How to Fix Car with No Electrical Power and Won't Start 

⬇️Things used in this video: 1. New Version of battery tester: amzn.to/2BAMrSC 2. Power Probe: amzn.to/2Au7OUO 3. Flashlight: amzn.to/2kwtiu3 4. Ratchet and socket set: amzn.to/2inoxOY 5. Mechanic’s Tool Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg 6. Wrench Set: amzn.to/2kmBaOU 7. Shop Towels: amzn.to/2jGDfkA 8. Disposable Gloves: amzn.to/2zSRuxO 9. Common Sense 10. Full HD Camera: amzn.to/2AvoEk7 11. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz 12. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf 13. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C 🛠Check out my Garage to see what I use every day and highly recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/scottykilmer ❗️Check out the Scotty store: goo.gl/RwhRGU 👉Follow me on Instagram for the latest news, funnies, and exclusive info / pics: goo.gl/ohy2cA

I hope RU-vid archives your work Scotty, its been a blessing through the years.

pray it's just a bad ignition switch, but do have the battery and alternator load tested, places like auto zone do that free and that can cause it too.

You saved my life dude! I had the same trouble with my car last night. Sure enough the ignition switch was bad. Thank god for Scotty. And RU-vid of coarse.

Scotty I'm a huge fan of yours. You take some situations that I have no idea how to start on, and give me points where I can start doing diagnostics that I wouldn't have thought of myself. Thanks for being so awesome, dude!

Scotty. You ROCK ! I've been working on two of my sons cars, and one of them had this no electrical problem. Your videos are great at guiding me through the fix it process. Thanks.

I nearly lost hope because my 1990 Ford F250 has the EXACT same problem right now and I changed so many things. I turn the key and have no electrical power at all. I have a brand new battery, alternator, starter solenoid, ignition coil, and even tried a jump and it still don't have power. I found your video and now I have hope! I am going to take a tester to the ignition switch and see if that's the culprit causing so much trouble. Thank you Scotty!

@sonyxploder it's called the power probe, and it's version 3, there are also 1 and 2. a GREAT tool. Scotty

You have NO IDEA how helpful this is. I am running in circles trying to figure out my car issue without having to pay to have it towed somewhere that's going to charge me hundreds of dollars for this. Every other video just goes over individual car issues but this is the only one I've found that teaches you HOW to locate a wiring issue. My Fuses are good so I know it's something that's not connecting properly electrically. I'm going to Autozone to get a power tester like the one in your video and then figure out what's going on in my car - THANK YOU SCOTTY

check the main fuse first, and then the headlight switch if they are good

@jdmjtag when it doesn't start, then jump start the starter motor directly from a jumper battery. If it doesn't crank, it's the starter. If it does, it's the wiring or ignition switcvh. Scotty

@CoolasIce2 just follow the wires coming out of the switch and pierce them to see if they have no power, and then get power when you turn the key on. Of course you can use a wiring diagram if you have one. Scotty

Thanks for reminding me about my old Power Probe. That thing must be over 20 years old. Found a loose ground wire that was causing my loss of electric power. Thought for sure it was going to be a fuse, main fuse, ignition switch,etc. I started from the battery, and worked my way out like you said. Thanks.

depends on what the rest of the shape it's in, it will need a new ignition assembly, so price that out and bleeding brakes really means something is wrong and needs fixing. air only gets in there with leaks.

@gmcarfreak could be lots of things, check the neutral switch on the clutch pedal first, then either the switch or the wiring is bad.

That closing with him in the truck is amazing

If you are afraid of power , then just check it with the reader first to see what voltage is on that line, it gives the reading. if it says 5 volts, as in computer circuits, do not apply 12 volts there

the battery cables often go bad on those, shorting out internally, replace both and see what happens

on that old thing, merely unplugging thebattery resets everything. But a greenish tint wire may need replacing, that is corrosion and if you see it, wire is bad.

bro this video really help me fix my car and i didnt know anything about cars @ScottyKilmer

thanks man ur video just saved me a new battery. a wire was detached from the starter due to which i was not getting any cranking sound while starting engine. keep sharing and stay blessed.

