Nice to see you here Humble Mechanic I’m watching this while checking all my fuses on my 2011 Volkswagen Jetta se 2.5 my head lights aren’t working after pulling all fuses none appeared broken but I didn’t have a power probe tool so I don’t know if ones isn’t receiving power or if it’s just my lights but both being out at once made me think it could be something electrical or a blown fuse out of everything something I need to drive at night
DUDE, my 99 chevy k3500 didn't crank over yesterday morning, and watched one of your videos and with your expert tips I got it to crank over and got it started! I am no mechanic by any imagination but your tips got me out of the NATIONAL FOREST and homemade safely! Thank you a million times!!! Ivar, Uncompahgre National Forest, Montrose County, Colorado
Hey eric to be honest with you i have my garage in Saudi Arabia. I am a mechanic but i want to learn electrician work... your videos are helping me alot. I just want to say thank you so much for these video keep uploading.
Great Job Eric! I'm trying to show my grandson about this stuff and I'm finding it maddening to explain things that are so clear in my 65 y/o mind, in words that make sense to his 17 y/o brain.. You videos are helping alot! Thank you for that!!
Very professional, very informative and very well spoken. I've worked on cars for a good amount of time and these are very well put together videos. Thank you for your input and time spent making these.
I just started college, Automotive engineering. I'm watching your videos for a while now and I really think they can be a huge help for me! Thanks Eric!
Thanks for this. We replaced everything when the blower shorted in our car and fried the control panel. But never checked fuses not related to the HVAC. After watching this, my husband went through all the fuses and found one blown that we would have never thought would have been the issue.
Thank you for this vid. I appreciate all the helpful tips and tricks I can get. You are ABSOLUTELY right about watching out for body work. I purchased a truck with a new paint job, and that evening I noticed I had no hi beam headlights. I bought a pair of new headlights and installed, still no hi beams. That's when I found out the truck was a front end collison repair and someone had twisted and taped the wires in such a way I'm amazed the headlamps worked at all. Thanks again, I don't comment on all your vids but I am thankful you're making them.
You can also use a standard multimeter as a power probe. If you use a gator clip to ground the black lead, the red lead should act as your power probe. 12v coming into the fuse, 0 volts coming out would indicate a blown fuse.
Hi Eric. I'm a retired electrician. Not an Auto electrician.It was interesting to follow your electrical diagnosis. What was interesting but seemed wrong was when you tested the wire with your meter on the repaired flasher at the front drivers side lamp. It was flashing too quickly, like a bulb was out. Thinking through it it did make sense. The light on your tester was a small wattage type not like the 21 watt bulb that would be in circuit. So the circuit "thought' there was only one bulb working, the rear driver side lamp. When both lamps were in place all worked properly. Had me puzzling there Eric!
Eric, you're a hero that never wears a cape. Keep up the good work dude! This video really helped me to understand the basics of my electrical unit. Thanks!
Hey Man im currently going to school in automotive engineering. You have really helped me get a jump on knowing what i am talking about. Keep doing what your doing. Cheers from New Zealand
TIP for a draining battery with key out, ignition switch off. Put a small light bulb on the battery across the disconnected positive. The drain will light the bulb. Pull and replace fuses till a pulled fuse turns out the light. You then know the circuit the drain is on. . Found a retracting power antenna trying to return down to home. Thanks ERIC, love your stuff.
in school all you learn: your Name and ABC to Z , and Count number 123 to 1000 ...and copy some useless books and paste them to your brain for exam then you will be a stupid doctor, teacher and etc... so after all years in school that is also not guaranted, some people after they finished after whole years in school and university they looking for jobs like a nurse lol or taxi driver, pizza delivery, or some of them lucky if them body help to be bodyguard front of disco etc... ps: what i learned in some videos in few days, never i learned for 14 years in school.
Eric u should get a Presidential Medal of Freedom for the knowledge u lay out in such a common sense yet articulate manner. U deserve the best in life brotha
No problem twn5858, I knew you would get it once you thought about it. I've been in the electrical field for about 41 years starting out as an electronics tech troubleshooting Sylvania TV's, then industrial tech, electrical contractor (licensed), three electronics degrees and now an electrical engineer designing and programming automated industrial equipment. And I work on all my cars with scopes, factory scanners and a slew of other test equipment. Glad you got it figured out twn5858.
that was the most helpful video that i have seen, I feel like i can actually try and fix my car by myself, that was great and the direction you gave me was awesome, my father use to work on cars and has given me a little idea of what i can do but you gave me a good base to try my skills on, thanks alot
I own a 99 M/tang G T. Bought it a year and a half ago. It is a convertible. I was never interested in learning anything about my other vehicles. Find myself eating up anything I can learn about repairs, etc and enjoy watching you. You do the instructions at a speed that I find comfortable with. Have passenger side rear automatic window that stopped working for about a month. Two days ago, it started working again. Recently had slight rain, top down. Anyone have that problem? Moisture. Thanks.
Elect. diagnosis and repair was my main function at the Pontiac & GMC dealership, oh yea and squeak and rattles and wind and water leaks. Items other techs hated preforming .
Jeez man. Been there. HUGE tip if you're really making a brand new harness.... label your connectors, and get the harness OUT of the vehicle. The get all of the wrapping off of the harness. Makes it a billion times easier to track what wire goes where and visually see any damage.
