repaired it.
I have a 2011 Buick Enclave. Was at convenient store. It would not start then went completely dead!! I mean NO electrical power at ALL!! Had it towed to my home. With no electrical power it is stuck in Park. Battery is charged? Could it be my alternator grounded whole system? Even while dead with no electrical power I smelled rubber and a noise was still coming from under hood? Other problem I need to roll it about 6 ft down hill to get other car from garage past it, but it is stuck in Park. Any ideas how to release shifter so as to put in neutral? Thank you.
I have serious draining batery on my mk4 tdi 1.9 i Wire negative and also cable negative and light bulb came on so i Know its drains somthing but i cant find what
I must have a ground problem. I hear a click problem when I try to start my truck and after the click sound all the power in the truck goes out. I can close the hood and sometimes power comes back. So I got something somewhere loose. YAY ME!!! Sad thing is I just got the truck running good 20 minutes before 😅 1 step forward and 2 steps back!! Yall say a prayer for me please. I would appreciate it.
@@Cameron7458 I figured it out. Mine was my after market positive and negative terminals on my battery. The wires were loose in the terminals and the insides of the terminals were rusted. I took them off, cleaned them up and sanded the terminals really good. Put the wires back on and tightened them down really good and made sure they were tight and put them back on and all is good again!! Hope this helps you. BTW I hate after market terminals. Factory ones are the best!! People need to stop cutting them off cause that is just ridiculous!!
Hi guys, if any electrical mechanics can help me out, please. I have a 2006 toyota sienna le. Yesterday my cluster light don't come on with me turning the lights on with no key. But then it tuns on when I turn the key on position. But all my other lights work headlights and running lights. Can anyone help? Today I'm gonna look thru all the fuses and disconnect the battery for one hr . Thanks you for the advice in advance .
your video should be ''How To check You Have Bad Ground In Your Car', not ''How To Tell You Have Bad Ground In Your Car''. checking comes before telling.
Can you explain why my battery all of a sudden died while driving, I legit was going 20 mph and all of a sudden dies then I get power after a few secs. And my alarm goes off. I then noticed a burnt smell coming from the engine bay and noticed the red position terminal had white powder and the chassis burned too. Anyone know what it could have been?
Bad grounds force electrical components to seek ground in strange ways. The main symptom is the vehicle starts acting like it is possessed! Lots of things start acting strange. Physically remove bolts holding ground connections to the frame and body even if they look good. Clean those contacts and the ground ends and reattach. Cover those cleaned ground connections with dielectric grease to halt any further rust and corrosion. Look for missing or broken ground wires and straps. After some repairs sometimes ground connections are not bolted down again.
Basically think of resistors and voltage dividers, causes a lot of strange behavior especially if you add water in any form, just humidity maybe. Coffee is the worst for wiring
yep it's everywhere, then where would a person start and what would they clean the rest with? I have dialectic grease but how do you get it off(the rust)
What about driving down the road and you let off the accelerator and it stalls in motion electronically?
@@eddeweese571 Just visually check for wires running to ground against the frame and body parts. Then check a wiring diagram for less obvious grounds. Unscrew all ground fasteners and clean the connection with sand paper or scraping. Then reattach the fasteners and cover with dielectric grease. On old vehicles bad grounds are common. Many have never been cleaned before. Most electrical functions noticeably improve if you do that. Some functions that were not working can be restored. Always check and renew ground connections before torching off the expensive parts cannon!
just think, my vehicle did Not come with an engine guard or anything like that, not even fender liners, do you think that's why it has all that light rust, even the bar behind the stereo has light rust on it. i feel like it's starting ty take over like a plague. Thanks for the advice
I believe this is the problem with my future wife’s car. She has a 2019 Nissan Rogue and randomly the AC would turn off, radio would turn off, window stopped rolling up, now it flickers on the dash when trying to start with a rapid clicking noise occasionally. Thank you for this video, she took my Subaru Crosstrek (that has zero problems, old Outback took me almost 300,000 miles) to work and I will try and fix it before she gets home. Good luck everyone and I hope it fixes your problem and mine. ❤
Also happens if your negative battery cable is loose. Clean and tighten it.