I am going to try this tomorrow, I have been extremely stressed over my 1995 ford ranger for years, about 2013 sadly it was right after I got my diagnoses and became permanently disabled and would need this vehicle more then ever. It would randomly die on me while driving or just not start, over the last 5+ years I have worked on the truck myself, replaced timing belt (which broke) I also replaced my valve would not toggling when needed and killing the truck randomly. Continuing to have issues I went after easy stuff, battery, terminals, I removed the alternator it was good, checked pulleys, and replaced the fan belt, I replaced the coil, spark plugs and wires as well, also I ran sea foam and cleaned of my throttle intake.. I took truck bed off replaced my fuel pump motor, and fuel filter. I check fuse's inside panel and engine fuse's and relays. I also found out or believe the (possibly) my fuel pump relay wire connection was bad because when I jimmy rigged ground wire into the relay terminal and grounded to the trucks frame BOOM my truck started up like it never had a problem that lasted for maybe 3 months then as of last OCT on Halloween (my birthday) that was that never started again been sitting in my drive way. Frustrated and disabled it's getting harder and harder to work on my truck myself and now on SSI I cannot pay anyone to tow it or work on it. Considered going to a pick and pull to snag a engine relay box and wire harness and just replace the entire thing. However out of the 30 years I have worked on my own cars I never done something like that on my own and worried I will do more damage. I watched your video and it gave me hope. My husband and I really got into a fight last night because I worked on my truck yesterday and after having it on a trickle charger it told me battery was full after only 2 hours I found strange since truck has SAT there for now 8 months but, it wanted to turn over but, I could tell it was too low to cold crank. My husband is angry with me because I cannot solve the problem and I am doing my best. I never considered the ignition switch itself and never that that would prevent ANY power from turning on lights / dash/ radio etc. I bought a new voltage meter cause I cannot find mine in the garage would that work for testing too? Any advice or help ANYONE can give me would be greatly appreciated I have have be seen for major surgery this month and am already very stressed out about that I just need this truck moving had a full tank of gas and am worried about the long term sitting damaging my fuel pump and fuel injection system. Thanks `Cat

Dude you have the best no nonsense videos. Hope life is treating you good.

Its also a good idea because the slight resistance caused by having the current go through the engine / body can help to prevent your donor battery from Dumping its charge at high rate into the dead battery, and it could also help the dead car to start because the starter grounds to the engine anyway instead of having to pull a good 100 amps through the body of the vehicle, as well as what Scotty said.

2003 Honda Odd. No power-no crank with 2 month new battery. No hazard lights, van stuck in park. Battery cables look great and appear connected. All fuses look good in all 4 fuse boxes. Long story short the tow guy checks the battery and finds that he can rotate the clamps on both terminals. He removed the clamps, hammers a bit on the sides to deform them and gets them reattached so that there is zero movement of the clamps. Van fires up!! Hope this helps someone. Love the video-I was next going to start tracing all the power wires to see what the primary cause for loss of power was. Thanks

Hey Scotty, love the videos! I have a weird situation that I cant figure out for trying to get my car started. My car has absolutely no power anywhere, not the interior light, headlights, horn, nothing! My battery is fully charged at 12.7V, tried getting my car boosted as well with a truck and a battery pack and didn't have power anywhere. I checked my main fuses and from the battery it goes to an 80 amp fuse and then to a 40 amp fuse, then to the other fuses. I used my multimeter and verified that I have power (12.7V) on both sides of my 2 main fuses, and all other fuses are good. I was thinking it could be the ignition switch, but then again I dont need the ignition switch to have power to my interior light. My car is a 2005 Honda civic btw, any help or advice is well appreciated. Thanks.

@granyagami1982 you would have to test it with a load tester, well beyond a diy repair. They can break down in insidious ways, just try a new one if you think it's bad.

What about when you get no headlights, door lights and dome lights?

Commenters, Scotty’s work ends with the video being posted. Stop asking for personalized advice. Get the tools he used and test the car yourself. That’s the answer. If the tools are too expensive for you, then go to a mechanic who will have the tools. Scotty, thanks for the video!

