Easiest way to find a short to ground! 

Dudes with real world skills like this Rule. I have no use for celebrities, pro athletes, politicians and ‘winners’ at the club. Stay Awesome Brother 😎🎩♠️💙

Great job in identifying the diagnosis and pointing out what a short is. A lot of RU-vid video are calling parasitic draws shorts, which is wrong. A parasitic draw drains, while a short burns things, such as fuses.

Nice job diagnosing the problem using a solid but simple and effective technique. Might add that whenever you have a (new) problem that appears to be a result of other work done on the vehicle, its a good general practice to do a solid visual inspection of the area where the work was done. It's very common for things not to be fully reassembled or properly reassembled when components are replaced. Especially if it required removing interior and/or dash assemblies. Thanks for the video and the tips.

An even easier way is to use a DVOM. Ground the negative lead of the meter and put the other end of the meter to the fuse output (this one will give you continuity to the ground). Select continuity on the DVOM (the one that makes noise when there is continuity). Then disconnect connectors or components until the DVOM does not give out a tone. This way you don't have to be looking at the light all the time you can go by sound when there is no more short to ground.

Thank you very much…. I watched this video long time ago, when you posted first time….. last week I received a Chavy impala with fuse emission 2 15 amp keep blowing, 2 workmates didn’t figure it out and they replaced that fuse….. my service manager handed to me… I figured out there is a short by using power probe and no tone or light on the ground side…. It was not convincing… I remembered your video and attached the light bulb and that helped me a lot…. Found the bank 2 sensor 2 O2 sensor rubbing against the CV axle…..Thank you

Been using that method FOREVER, back in the day, I would use a 4652 headlight and because of padded dash tops, I would lay the headlamp on a ceramic tile on top of the dash so I could see the light while pushing and tugging slightly harness.

This kind of electrical diagnostics ability is hard to find. Nice job explaining it.

As soon as you said it had a new heater core put in, I figured the problem would be in that area. If I know someone has previously worked on the car, I would give that area a quick visual first. Good way to show how to use a test light.

My uncle (electrician) taught me that trick when I was a kid. Definitely comes in handy. To one’s not understanding how it works it’s very simple at a fuse you shouldn’t have a strong enough ground to light an incandescent bulb. If it lights there is a short to ground in that circuit. Then old fashioned short tracing after that.

I COULD ONLY IMAGINE HOW SWEET A TOUR OF THAT VAN WOULD BE. GREAT TIP AND THANKS FOR YOUR TIME !

A semi tractor low air warning beeper also works well . If it is too loud place layers of electrical tape over the audio hole .

wow, you made that look real easy when its actually a pain. someones lucky to have you around.

The hardest part of finding a short is finding a schematic

I've also seen guys use a noise maker of some type in place of the bulb. It would make it so you don't actually need to see the bulb each time. Nice and simple way to show this.

You can set your DMM on DC voltage in place of the light. And as long as there is a short to ground it will show the circuit voltage.

Took me watching videos on these topics for a year for it to finally sink in 🤯

Helpful. Have a short to ground in my beloved 1988 Cherokee Laredo 4.0. Spent many hours studying schematics and trying to track it down. DIY person. Will if I learned something here today.

It's shorted out, all the way to the ground post , isolated , no ground hooked up. And I have 12.6 to ground post of the car frame , all the fuses is 12.6, alternator has 12.6 volts on the terminal side and the ground side. I reversed the process isolated the positive and of course it has ground all the way through. I pulled fuses and relays and no voltage drop. The only thing I did not unplug is the ECM. So I have closed relay or a exposed positive wire touching the frame. But I have a power probe 3 and a signal tester for breaks. It's a chrysler sebring 2006 2.7 litter . Be for the wife broke down the battery light came on, wife said smoke came from the passenger side of the engine.

Quick and easy to comprehend video, thank you! 👍👍

There is also another way, to use a constant current supply set at about 10A and follow the heat with a thermal imager. The possible problem with that is that during the test it could cause the short to go away and then you can't find it until it comes back. I did a heater core on a Saturn and after wards you turn the key, the engine would start but when released to run position the engine would shut down. [It would only run during cranking.] Part of the procedure was to pull the center console and disconnecting some block connectors to remove the dash panel. I traced the problem to one of the connectors where during reassembly one of the pins got bent over. It was a long sliding mating with an 8mm bolt to draw the connectors together making it fool proof. [similar to a bulkhead or PCM connector] I have no idea how one of the pins could have bent over other than being slightly out of alignment so during the mating process it folded over. What ever, I found the problem, straightened the pin and everything was fine.