No problem. Just built an entire harness from scratch basically. Saved myself $300+ and learned a lot. I should really hop on Eric's forum for electrical Q&A. Haha.
Once again, a car problem led me back to The MAN !!!! Even though this was supposed to be a simple video on basic electrics, you delivered so much more, as usual - in such a great easy gracious and wonderful way...... The MAN ! Missed you brah ! 🍷😏🔥
Great video. It's like if someone comes to your shop and says "here, solve this murder". (The death of the turn signals). Then you go and investigate by looking for clues,questioning people,etc.(like looking at the new paint job,checking the fuse, signals flash too fast,broken or stripped wires,maybe even smelling something weird).Then coming up with the culprit and apprehending him.(fixing the problem)... Great video Eric.
Timely video, for me. Used a Power-Probe for the first time yesterday to diagnose a circuit that kept blowing fuses on a 91 Camaro. Turned out to be a frayed wire touching ground. Thanks and keep the videos coming!
There you go twn5858, that's my point. You shouldn't just put your ohmeter across fuses in circuits that may be live, even 12V. And I was an electronics technician myself for quite a few years and now I'm an electrical engineer. Glad you got it!
Your input is valid and welcomed. Turn signal problems are common so even "what worked for you" information is valuable. And it's not like you suggested a hack repair.
today some wires running behind the fender to the fuse box were hanging low so I decided to push them up so they stopped rubbing on the tires when driving, as I was doing so the cables touched and it sparked since they have been rubbing for a while. When it came time to start it everything was dead except for the horn and emergency lights so thanks to your video I gave the fuses under the hood a check and the 120A as well a couple other ones were faulty. I replaced them for 13 dollars and fixed!
+john palma If you is interested in electronics the best results that I have had was with the Gregs Electro Blog (just google it) without a doubt the best course that I've tried.
I almost ran my own wire, but then decided nah I better wait and try something else first. Eric you seem to have impeccable timing for some of these videos.
Thanks!; I figured out my slow battery drain by watching this video. Same missing blinker with wires touching frame, but not blowing fuse, and not allowing battery to charge. Excellent video!!!
+Thomas Heaven Yea, owners manual won't have wiring diagrams. At least I've never seen them in the owners manual. You'd find them in the service manual tho.
Eric, thank you VERY much for making this vid and telling that I need to test ALL the fuses. I found out that my 10amp (marked as cruise control) fuse was blown and by changing it I've fixed my ABS light, cruise control and not working power windows completely for FREE. Thank you again and keep making these vids, I enjoy watching them :)
The Powerprobe doesn't work. If you don't load a circuit the test is inconclusive. The use of a voltage drop test has been well-established and understood for years. Simply seeing the voltage on both sides of a fuse or in any other application without knowing if current can flow is of no real diagnostic value. The Powerprobe's voltmeter is only accurate to 0.1V, as opposed to a real voltmeter and a 0.001 or 0.0001V accuracy. You must learn what readings can actually be trusted, and unloaded (open circuit) voltage is not one of them.
The power probe is not meant to do it all, You still need a DMM for proper automotive diag. But it is definatly a very helpfull tool and has proven its self in my shop of over 26 techs.
of course somebody has to try to make something like checking fuses, so complicated.. testlight, powerprobe or multimeter, if there is power on one side of the fuse and not on the other side, the fuse is no good.. thats the point he's trying to make.
Jory F Checking fuses is not complicated. Having multiple methods of doing something as important as checking voltages - most of which are wrong - is what makes something as easy as electrical diagnostics complicated. When two respected guys (Eric and the scanner guy) use slick video to demonstrate outdated methods that DO NOT WORK, it doesn't magically make the methods work. I've been teaching electrical systems for 30 years - you may think I'm an ass, but the shit I do works every time. UNLOADED VOLTAGE IS USELESS for anything more than a continuity test. I'm getting pretty tired of defending myself against people who have everything invested in outmoded methods. Do you really think someone who's got so much wrapped up in teaching something wrong will just suddenly stop and reverse course? No. PowerPuke has sold FIVE different ULTIMATE tools since I started selling my ONE tool - that has never changed. I have CAT and VOLVO part numbers and PowerProbes are vandalizing trucks and vehicles all over the place. I'll put my methods up against ANYONE ANY TIME. I defy anyone to give me a technical reason why an open-circuit voltage test is BETTER than reading LOADED voltage. My shit is better - and the fact that I'm willing to teach ANYONE who is interested means I'm NOT an arrogant prick (look up the definition of "arrogant") -- it means I'm a teacher.
This guy is spot on about everything, even the repair manuals. I have a Chilton manual for my grand marquis, and it's terrible. The photos and diagrams are so small and hard to read that they don't help at all.
I'm having an electrical problem with my car right now, but I'm pretty sure it's because of my alternator. My point is that your vids always helps me with giving me an idea and expanding my knowledge about car, Thanks alot... great job.... Stay Dirty...
Sorry about that "but it sure does sound like you think you are" crap! You made me think and that's something I hate doing. Your comment about the 120 volt circuit was spot on and should of clued me in about what I was doing wrong if I wasn't such a knucklehead. Thank you!