Hi, I really appreciate your delivery. Easy to understand for a girl like me who knows nothing automotive. No bus message for over a year. Cluster is lit up but gauges not working. It starts and runs fine but I've actually ran out of gas a few times, once on the highway, YIKES HELP!
I have a video for no communication/bus issue. Use search box. Thanks
Fantastic sir. Very informative . Please make more vedios about electrical problems of cars
I just found ur channel i'm just learning more about auto mechanics. Because my uncle's too old to work on my stuff now and he's like a big ground guy and he's always told me all my problems on my s*** boxes were ground related and I thought he was just overreacting a little bit but the way that you explained it makes me believe everything he ever said not that I didn't believe him before. But this is a great video. It's short and sweet and very true.
my car has been showing every one of these signs i’m changing the strap out today and hoping that’s what caused it, thank you man
Did it solve the issues?
The radio only actually produces sound in my 04 xterra if i am actively pushing the gas pedal. Both hitting the brake and just taking my foot off the accelerator causes the radio to go silent. Additionally, the ABS and airbag lights on the dash flick on and off at random and at times do so very rapidly. The first symptom was the doors rapidly locking and unlocking by themselves while driving, then the battery became weak and it wouldnt start in the mornings. Replaced the battery which immediately resulted in the headlights literally exploding within just a short time of installing a new set, went through like 9 sets of headlights in a week! One week after installing the new battery i noticed it had acid bubbling up out of the top of it along a seam in the battery casing. So, replaced the battery yet again, which seemed to fix whatever was causing the headlights to explode. But now its been maybe 3 months since putting the last new battery in and in that time all the weird issues with the radio and abs/airbag lights have persisted.
Did you manage to fix it and how if you did?
I just found corrosion on my ground to ground from my negative cable wire and have had every single problem mentioned. Will replace and update yall! P0603 has been the latest code that has first showed a code for evap and my 02 sensors
How is she now broo?
Update!
he still trying to find the ground
@@henm4975 update??
Please provide an update
I currently have a car issue with my 2000 Toyota Camry. No electrical power shows on the dashboard except the airbag light (which last for 5 secs). The headlights and tail lights work, even the hazard lights work. And all this happened when I changed my starter.
I'm starting to think it's either a battery issue, main fuse issue, or some other issue.
I think you've solved my problem. I recently notice the grounding wire, loose, from my transmission. Currosion deteriorated the connection. After I reconnect it, I let you know if this is any noticeable improvement.
Very good video man ! Your very thorough
I feel that I have a ground issue in my 2003 TrailBlazer. My headlights act strange and go out intermittently, my washer sprayers stopped working, and my fuel pump won't turn on. I had my fuel pump replaced 3 times in the last month so I know it's not faulty. All of these issues started happening within the same week.
Great video sir. Thanks a million 👍
I get a loud rapid clicking noise when I turn on the ac. Is that from a bad ground?
Ac clutch kicking on and off
So are you saying that "IF" I have a bad ground it's possible to experience a no "prime" /no start condition on the fuel pump? Assuming the relay is not able to send over the ground the signal? I have a crank/no start situation. Just swapped the relay, fuse, fuel pump + sender unit, crank shaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor. No Check engine light or diagnostic trouble codes either.
Hey I know this is 7 months later but did you figure out if it was a bad ground and get your car going dealing with the same thing on a G6 Pontiac another shop diagnosed it as a bad fuel pump and gave a crazy price I put the fuel pump in didn't fix it the car will start if I pull the fuel pump fuse and relay then replace them it will start right up and run and restart all day you turn it off over night it might or might not start
I will try this on my 2002 Ford E250. Sometimes fuel pump energizes (I can hear it hum) on first key turn, sometimes I try for 20 minutes and no hum. Very embarrassing when I just filled the tank with gas and van won't start. Cars are lined up behind me wanting to buy gas and I can't start the engine and move because my van's fuel pump isn't getting electricity.@@79huddy
I started checking the ground and realized the world is too big to cover it all in a lifetime
My headlight ground has burnt up twice idk if i need to re do the ground help plz
I have a 2008 Chevy Equinox parked for about 8 months decided to start using it again and suddenly my dash lights and gauges quit working what would cause this? I read somewhere that it could be a ground wire loose or corroded where would I find the ground wire for this I don't have much knowledge of cars I'm sure it's under the steering wheel somewhere but I have no idea where to start I've also checked all the fuses and they're all good
Did you find it?