I didn't understand what you were saying until you showed the harness was short to ground on the frame. But I appreciate your information thanks

Was there a specific fuse cavity that you placed the test light before pulling the connectors?

I've been using a sealed beam light for decades. My shop foreman convinced me a test light is adequate as long as it's not LED. I found out this week that it is NOT adequate when looking at a bad relay. I put two supercharger coolant pumps on with same results until I went back to my sealed beam. It would light up my test light, not the sealed beam. Quite a few choice words fer that one lol

We were taught to do a half split on the circuitry to simplify the job. Basic trouble shooting here. And hint to save fuses while doing it, haa Good work, thanks.

A blown fuse and a buzzer soldered to it works great to find a short too.

It may have been short but, it was good.

Not only the easiest but the best way. If you don't have a test light you can make an emergency light yourself. You need to have a wire long enough to be cut in two. The other materials are already in the car. You can use the blown fuse and any working light bulb in the car.

I place a wire in the fuse position and turn on the juice. Follow the melted wire and you have found your short.

Seems like a great idea, can’t wait to try it out.

First? My favorite method as well! 5A test light works well. Sweet diag van 😁👍

Damn, you are one of my heroes ;-) . I usually make the sign of the cross when it comes to electrical problems.

How did you wire up and make your test light that can be put in the fuse locations????

Brilliant just what needed thanks big love❤

I like the light bulb trick, I'll be using that!

I have neither the experience nor the knowledge to perform this task. But I sure like to learn new things! Thanks!

this is a great technique. I would very much appreciate a more complete explanation of how to hook up the tester, though. Do you put its leads across the fuse connectors? put one lead on one side of fuse, the other lead on chassis somewhere? if you get no light, then move the first lead to other side of fuse? I would assume some readers know very little to start.

my method is to disconnect the cattery and put a tone generator on the fuse to ground and then probe the amplifier

There’s about 10 electrical problems with my car. Literally. I hope doing this even helps at all considering my weakness with car mechanics is electrical stuff. The car is trash so I mean, what am I gonna lose possibly shorting something else out by trying this. (Accidentally doing or touching the wrong thing) lol

Beautifully done.

Thank you my brother you're the greatest I like your calm demeanor

I took my son dodge dart into premier Dodge Park in Buena Park ca. his cluster flashing. And check engine light code say faulty pressure oil sensor . They wanted 275 for each item to diagnose I said don’t know. The writer said that only if you don’t have it repaired after diagnosis. That it would be just the repair cost . He needs his car for college next week so I said ok. I get a text first thing in the am , I dropped it off late afternoon yesterday.he says ya we need to drop the oil pan and remove the dash cluster so it going to be another 1650. To diagnose it. So I told him first I’m not a mechanic but oil pressure issue should be one of three things a oil pump , oil pressure sensor or long shot on car with 40k on it is oil filter possible. All of that shouldn’t be issue with a /75 diagnoses . The dash cluster flashing. He said when I dropped it off .he scanned it. And it probably the wiring , I ask can’t he hook up the computer and it tell it what it is. He said no I scanned it he won’t get anymore info. But now they want another 1650 to chase it . I’m going to pick it up tomorrow. I don’t trust them I don’t think they did a dam thing for $550

awesome! very simple once you lay it out like that. thank you, much appreciated

Jarhead Diagnostics might be impressed to know I still wear skivvies issued to me in 1987--finding them in the laundry isn't tricky one bit.