Hey there Elric! If you read the comments, an RE: video is needed quickly. To prevent burnt down cars. Some of the suggestions in the comments a really scary. So things need to be claryfied. Like the testlight, instead of a circuit-breaker that a lot of guys wrongly suggested. And that how can you test the fuses with an ohm meter quickly and easily. etc...
I have several lights like this as well. One for all the common fuse types. I also have piezoelectric horn I can plug in place of fuses for short finding. Plug it in, turn on the key, and go wiggling harnesses and/or whatever till you hear it stop. It's not 100% effective, but quickly finds many short related issues. Comes in handy for other things as well.
Thanks Eric, its a good start. Working on my friends Mercedes ML430. Only the passenger side windows were working, but the window control panel was broken. Ordered a new one and put that in and all the windows work, however now the F30 fuse is blowing within a few minutes of operating the windows. About to pull the door panels off and clean everything up, see if I can figure out what the issue is.
I dug and hunted around trying to figure out if it was a short, an issue with the motor, relay or something else. As I was digging around I cleaned and lubricated all the parts as the grease had all dried out and there was tons of grit and dust in everything as they live down a dirt road. Apparently it was just the lack of lubrication and or dirt in the window mechanism blowing the fuse as once everything was back together I've put them up and down over 20 times and have been unable to blow the fuse again.
If you want to check and make sure none of your fuses are burned out and you don't have a fancy probe, like Eric does, or a continuity tester. You can simply measure resistance. 1) Make sure the engine isn't running and the key is in the off position. 2)Set your meter to the lowest resistance measurement (it's usually milli-ohms.) 3)Place one lead on one side of the fuse and the other lead on the other side of the fuse. 4) If the meter doesn't read ANY RESISTANCE then the fuse is blown fuse.
Eric, your personality is magnificent. you have a way with words and humorous wit that makes watching your vids "edutaining." You've said many things I say often, and didn't think many other ppl say like "all you need do" and "flippin." Amazing. Most importantly, you get it done in the garage. May your channel stream 4ever!
This viedo has helped me a lot. Now I don't have to go to the deelership. KEEP MAKING THEM. I HAVE SUBSCRIBED. Your entire diagnosis was well explained. I am a women by the way. THANKS!
The power probe works, rudimentary method but it works to see if the circuit is open or not. We are not splitting atoms here. If you feel the need for precise measurements, look for a pro and don't do it yourself. Good job dude! Keep the good work.
Dude you are awesome..ten star type..the pile of fuses will stop today as I get my circuit breaker. I've watched you before..thank you man. I have about 6 cars and then my sons cars..need all the help we can get.
had a no flashers, brake lights, wipers problem on an old bmw recently, visually checked the fuses and they looked OK. Started suspecting and chasing wiring points where the earth wire combine. Got frustrated and went back to fuses, eventually found corroded fuse blades giving a poor connection. Had I measured instead of just looking, as shown in your video, I would have a day of my life back :-)
i was getting A/C issues (it was blowing hot but the compressor lines were cold so i knew it wasn't low on refrigerant) my rear view mirror wasn't tuning on, but the onstar worked, the check engine light was on and the door chime wasn't working...so, i bought a spray, electrical terminal cleaner, and absolutely drenched and sprayed the shit out of the connectors, clips and underside of the fuse boxes....vola !! everything works now ! best 9 bucks i ever spent
i really appreciate your presentation i didn't know anything about that, but after watching your video i can tell you i have learnt something that will help me to save more money with my car
That's good advice about avoiding the technique of running your own wires, as was the advice to keep it simple. In my experience, most electrical problems are obvious if you start with the simple solutions first.
I like Eric best amongst all others. He doesn't set you within al bundy's car lot, searching for amp draw. He sets you within safe steps, no personal injury's, no car damage steps to process elimination. Example being a 4.0 approx amp draw, what accessories use approx 4-amp draw. Elimination should proceed within designated accessory's. Unless you enjoy going on tour searching entire car for millinium time duration, Eric being best placing you in direction, not compromising your safety. Which swap meet mechanics with cookie cutter theroy, guarantee er room visit, before electrical problem is solved.
Here is what I do when a fuse blows. I use my Power Probe ECT2000 to determine if there is a short in the circuit, BEFORE, I re install a fuse. I also reccomend using the Fuses that glow when they blow. It's VERY helpful!!
Karattini does have a valid point about using a bulb to check for shorts. I've used it before myself. Maybe, you can clarify what you mean by positive and negative switched circuits. And how would you check for a short on a circuit without it being live? And if so, how would you know what the resistance through the load should be if it was an overload and not a short.
definitely doesn't speak for all collision shops. The overspray tells me it was hacked. All cars in good shops get a pre and post scan and all lights checked. Must have been Maaco. Great video!
Well watching eric's videos is a good start. There's also a lot of info on the internet too. Volunteering to help out at your local auto repair shops would also be a good learning experience
Because of this video... I can now "re-fuse" to waste any more of my money at an overpriced mechanic, and diagnose my own never ending issues! Just need to watch a lot more videos on how not to lose my fasteners and tools, in places that won't allow them to be recovered! Thanks Eric, cheers bud! Sorry there Humble Mechanic... Your vids are huge help too!
Hi Eric one little thing that not too may people do when fuses blow, put 21 watt bulb across the fuse holder if it glows full brightness your short is there, if its about 1/2 bright your short has gone...Fred in UK.