My truck pulled code for ground issue could that be why my temp sensor is bouncing after replacing thermostat, ect, waterp, radiator cap, and coolant T? Oh, and actuator plug for thermostat
Starter mounting bolt that grounds the starter broke off inside the engine block. Now the ground is not properly connected. Would this cause the battery to drain overnight?
Hello! Im having the issue mentioned. Today I noticed the battery current sensor is not grounxed to the engine. Could that cause the car to stall?
Yes it can
@@Top5AutoRepairs thanks for the reply
My dude 🤝
My car has no ability to move. Previously my car was said to have through obd2 codes that i got a c1109 abs low voltage code and a P1701 low voltage to tcm code. As well as torque converter solenoid valve function being not functioning or intermittent. And very intermittently holding reverse on a decline facing down, but thats after letting the car sit and fluid flow out of the torque converter and back into the torque converter which probably allows it to hold itself temporarily but thats it.
If I replaced the battery, starter, and alternator and my battery still wont charge what does that mean? All the parts are good, the battery light comes on and off when a few wires are wiggled. Would that mean I need to replace some wires in the charging system?
You need the longer batter higher voltage amg or something like that it takes the H6 but its for the 6cyl. Using the smaller one the crank start will not work and may need a jump but replace the battery to the bigger one it fixed my issues hopefully it does the same good luck
My alternator fusible link keeps popping, new starter, new alternator, bad fusible link, but something caused it to pop, how can I find the issue?
Why would my horn honk when I start my vehicle? Is that ignition switch problem or ground issues ? Thanks
Same thing was happening to me . Did you ever figure out what it was?
@@brandonhungria4399 I've replaced a bunch of parts in the last few months. Something I replaced worked. Lolol
I have a 2011 Chevy Impala no lights on dash when key is on position no crank. New battery , new alternator and will only start with a jumper cables .I checked all the fuses they’re good I’m in need of some tips ??
Oil and gunk on wires
Does the paint on the metal need to be scraped off to bare metal for a good ground?
Yes, and then after cleaning and reinstalling with a new cleaned surface, cover in dialectic grease or repaint the area, nail polish would even work!
This is exactly how my car was acting as your described. Cluster lights flickering til dead and a clicking/buzzing from the fuel system. Ill be taking iut the old negative cable and putting in anew one today
I drive a 2011 ford fusion. Stupdiest car ive had to work on.
If I heave a trailer light ground connected to regular brake light ground and go to 1 ground on frame and just the trailer ground wire is bad can it cause the regular brake light to not work too or will it only affect the trailer light?
Great advice, thanks!
Some comment sections are just as informing as the video ❤❤❤
Thank you for the info!!
Does bad ground cause a alternator to get hot without running?.
If you have a blown fuse do to ground will your battery die. If it doesnt die does that mean no ground issue but just a bad fuse
Thanks brother
wow, I feel like everywhere on my vehicle there is rust and my electrical wiring issues seems like it's pinpoint in me from the transmission side all the way back to the rear tail lights. And it all started because I wanted to put a radio in Mari Lancer now I know to check everywherefor rust
Would a ground terminal for fuel temp sensor on a fuel pump harness be bad connection, not a open or short ? Could it also be a relay?
Maybe you can help, have an 02, all my lights work, except my headlights are always on as long as the key is turned on, idk if that is related but, my main issue is that when using my right blinker only, left works fine, when I brake it speeds up, as if my bulb is burnt out, and the rear blinker just stops working, but as soon as you let off the brake, it goes back to normal speed and the blinker works again… I’m suspecting a ground but then I also don’t think it would work at all but I’m not expert… any ideas? Thanks in advance.
I'm suspected my 1986 Mr2 might have grounding. For the part, my car is sitting in the garage with start up every now and then. Recently when I try to start, it will start up and run OK for 7 days straight. Next day when I went out and start the car, it will crank but no start. Kept tried multiple times with no success. So, I waited for a few minutes and tried to started back up again it starts. Just replaced with new battery and still did the same. I checked verified the battery terminal connector ot amke sure it secured tight.