Wow! Simple and straight to the point. You sir are a RU-vid artist!

good vid

often the wiring from the alternator to the wiring harness goes bad on those, check for wiring harness corrosion there.

Who else felt he looks like Dr Otto Octavius

replace the battery cables if it jump starts but your battery doesn't work. They can wear out on the inside, but jump on the outside

I'm waiting for the video where you say "I'm going to show how to take care of a car that won't start!" the next frame the car is in the crusher! lol

@nismo2ful let's hope your friend didn't hook it up backwards first and burn wiring and fuses out. But if he didn't, many cars will pop small computer circuits when changing a battery if you're not careful. I've seen body control modules burn out that way, and they aren't cheap. so check all the wires and fuses first.

I charge 65 dollars for a general check up and hook up of my high level scan computer. I work m-f

Nice scotty, used your videos for reference, tested starter, alternator, ignition switch, fuses, batterys. Still nothing, had it towed to the dealership where they determined it was the cpu and wiring.

@macluis925 swapping engines is insane when changing engine years and design. Only a real pro should attempt it. Scotty

Dear Sir, you just made my day. I had someone put an alternator in my Rocky Daihatsu...long story short, the battery started smoking. Then the electrical system was completely dead, so I had it towed to a real mechanic (wish I had your video before I did this). I haven't heard back from them yet, though now I at least know I don't have to start searching for another vehicle to drive. I still don't get it - it drove fine for 13 miles, I unhooked the ground side of the battery for a while (old car, so it's the only way I know to reset the dashboard sensor lights), hooked it back on, it started smoking, then was completely dead. For the life of me I don't know what happened, I was going to tighten the nut holding the alternator cable on, it looked loose, but thought I had better not touch anything. What if the alternator-battery cable somehow came in touch with the frame of the vehicle?

I wish I would have looked at your video scotty before I went to the Ford dealership. They have had my car for two fucking days and still cant figure out the electrical problem.

Picked one of these up on amazon, tired of replacing parts hoping it will take care of the problem

why don't you put the negative on the battery

My car also had no electricity at all, anywhere. Results that the battery terminals were loose, so was just to tighten them up and then it started immediately. 1998 RAV4 Toyota! ❤️

Hey Scotty, hope you can help. My truck doesn't have power anywhere, no interior lights nothing. The battery is strong but there is no power. I'm completely lost and don't want to pay for a tow truck.

Your video is very helpful and straight to the point. Thanks so much!!!

Hey Scotty I have the same problem as in the video but none of the lights turn on from interior or the exterior I have check everywhere but I can't find where's the problem at I need your help

Hello there scotty, I just wanted to thank you so much for all your vids. I have used some of them and they all worked.. Big big help.. I am just one of the weekend backyard mechanic here mostly just helping out family and friends. Again thanks so much. Me, my family and my friends really appreciate it... If you ever come by my island I'll take you scuba diving!! Best Regards

my car battery was dead and i got a new 1 but i connected it wrong by mistake and now it wont crank or start

@gmcarfreak sometimes they do , sometimes they don't, just depends on how they broke. a new switch comes with anew key anyway

Lol funny thing is im From saipan born and Raise for 12 years now im living in the U.s In texas.. and im watching scottys vids, it helps with my first car. lol

Thank you for the quick reply, Scotty. Ignition switch is in the mail. I'll let you know how my install went and the results.

Hi Scotty. Okay, we have a '95 Ford Windstar, and we've got a really strange electrical behavior from the vehicle. To make it short, it can be driving along and then all the electrical goes out, but the engine will continue to run. Though it won't run well, and seems to be compression firing which is the only thing keeping it going. It will rev and such, but eventually will just die. Alternator has been replaced and also tested good. Battery isn't very old, but has been drained a couple times.

sure, check the power coming off the ignition switch, if no power goes to those accessories when switch is on, replace it

of course check the switch, but generally no power with the door open is something else causing power loss like bad wiring from the battery to the wiring of the car.

ok, will try that soon. i was thinking if her ignition switch is bad, would the dashboard lights still come on? an if so do i have to make a new key for the switch? thanks again for all ur help an knowledge Mr kilmer

Thanks for the informative video. I've got a dead car outside and don't know where to start!