Eric, just FYI... if you have another Geo Prizm, there is a handy dandy fuse puller on the inside of the cover on the fuse box under the hood! I am currently tinkering with a Prizm myself! I love this little car! Thanks for the helpful video here, I really hate chasing electrical bugs in a vehicles wiring.... although that probe sure looks handy!
That vehicle was hit HARD and fixed very poorly by the bodyshop...the body lines are wide in some places and very tight in other's. A great indicator of where to start looking for sure! Easy for wires to get crossed and such while it's being worked on at the bodyshop or during accident.
the main symptoms was everything was dead! no crank no lights no stereo no highs no brakes no fuel pump noise, no accessories. Very easy fix. Thanks for your videos.
True, you could look for shorts with a visual inspection, but man, that could take awhile, let's say if it was up in the dash. What makes it easier to find a short is to have a device, could be a bulb, an audible alarm or something that can give you some feedback while you pull this wire or that wire. Even though the circuit is shorted, if you put a load in there such as bulb, then there is NO short. I know it may be hard to follow. Search on finding short with bulb. You'll see what I mean.
Thanks for answering my question. I subscribed to this channel because I have questions just like everyone else that watches these videos. Thanks for the info man. We need more people like you! :)
Thanks Eric for the great video, my turn signals wasn't working, checked fuses but they were good, I thought, I never checked both sides of the fuse, so I did and it was the hazard lights, thanks again.
Thanks Eric, on my 1992 Mazda 323 there was rapidly blinking turn light for a year or so, but all bulbs were OK. Today I checked one bulb again and found out, that the second coil was burned out.
Eric, excellent video. You have a real gift explaining things well. I'm working on a Rav42000 fault issue which hopefully I'll resolve today(23Nov2019) here in Bosnia....believe it or not.I'll definitely check out your website too. I really appreciate all you sharing your expertise! Brad
You are a great help. Finding a good wiring diagram has been a problem for me. What you have there looked far better than what I have. Any suggestions as to where I could find the same for my 2008 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited? Thank you very much.
Yes, if you remove either the positive or negative terminal from the battery, then you can safely check the resistance of fuses and not have to worry about screwing up your meter. Otherwise some fuses may still be hot even with the ignition switch off. But, why waste the time removing a cable, when you can just check the voltage on each side of the fuse. When troubleshooting, looking at voltage and current is the first step and then resistance is to only confirm what you already found out.
Hi Eric I have a 2000 gmc sierra 1500 when I turn my turn signal on they both turn on. And when I push on brakes they blinks slower. I ask you this because all ur videos have be very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to help all of us out here.....
thats really educative.Now i took my mazda 6 to a mechanic who might have messed up my electrical.My right turn signal is not working ,and so are the hazards..what could be the problem?all fuses seem to be okay
Awesome vid man - thank you so much. VERY helpful. How do you test mini fuses that don't have the metal on the end? Just pull them and test continuity?
(two of three) Chapter 10 is an excellent basic electricity overview. Don't worry about all the aircraft talk, this fundamental material applies to most anything. I suggest reading/absorbing the whole chapter, but you won't find an over abundance of AC (alternating current) stuff on cars. (Continued in part three)
I love my power probe tools. If you didn't already know about it, check out the power probe "hook". It has some very unique feature i have found extremely helpful.
![How To Test and Diagnose Relays and Wiring [4 & 5 Pin]](/img/n.gif)
"do as much diagnosis from the drivers seat as possible" Automotive words to live by my friend!!!!!
HumbleMechanic yeah except testing the headlights. Or even the horn.
@@MultiBananaman69 well if you had a mirror you could potentially do the diagnosing from just the driver seat
@@MultiBananaman69
He said: " As possible".
He didn't say " Everything".
P
Nice to see you here Humble Mechanic I’m watching this while checking all my fuses on my 2011 Volkswagen Jetta se 2.5 my head lights aren’t working after pulling all fuses none appeared broken but I didn’t have a power probe tool so I don’t know if ones isn’t receiving power or if it’s just my lights but both being out at once made me think it could be something electrical or a blown fuse out of everything something I need to drive at night
DUDE, my 99 chevy k3500 didn't crank over yesterday morning, and watched one of your videos and with your expert tips I got it to crank over and got it started! I am no mechanic by any imagination but your tips got me out of the NATIONAL FOREST and homemade safely! Thank you a million times!!! Ivar, Uncompahgre National Forest, Montrose County, Colorado
11 years later youre still a real one
...o
Hey eric to be honest with you i have my garage in Saudi Arabia. I am a mechanic but i want to learn electrician work... your videos are helping me alot. I just want to say thank you so much for these video keep uploading.
كيف الجراج يا ابو شريك؟
I love the way you diagnose problems, it is so methodical and thought out.
I wish i could be more like you, learnin everyday but not there yet.
I bet you've gotten alot better over 9 years I know I have over the last 5
Great Job Eric! I'm trying to show my grandson about this stuff and I'm finding it maddening to explain things that are so clear in my 65 y/o mind, in words that make sense to his 17 y/o brain.. You videos are helping alot! Thank you for that!!
Very professional, very informative and very well spoken. I've worked on cars for a good amount of time and these are very well put together videos. Thank you for your input and time spent making these.