Thank you
Can a bad ground cause my truck won't start due to check transmission light even do Im not driving
Can I mix and match grounds as long as they are similiar in size?
I have an f150 with a crusty body to frame ground, found an acdelco copper but treated groubd cable for 10 bucks on Amazon. Looks like what I need. Can I use that?
It should work as long it's the same gauge
@@Top5AutoRepairs Your the man.
Gonna check that and use it if it is. Send it back if its not.
If I have a grounding. Would that prevent me from starting my car??
Yes it would
If you don't have your keys it would.
I have a problem where hit a bump and the dash odometer turns off and the car turns off
Do you own a Chevy? There was a massive recall with gm a few years ago. The ignition randomly shuts off. I think I could be wrong, but 2013 models I think that recall was for or sometime around 2013. The ignition switch would randomly jump from on to the start position or something like that.
My car is really rusty underneath…
I’m saving up for a new vehicle but I need my vehicle for 10 more months
So what do you think is there in most cars.
My car died when I made a turn. I had clicking noise too. Both starter and alternator are oem and I had less then a year
I am working on a 2018 navigator that keeps burning the led module for one headlamp then eventually the other side goes away too. How could I trouble shoot this ? The scanner shows short to ground on lighting system. It was in an accident and I repaired it.
I have a 2011 Buick Enclave. Was at convenient store. It would not start then went completely dead!! I mean NO electrical power at ALL!! Had it towed to my home. With no electrical power it is stuck in Park. Battery is charged? Could it be my alternator grounded whole system? Even while dead with no electrical power I smelled rubber and a noise was still coming from under hood? Other problem I need to roll it about 6 ft down hill to get other car from garage past it, but it is stuck in Park. Any ideas how to release shifter so as to put in neutral? Thank you.
Hi,my 2008 dts Cadillac won’t start plus it’s showing that it’s in drive mode while in park
I have serious draining batery on my mk4 tdi 1.9 i Wire negative and also cable negative and light bulb came on so i Know its drains somthing but i cant find what
I have a 2013 f150 every time I turn the headlights on the cluster light dim
Normal
Thanks
I must have a ground problem. I hear a click problem when I try to start my truck and after the click sound all the power in the truck goes out. I can close the hood and sometimes power comes back. So I got something somewhere loose. YAY ME!!! Sad thing is I just got the truck running good 20 minutes before 😅 1 step forward and 2 steps back!! Yall say a prayer for me please. I would appreciate it.
I have this EXACT same issue I'm currently trying to figure out. Please let me know if you figure this out
@@Cameron7458 I figured it out. Mine was my after market positive and negative terminals on my battery. The wires were loose in the terminals and the insides of the terminals were rusted. I took them off, cleaned them up and sanded the terminals really good. Put the wires back on and tightened them down really good and made sure they were tight and put them back on and all is good again!! Hope this helps you. BTW I hate after market terminals. Factory ones are the best!! People need to stop cutting them off cause that is just ridiculous!!
Hi guys, if any electrical mechanics can help me out, please. I have a 2006 toyota sienna le. Yesterday my cluster light don't come on with me turning the lights on with no key. But then it tuns on when I turn the key on position. But all my other lights work headlights and running lights. Can anyone help? Today I'm gonna look thru all the fuses and disconnect the battery for one hr . Thanks you for the advice in advance .
Yes 👍
your video should be ''How To check You Have Bad Ground In Your Car', not ''How To Tell You Have Bad Ground In Your Car''. checking comes before telling.
It’s the same thing.
Sooooooooooo how u fix it
Replace the entire ground wire
You just added to another sign that I didn’t realize
Can you explain why my battery all of a sudden died while driving, I legit was going 20 mph and all of a sudden dies then I get power after a few secs. And my alarm goes off. I then noticed a burnt smell coming from the engine bay and noticed the red position terminal had white powder and the chassis burned too. Anyone know what it could have been?
The battery terminal and cable is too corroded. Replace both.
Damn
my headlights cause my engine to stall out and sometimes the fuel pump will just turn off or wont even start or my relay doesnt turn on
Thank you
Thanks