When your car is having issues and you can’t seem to identify the culprit, your car could be experiencing a short circuit. These electrical faults can result in a sudden flow of electricity through an improper pathway. When a short circuit occurs, heat, sparks, and even fire can be created. Use the step-by-step guide below to accurately locate a short in your car.
How To Find A Short Circuit In Your Car
If you have prior experience with short circuits, this is a task that can be accomplished as a DIY project. Follow the steps below to both find and fix an electrical short in your car.
Step 1. Identify The Symptoms Of The Short Circuit
- Properly identifying the short circuit symptoms is priority number one.
- There are a few common signs you can check for like the lights flickering and odd electrical sounds.
- Whenever your car refuses to start or turns over slowly, this could signal an electrical short.
Step 2. Inspect Fuses And Wiring
- Check the fuses and wiring found in the car.
- Your fuse box is located under the car’s hood.
- Blown fuses are typically indications of a short circuit.
- Inspect your wiring for any obvious signs of corrosion or damage.
Step 3. Test The Car’s Electrical Components
- Test the electrical components of the car one by one.
- Use a voltage meter to measure the current that’s running through each and every component.
- At this time, you should be able to identify which component is causing the short.
Step 4. Use Your Wire Testing Tools
- A few wire testing tools can be used to help find a short circuit.
- A continuity tester can test whether two points in a circuit are truly connected.
- You can test the resistance of a circuit by using an ohmmeter.
- A multimeter can also be used during this step of the process.
- It is used to measure current, voltage, and resistance within a circuit.
- The readings of the multimeter should show where the short is coming from.
Step 5. Replace Damaged Parts
- Once the short is accurately located, it’s time to fix the issue.
- If the car’s wiring is either damaged or obsolete, replacing it may be necessary.
- Consult your owner’s manual at this time if you need to replace any parts.
Conclusion
Safety should always be the top priority when attempting to work with car electrical components. If you are unsure how to locate and fix this issue, it’s always best to contact the experienced team at Heath’s Auto Service in Prescott, AZ.
Heath’s Auto Service in Prescott, AZ
The team at Heath’s Auto Service in Prescott, AZ would be happy to help with all of your automotive service needs!
At Heath’s Auto Service, we take pride in being your one-stop destination for full-service auto and truck repair in Prescott, AZ. Our team of skilled technicians possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge, allowing us to confidently handle domestic, Asian, and European vehicles with precision and expertise. Contact our team today!