I just started college, Automotive engineering. I'm watching your videos for a while now and I really think they can be a huge help for me! Thanks Eric!
Thanks for this. We replaced everything when the blower shorted in our car and fried the control panel. But never checked fuses not related to the HVAC. After watching this, my husband went through all the fuses and found one blown that we would have never thought would have been the issue.
Thank you for this vid. I appreciate all the helpful tips and tricks I can get. You are ABSOLUTELY right about watching out for body work. I purchased a truck with a new paint job, and that evening I noticed I had no hi beam headlights. I bought a pair of new headlights and installed, still no hi beams. That's when I found out the truck was a front end collison repair and someone had twisted and taped the wires in such a way I'm amazed the headlamps worked at all. Thanks again, I don't comment on all your vids but I am thankful you're making them.
You can also use a standard multimeter as a power probe. If you use a gator clip to ground the black lead, the red lead should act as your power probe. 12v coming into the fuse, 0 volts coming out would indicate a blown fuse.
Hi Eric. I'm a retired electrician. Not an Auto electrician.It was interesting to follow your electrical diagnosis.
What was interesting but seemed wrong was when you tested the wire with your meter on the repaired flasher at the front drivers side lamp. It was flashing too quickly, like a bulb was out.
Thinking through it it did make sense. The light on your tester was a small wattage type not like the 21 watt bulb that would be in circuit.
So the circuit "thought' there was only one bulb working, the rear driver side lamp. When both lamps were in place all worked properly.
Had me puzzling there Eric!
Eric, you're a hero that never wears a cape. Keep up the good work dude! This video really helped me to understand the basics of my electrical unit. Thanks!
The Essentials Eric is one hell of a dirty hero
Aa
Wow this video was published in 2012 and It's still helping people 7 years later..I love TH-cam and people like Eric👍
Hey Man im currently going to school in automotive engineering. You have really helped me get a jump on knowing what i am talking about. Keep doing what your doing. Cheers from New Zealand
TIP for a draining battery with key out, ignition switch off.
Put a small light bulb on the battery across the disconnected positive. The drain will light the bulb. Pull and replace fuses till a pulled fuse turns out the light. You then know the circuit the drain is on. . Found a retracting power antenna trying to return down to home. Thanks ERIC, love your stuff.
Why go school when I can learn everything right here for free.
Thanks Eric.
To learn grammar.
thassss right tayvin...i hope erics gettin paid handsomely for these videos
chuck julian I think he meant trade school 🤣
If he helps you out, send him a few bucks for beer.
in school all you learn: your Name and ABC to Z , and Count number 123 to 1000 ...and copy some useless books and paste them to your brain for exam then you will be a stupid doctor, teacher and etc... so after all years in school that is also not guaranted, some people after they finished after whole years in school and university they looking for jobs like a nurse lol or taxi driver, pizza delivery, or some of them lucky if them body help to be bodyguard front of disco etc...
ps: what i learned in some videos in few days, never i learned for 14 years in school.
Eric u should get a Presidential Medal of Freedom for the knowledge u lay out in such a common sense yet articulate manner. U deserve the best in life brotha
I'm going to graduate from Eric's TH-cam school!! Thanks man
No problem twn5858, I knew you would get it once you thought about it. I've been in the electrical field for about 41 years starting out as an electronics tech troubleshooting Sylvania TV's, then industrial tech, electrical contractor (licensed), three electronics degrees and now an electrical engineer designing and programming automated industrial equipment. And I work on all my cars with scopes, factory scanners and a slew of other test equipment. Glad you got it figured out twn5858.
that was the most helpful video that i have seen, I feel like i can actually try and fix my car by myself, that was great and the direction you gave me was awesome, my father use to work on cars and has given me a little idea of what i can do but you gave me a good base to try my skills on, thanks alot
Nice
I own a 99 M/tang G T. Bought it a year and a half ago. It is a convertible. I was never interested in learning anything about my other vehicles. Find myself eating up anything I can learn about repairs, etc and enjoy watching you. You do the instructions at a speed that I find comfortable with. Have passenger side rear automatic window that stopped working for about a month. Two days ago, it started working again. Recently had slight rain, top down. Anyone have that problem? Moisture. Thanks.
Elect. diagnosis and repair was my main function at the Pontiac & GMC dealership, oh yea and squeak and rattles and wind and water leaks. Items other techs hated preforming .
I’m thinking about a career change to auto electronics (hybrids, Tesla, EV) think it’s a good move ?
Jeez man. Been there. HUGE tip if you're really making a brand new harness.... label your connectors, and get the harness OUT of the vehicle. The get all of the wrapping off of the harness. Makes it a billion times easier to track what wire goes where and visually see any damage.
Now this video was very informative.Amazing.All props to Eric for this one.Makes me want to be a automotive technician even more.
No problem. Just built an entire harness from scratch basically. Saved myself $300+ and learned a lot. I should really hop on Eric's forum for electrical Q&A. Haha.
Highly professional video. I enjoyed watching it and learned a lot. Thank you Eric.
Once again, a car problem led me back to The MAN !!!! Even though this was supposed to be a simple video on basic electrics, you delivered so much more, as usual - in such a great easy gracious and wonderful way...... The MAN ! Missed you brah ! 🍷😏🔥
Well, you could use voltage on a MM, but you SHOULD use ohms (resistance) to test for continuity.