Great short informative video. Where can I get wire diagram schematics

MMMMMMMAN !!!! THATS SOME AWESOME DIO MY BROTHER . here is my story i been told to share with you . 1 yr 11 months ago i drive my((((((((((( 2011 BUICK LACROSSE CXS with 3.6L engine)))))))))))))) to the V.A. HODPITAL for my doctors appointment . after i was done 3 hrs later lol , you know this as a vet yourself lol , i came to my car ,when i opened my drivers door ,i heard what sounded like a machine gun going off under the hood .got in car , pushed the starter button and wouldnt crank or start . i got out went under the hood and began investigating . i finally called for a ride and later came with tools to diagnose . i found the # 10 fuse burnt and keeps burning everytime i try to start . what gets me ,everytime i push something on my remote , first connect the battery ,open doors,trunk i hear that very rapid clicking under the hood .i towed to house and i been working on it almost 2 years since , i get frustrated and stop a while then continue eventually lol . i notice when i pull the KR71 RELAY "MITCHELL 1 CALLS IT ,BUT CHILTON CALLS IT KR75 , MY FUSES DONT BURN ANYMORE . THE # 10 fuse goes to a junction that splits into 3 wires that goes to PCM(ECM).THIS RELAY ALSO FEEDS FIUSES 8, 9 ,11, AND 47 OR 46 DEPENDING ON WHAT VERSION YOU HAVE . ! i have never encounter such a terrible problem in 40 yrs my brother . i got a overwhelming good feeling you can help me brother , strange right ? . my CODES COME UP THEN AND NOW AS UO100 AND PO23F . THE DASH ALWAYS SAID ,SOMETHING WRONG WITH STABILTY TRACK AND OBJECT DETECTION . SO MANY strange things about this one brother . any tips or ideas you may have is greatly appreciated my brother ! thank you in advance for your reply ! i have a bluedriver mod and app , powerprobe "the hook" , pp3 and ect-2000 and several test lights different kinds especially found of the computer safe one i got from harbor fright lol ,shows ground and hot , online chilton and pro demand at my disposal ! i have put die-electric grease on a lot of connections fearing fretting the most .i dont want to be a parts changer thats why im still at it , please HELLLLLP ! LOL, I JUST SUBBED ALSO BROTHER !!!

Had an issue on a 89 chevy truck. Tried to find it by removing fuses no luck there finally tracked it down to a worn positive battery cable shorted to the battery tray intermittently draining the battery overnight.

Love the van!

Interesting and informative, at least what you could hear of it -

Great video! Hoping for your help on a Toyota Highlander 2006. High beam come on with the switch in low beam. Low beam doesn't work.

You would have to remove any loads in the circuit or th bulb would light up which in many cases such as lighting would be alot

The EASIEST way to find a short to ground is to connect one probe of a taser to ground with a test lead, then connect the problem circuit to the other probe with a second test lead. Fire up your taser, and the short location will give off very obvious visual and audible cues. If you know what ozone smells like, you can even trace it down by smell. Next week, we will discuss module replacement...

Great reminder to divide and conquer electrical diagram

Thanks for sharing this brother, I’m dealing with this issue in my car. Greatly appreciated and I’m your newest subscriber 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

As soon as you said new heater core the thought of pinched or crossed connection in the glove box was my first thought ….but being only shade tree level experience only ,idve gotten frustrated if I didnt notice the issue quickly ….😂

happy watching for reviewing,thanks sir❤❤

Exactly the approach I use, after deciding which circuit it is.

Link to the tools used to connect to the fuse box?

Lol, I am clueless here. I have a throttle issue that upon testing the harness. It shows short to ground. But no fuses are blown, and the relays are fine. What would you suggest I do here to the short to ground.

i want this to be my go to method but a few things confusing would you be willing to make another video when you do another short to ground?

I am curious. You said there was a short showing on pin 6, 7, and 19. When you have multiple possible short locations like this, what allows you to decisively say that pin 6 is there error circuit? I only ask because I am showing like 7 pins on a connector with a short to ground, so does this mean they share the same ground? How do I figure out which is the circuit in the connector with the short to ground?

Thanks for the excellent video. When you probed pin 7, was the lead on that probe just jumped from one side of the test light? Also, where are you located?

so if your 05 suburban has crank but no start which ground do you refer to to start. ive already had two mechanics try to replace 3 sensors and also the fuel pump. no the truck kicks the starter when key is in the acessory position. however, it will not fire but will crank

Very clever my friend

Good video, how about CAN is short to the ground issue?

Good video Thx , i have an old voltmeter with a bulb taped on it so can use the leads an of course working voltmeter lol an a pencil probe that pretty much covers anything anybody needs

Nice diagnostic process.

Hi Brandon love your work probably a silly question but does the circuit have to be active or should the bulb never light

So, you were connecting the light to the left or right terminal of the fuse?

