Posts Tagged: voltage drop testing
How To Diagnose Automotive Wiring Faults Like a Pro
How to Read an Auto Wiring Diagram and Find Electrical Problems Fast Quick Summary If you can read an auto wiring diagram and understand how a circuit is supposed to work, you can diagnose almost any electrical problem. Most wiring faults fall into three categories: 1) A short circuit, 2) An open circuit, or 3) Excessive resistance causing a voltage drop. The key is testing correctly—using proper back probing techniques, voltage drop testing under load, and continuity checks without damaging connectors. Done right, you protect sensitive modules and avoid creating … Read More
Bad Starter or Battery? How to Know for Sure
The Right Way to Diagnose Bad Starter Problems Quick Summary A starter clicks condition can mean low voltage, high resistance, or an internal solenoid failure. Before replacing anything, verify the battery condition and the integrity of the battery cable/terminal connections. Next, perform a voltage drop at the battery and starter connections. Finally, test the control circuit operation. That’s the correct way to diagnose a bad starter Article How to Diagnose a Bad Starter Like a Pro (Before You Replace It) I’ve seen too many perfectly good starters replaced because someone … Read More
How to Find What’s Draining Your Car
Step-by-Step Guide to Locate What’s Draining Your Car Battery Quick Summary If your battery keeps dying overnight or after sitting for a few days, you’re probably dealing with a parasitic battery drain. The good news is that you can find what’s draining your car battery with either a current-draw test or a voltage-drop test. In this guide, I’ll explain both methods, show you the tools I use, and reveal the most common causes of battery drain, including stuck relays, malfunctioning modules, glove box lights, aftermarket electronics, and charging system issues. … Read More