Great video. It's like if someone comes to your shop and says "here, solve this murder". (The death of the turn signals). Then you go and investigate by looking for clues,questioning people,etc.(like looking at the new paint job,checking the fuse, signals flash too fast,broken or stripped wires,maybe even smelling something weird).Then coming up with the culprit and apprehending him.(fixing the problem)... Great video Eric.
hahaha. I really like the "well there's your problem there!" moment.
Alabama Eric the car guy.
Timely video, for me. Used a Power-Probe for the first time yesterday to diagnose a circuit that kept blowing fuses on a 91 Camaro. Turned out to be a frayed wire touching ground. Thanks and keep the videos coming!
Very informative. Thank you for your great overview. Appreciate it!
There you go twn5858, that's my point. You shouldn't just put your ohmeter across fuses in circuits that may be live, even 12V. And I was an electronics technician myself for quite a few years and now I'm an electrical engineer. Glad you got it!
Congratulation...i liked the video..good details... learned a lot... keep the good vibe!!!
Your input is valid and welcomed. Turn signal problems are common so even "what worked for you" information is valuable. And it's not like you suggested a hack repair.
Great informational video, thank you for posting.
today some wires running behind the fender to the fuse box were hanging low so I decided to push them up so they stopped rubbing on the tires when driving, as I was doing so the cables touched and it sparked since they have been rubbing for a while. When it came time to start it everything was dead except for the horn and emergency lights so thanks to your video I gave the fuses under the hood a check and the 120A as well a couple other ones were faulty. I replaced them for 13 dollars and fixed!
Nice video,Some very helpful suggestions.Thanks.
+john palma If you is interested in electronics the best results that I have had was with the Gregs Electro Blog (just google it) without a doubt the best course that I've tried.
I almost ran my own wire, but then decided nah I better wait and try something else first. Eric you seem to have impeccable timing for some of these videos.
Erics a beauty.
Thanks!; I figured out my slow battery drain by watching this video. Same missing blinker with wires touching frame, but not blowing fuse, and not allowing battery to charge. Excellent video!!!
Eric, where can i find wiring diagrams of cars? Is there a specific site or they are just scattered around the web?
+Thomas Heaven they would typically be in your owner's manual, unless they are older, pre-OBDI. some manufacturers put them in even before that.
+Thomas Heaven Yea, owners manual won't have wiring diagrams. At least I've never seen them in the owners manual. You'd find them in the service manual tho.
+nunya biness
Thanks a lot, the answer i've been looking for. :) Mitchell1 or just plain "Mitchell"?
Eric, thank you VERY much for making this vid and telling that I need to test ALL the fuses.
I found out that my 10amp (marked as cruise control) fuse was blown and by changing it I've fixed my ABS light, cruise control and not working power windows completely for FREE.
Thank you again and keep making these vids, I enjoy watching them :)
The Powerprobe doesn't work. If you don't load a circuit the test is inconclusive. The use of a voltage drop test has been well-established and understood for years. Simply seeing the voltage on both sides of a fuse or in any other application without knowing if current can flow is of no real diagnostic value. The Powerprobe's voltmeter is only accurate to 0.1V, as opposed to a real voltmeter and a 0.001 or 0.0001V accuracy. You must learn what readings can actually be trusted, and unloaded (open circuit) voltage is not one of them.
Haters gotta hate
Teachers gotta teach...
The power probe is not meant to do it all, You still need a DMM for proper automotive diag. But it is definatly a very helpfull tool and has proven its self in my shop of over 26 techs.
of course somebody has to try to make something like checking fuses, so complicated..
testlight, powerprobe or multimeter, if there is power on one side of the fuse and not on the other side, the fuse is no good.. thats the point he's trying to make.
Jory F Checking fuses is not complicated. Having multiple methods of doing something as important as checking voltages - most of which are wrong - is what makes something as easy as electrical diagnostics complicated. When two respected guys (Eric and the scanner guy) use slick video to demonstrate outdated methods that DO NOT WORK, it doesn't magically make the methods work. I've been teaching electrical systems for 30 years - you may think I'm an ass, but the shit I do works every time. UNLOADED VOLTAGE IS USELESS for anything more than a continuity test. I'm getting pretty tired of defending myself against people who have everything invested in outmoded methods. Do you really think someone who's got so much wrapped up in teaching something wrong will just suddenly stop and reverse course? No. PowerPuke has sold FIVE different ULTIMATE tools since I started selling my ONE tool - that has never changed. I have CAT and VOLVO part numbers and PowerProbes are vandalizing trucks and vehicles all over the place. I'll put my methods up against ANYONE ANY TIME. I defy anyone to give me a technical reason why an open-circuit voltage test is BETTER than reading LOADED voltage. My shit is better - and the fact that I'm willing to teach ANYONE who is interested means I'm NOT an arrogant prick (look up the definition of "arrogant") -- it means I'm a teacher.
This guy is spot on about everything, even the repair manuals. I have a Chilton manual for my grand marquis, and it's terrible. The photos and diagrams are so small and hard to read that they don't help at all.
I'm having an electrical problem with my car right now, but I'm pretty sure it's because of my alternator. My point is that your vids always helps me with giving me an idea and expanding my knowledge about car, Thanks alot... great job.... Stay Dirty...