I would have started looking for a pinched wire from the heater core install

Great topic, but really hard to follow what you are doing and how you reached each conclusion along the way. It’s an easy trap to fall into, showing us you know how to fix something. Finding the problem then filming the solution can lead to this. I tend to film the diagnostic process then edit out the irrelevant stuff. But what do I know, you get way more views than me 🤠 Keep up the good work :)

In those years of the Grand Cherokees you have to remove the dash to replace the heater core. If the job was given to a low quality tech they usually ended up that way or worse with dash rattles that required the dash to be removed again. Check your work boys, if your customer has to check your work you won't have many customers left.

Hey there, question about your procedure. Why did the light lighting up show you that it was a short to ground? In my mind, if the light went out, it would have been shorted.

nice find

Hi, you have inserted the plug inside the fuse connected with bulb, what does it call and from where can i buy it?

The light is a cool trick. Thanks

Hi, have 2006 jeep liberty was working fine ,took keyfob from pants pocket to unlock it and the unlock button seemed stuck/depressed position ,wouldnt unlock , checked fob battery {good] used key to unlock and tried doorpad switches [didnt work either ]....would a stuck on position create a short in the power locks controller ? I then checked 20 amp fuse and it was blown replaced fuse and activated locks they work but when using unlock it blows the fuse , If i plug the test light into the fuse holder and try each switch to try and isolate def switch/motor or is it probably the wire in the door harness chafed /boken and grounding

I suck at electrical, first of all. I have an 08 grand cherokee with several issues that all turned up at one time. All my brake lights, ABS, BAS traction control are all on as soon as I reach like 20mph. That was first. I took it into the shop to replace a water pump, weld up some exhaust flanges and an oil change. Picked it up and the rear door ajar light is on. Didn't think much of it. Couple days later both my power seats quit working. No movement and no heated seats. Then I noticed the pedal adjust isn't working either. I tracked down a seat/heater circuit breaker that is extremely hot. This makes me think a short somewhere but I don't know where to begin looking. I have a test light and basic home voltmeter. Any suggestions as to where to start looking?

Damn!! New subscriber!! I have a 95 Roadmaster and the horn blows when the fuse is in and it goes off when I remove the fuse. It blows constantly while the fuse is in.

Excellent video Brandon.

Yeah, I found some shorts in my trunk. Back by the taillights. No idea who's they were..

Hey i got a 5A battery parasitic drain on my 02 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.7L V8. I don't see any blown fuses at all. I pulled fuse #8 and the 5A draw went down to 0.59A (spec says max is 0.05A) so I'm still 10x higher draw than normal with fuse 8 left out. How do i test the wires with a multimeter, i don't have any back probes for multimeter. Fuse 8 diagram online says it protects: Overhead Console, Rear Wiper, ip lights (instrument panel where speedometer is), rear flipper glass solenoid(have no clue) I looked inside overhead console and rear wiper and the giage cluster and checked its light bulbs for warning lights and around 7 bulbs are missing, i assume previous owner. Could these missing bulbs cause this Amp drain from battery? My other question is if it's drawing power with vehicle off, and key off whats causing that? I don't think instrument panel lights or the overhead console is ever powered without key on? Does that mean it has to be rear wiper or the rear flipper glass solenoid?

I have been waiting for this all of my life. Thank you and God Bless AmeriCawCaw!!! *FLIES AWAY ON BALD EAGLE*

I have a problem with a 2008 chevy tahoe Wolf power seats are not working also the Windows the fuse keep shorting out i can't find the issue on that you think you can help me finding out what you think might be the problem

Great information and video.Thank You!

Great Job, Brandon!

Not understanding what your touching with pin 7. Ground? 12v?

I Love this Channel!! Good Stuff. Thanks!

Use a small compass,and flasher

Absolute legend. Can you recommend someone to do this level of diagnosing in San Antonio texas?

hi Brandon, I got an old '71 VW and my negative cable on battery terminal feels warm, really warm to touch and the terminal is hot after I attempt to start the engine. Does that mean I got a short-circuit so where or just replace the ground cable-wire? thx

I like your style

What dig do you prefer? Ladder or actual?

Impressive. How much should it cost to get someone like you to do this job?

How about making a video to show how to make this test lamp?

What kind of test light are you using? New this.

Super simple and effective ! I like it!

I literally just fixed mine bye watching your video I had the same problem my light bulb was touching metal in the glove box

Well done

Very Informative.

Had a conversation about this yesterday over the phone… I’m well aware of basic low voltage; but thanks anyways YT. Also, nothing like private companies listening to private conversations.