Sorry about that "but it sure does sound like you think you are" crap! You made me think and that's something I hate doing. Your comment about the 120 volt circuit was spot on and should of clued me in about what I was doing wrong if I wasn't such a knucklehead. Thank you!
@Ericthecarguy I've seen way too many test light idiots in the comments. This needs to be addressed before we have melted harnesses and fires!
Hey there Elric! If you read the comments, an RE: video is needed quickly. To prevent burnt down cars. Some of the suggestions in the comments a really scary. So things need to be claryfied. Like the testlight, instead of a circuit-breaker that a lot of guys wrongly suggested. And that how can you test the fuses with an ohm meter quickly and easily. etc...
I have several lights like this as well. One for all the common fuse types.
I also have piezoelectric horn I can plug in place of fuses for short finding. Plug it in, turn on the key, and go wiggling harnesses and/or whatever till you hear it stop. It's not 100% effective, but quickly finds many short related issues. Comes in handy for other things as well.
Thanks Eric, its a good start.
Working on my friends Mercedes ML430. Only the passenger side windows were working, but the window control panel was broken. Ordered a new one and put that in and all the windows work, however now the F30 fuse is blowing within a few minutes of operating the windows.
About to pull the door panels off and clean everything up, see if I can figure out what the issue is.
I dug and hunted around trying to figure out if it was a short, an issue with the motor, relay or something else. As I was digging around I cleaned and lubricated all the parts as the grease had all dried out and there was tons of grit and dust in everything as they live down a dirt road.
Apparently it was just the lack of lubrication and or dirt in the window mechanism blowing the fuse as once everything was back together I've put them up and down over 20 times and have been unable to blow the fuse again.
If you want to check and make sure none of your fuses are burned out and you don't have a fancy probe, like Eric does, or a continuity tester. You can simply measure resistance.
1) Make sure the engine isn't running and the key is in the off position.
2)Set your meter to the lowest resistance measurement (it's usually milli-ohms.)
3)Place one lead on one side of the fuse and the other lead on the other side of the fuse.
4) If the meter doesn't read ANY RESISTANCE then the fuse is blown fuse.
Eric,
your personality is magnificent. you have a way with words and humorous wit that makes watching your vids "edutaining." You've said many things I say often, and didn't think many other ppl say like "all you need do" and "flippin." Amazing. Most importantly, you get it done in the garage. May your channel stream 4ever!
This viedo has helped me a lot. Now I don't have to go to the deelership. KEEP MAKING THEM. I HAVE SUBSCRIBED. Your entire diagnosis was well explained. I am a women by the way. THANKS!
The power probe works, rudimentary method but it works to see if the circuit is open or not. We are not splitting atoms here. If you feel the need for precise measurements, look for a pro and don't do it yourself. Good job dude! Keep the good work.
Dude you are awesome..ten star type..the pile of fuses will stop today as I get my circuit breaker. I've watched you before..thank you man. I have about 6 cars and then my sons cars..need all the help we can get.
had a no flashers, brake lights, wipers problem on an old bmw recently, visually checked the fuses and they looked OK. Started suspecting and chasing wiring points where the earth wire combine. Got frustrated and went back to fuses, eventually found corroded fuse blades giving a poor connection. Had I measured instead of just looking, as shown in your video, I would have a day of my life back :-)
i was getting A/C issues (it was blowing hot but the compressor lines were cold so i knew it wasn't low on refrigerant) my rear view mirror wasn't tuning on, but the onstar worked, the check engine light was on and the door chime wasn't working...so, i bought a spray, electrical terminal cleaner, and absolutely drenched and sprayed the shit out of the connectors, clips and underside of the fuse boxes....vola !! everything works now ! best 9 bucks i ever spent
i really appreciate your presentation i didn't know anything about that, but after watching your video i can tell you i have learnt something that will help me to save more money with my car
That's good advice about avoiding the technique of running your own wires, as was the advice to keep it simple. In my experience, most electrical problems are obvious if you start with the simple solutions first.
I like Eric best amongst all others. He doesn't set you within al bundy's car lot, searching for amp draw. He sets you within safe steps, no personal injury's, no car damage steps to process elimination. Example being a 4.0 approx amp draw, what accessories use approx 4-amp draw. Elimination should proceed within designated accessory's. Unless you enjoy going on tour searching entire car for millinium time duration, Eric being best placing you in direction, not compromising your safety. Which swap meet mechanics with cookie cutter theroy, guarantee er room visit, before electrical problem is solved.
Here is what I do when a fuse blows. I use my Power Probe ECT2000 to determine if there is a short in the circuit, BEFORE, I re install a fuse. I also reccomend using the Fuses that glow when they blow. It's VERY helpful!!
Karattini does have a valid point about using a bulb to check for shorts. I've used it before myself. Maybe, you can clarify what you mean by positive and negative switched circuits. And how would you check for a short on a circuit without it being live? And if so, how would you know what the resistance through the load should be if it was an overload and not a short.
i don't ever wait to watch your videos before i click like. your always trusted in my book thanks for everything man.
definitely doesn't speak for all collision shops. The overspray tells me it was hacked. All cars in good shops get a pre and post scan and all lights checked. Must have been Maaco. Great video!
Being able to watch ya do each step with explanation was a big help.
THANX FOR POSTING.
Don't Skip Ads! Keep Eric employed!
Well watching eric's videos is a good start. There's also a lot of info on the internet too. Volunteering to help out at your local auto repair shops would also be a good learning experience
You’re the best teacher, Eric!
Because of this video... I can now "re-fuse" to waste any more of my money at an overpriced mechanic, and diagnose my own never ending issues!
Just need to watch a lot more videos on how not to lose my fasteners and tools, in places that won't allow them to be recovered!
Thanks Eric, cheers bud!
Sorry there Humble Mechanic... Your vids are huge help too!
Hi Eric one little thing that not too may people do when fuses blow, put 21 watt bulb across the fuse holder if it glows full brightness your short is there, if its about 1/2 bright your short has gone...Fred in UK.
Eric, just FYI... if you have another Geo Prizm, there is a handy dandy fuse puller on the inside of the cover on the fuse box under the hood! I am currently tinkering with a Prizm myself! I love this little car! Thanks for the helpful video here, I really hate chasing electrical bugs in a vehicles wiring.... although that probe sure looks handy!
I would bet my last donut that some know-it-all took out the fuse tool and left it on the cowl in March of the year the car was made.
mine is a 1993 model, and it was still there in 2014 ;)
That vehicle was hit HARD and fixed very poorly by the bodyshop...the body lines are wide in some places and very tight in other's. A great indicator of where to start looking for sure! Easy for wires to get crossed and such while it's being worked on at the bodyshop or during accident.
Dude man you are the crusader of automotive wealth of knowledge thank you
the main symptoms was everything was dead! no crank no lights no stereo no highs no brakes no fuel pump noise, no accessories. Very easy fix. Thanks for your videos.
True, you could look for shorts with a visual inspection, but man, that could take awhile, let's say if it was up in the dash. What makes it easier to find a short is to have a device, could be a bulb, an audible alarm or something that can give you some feedback while you pull this wire or that wire. Even though the circuit is shorted, if you put a load in there such as bulb, then there is NO short. I know it may be hard to follow. Search on finding short with bulb. You'll see what I mean.
I like your approach and analysis. Your videos is well thought through and put together. Thank you.
this guy does some of the best videos on youtube.
Thanks for answering my question. I subscribed to this channel because I have questions just like everyone else that watches these videos. Thanks for the info man. We need more people like you! :)
Since iam a new comer in the industry I personally will need Eric TheCar Guy in my daily auto activities.
Thanks Eric for the great video, my turn signals wasn't working, checked fuses but they were good, I thought, I never checked both sides of the fuse, so I did and it was the hazard lights, thanks again.
Good morning master Eric god blessed stay safe and stay teaching your viewers
Thanks Eric, on my 1992 Mazda 323 there was rapidly blinking turn light for a year or so, but all bulbs were OK. Today I checked one bulb again and found out, that the second coil was burned out.
Eric, excellent video. You have a real gift explaining things well. I'm working on a Rav42000 fault issue which hopefully I'll resolve today(23Nov2019) here in Bosnia....believe it or not.I'll definitely check out your website too. I really appreciate all you sharing your expertise! Brad
Thank you for a nice video. The information that you have provided has been helpful and makes troubleshooting a little less intimidating.
You are a great help. Finding a good wiring diagram has been a problem for me. What you have there looked far better than what I have. Any suggestions as to where I could find the same for my 2008 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited? Thank you very much.
Yes, if you remove either the positive or negative terminal from the battery, then you can safely check the resistance of fuses and not have to worry about screwing up your meter. Otherwise some fuses may still be hot even with the ignition switch off. But, why waste the time removing a cable, when you can just check the voltage on each side of the fuse. When troubleshooting, looking at voltage and current is the first step and then resistance is to only confirm what you already found out.
Yes, your input and info is just as important and valuable as anyone else. Thanks for your reply panzerveps!
Eric the car guy is magic and not arrogant with it.
Wow this was a really great video. You should have your own show on PBS "This old car."
Hi Eric I have a 2000 gmc sierra 1500 when I turn my turn signal on they both turn on. And when I push on brakes they blinks slower. I ask you this because all ur videos have be very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to help all of us out here.....
thats really educative.Now i took my mazda 6 to a mechanic who might have messed up my electrical.My right turn signal is not working ,and so are the hazards..what could be the problem?all fuses seem to be okay
Great video. Great tips. Glad people still help others with tips and experience on TH-cam . Thanks for the advice
Awesome vid man - thank you so much. VERY helpful.
How do you test mini fuses that don't have the metal on the end? Just pull them and test continuity?
Good job bro this was done 9yrs ago and still just as helpful keep it up
thanks eric the car guy for giving young folks like me good information
Thank you! Visually the fuses looked good. Testing with the multimeter I was able to find the blown fuse.
(two of three)
Chapter 10 is an excellent basic electricity overview. Don't worry about all the aircraft talk, this fundamental material applies to most anything.
I suggest reading/absorbing the whole chapter, but you won't find an over abundance of AC (alternating current) stuff on cars.
(Continued in part three)
I love my power probe tools. If you didn't already know about it, check out the power probe "hook". It has some very unique feature i have found extremely helpful.