@jdmjtag If it does eventually start, then the starter is bad. But find an auto zone or other store near you, they check batterys and alternators free. If they test good, replace the starter. Scotty

I'm really enjoying your channel. I'm actually learning! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the video scotty, i found out that the smaller wire to my starter had a bad connection on the crimp connecter at the very end of the wire.

@waynestateman Na, I'm from NIagara Falls originally, but spend most of my later life here in Texas. Those Mich plates are demo cars from Ford. Scotty

just google power probe 2 or 3. battery testers though, good ones, cost a LOT, mine is 800 bucks. Best to just get em tested free at placed like auto zone

Helped a lot it assured me my ignition is out in my honda. And the video gave me some pointers to look at

have the alternator and battery load tested, places like auto zone do that free. Pray it's just a bad alternator, they often do that.

yes, that or a wiring short somewhere

@contagiousFX on this model, it didn't need reprogramming, but some do. Scotty

yes, it can do that, of course the temp gauge would peg then too.If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every saturday morning at 10 AM CST on google events. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just go to my scotty kilmer channel on youtube saturday morning at 10, and click on the google plus icon on the top right corner. That takes you to the event. You do have to be a member of google plus to ask questions, so join up, it’s all Free.

Thank you for this very informative video. Now I can pretty much just go to the mechanic and tell him exactly what I need fixed.

mine just did that at the store and I turned the key on and off a few times then all gauges jump and had power again so I figured my ignition switch is going out has to be it so im just going to buy a new 1 and hopefully thats all it is its a 01 buick century and your video just kinda helped to confirm it

@tilou32 it or the key/switch part may be worn a little. Spray a little WD 40 in there. Scotty

I never use anything but switches that match perfectly myself. too many iffs with non matching parts

@Ryznrun power probe III is the best.

@Enzofromwb Na, they use large plastic square fuse assemblies instead. Scotty

thanks Scotty i was a main fuse that support the battery that's why i didn't have. any power then i went to the junk yard and grap one just like then boom got like and power everywhere in the car. thanks scotty for your help

Hey scotty. I have 2008 toyota yaris sedan with 173000 miles. my car doesn't have power. Here is the story. I get into my car and turned the battery(all my dash lights were ON), waited for 3 seconds and then turned the key further to crank it but then however i turned it back suddenly without cranking it. Then I lost power to my car. A guy jump started it from a big truck and then it worked. But I had some idling problem (which is normal). After running my car for few minutes I ended up getting no power to my electronic steering wheel. Then I turned off my car and I cleaned my battery terminals (I know my battery is good) and then i started it again. It worked and i got power to my steering wheel. I went to autozone and got my battery tested, found that it was good. But i got a new battery because it was old. after few days I got same problem. My car have no power now. I have headlights which is connected directly to positive battery terminal of battery with a separate fuse(Which is good) which used to turn-on even without my keys. But now headlights also doesn't work which means there is no problem with ignition switch. No power at all. My battery is good, my alternator is good and my fuses are good. I suspect a grounding problem. Could you please help me with this.

@fleetwoodsucks sounds like a bad starter to me, especially if the noise you hear with the key turned is the starter spinning but not hitting the flywheel. Scotty

I would start by changing the ignition switch out and check all those wires first

Thank u Scotty I brought my car to autozone. And I got surprised my battery was bad with just 2 years old, I bought anew one and now neon is back on the streets , thank u so much now give me some moonshine lol

Hey dude! You may be funny, but yeah! You're so much helpful for me today! You save me a lot of time and money as well! Thanks dude!

Scotty, You were looking for an Open, not a short. Just minor, love your videos man.

@HIsierreno some are easy, some are harder than hell. that's the life of a mechanic.

@Matthew55904 any car can be made to run on it, but it costs so much, it doesn't make sense to do it due to the cost of propane. Plus it's dangerous as hell if you get a gas leak, because of liabilities many companies who got sued stopped using propane. Scotty

Your video's are pretty helpful, now I know what to look for while I am starting to build my first car. Do you have any video's about installing a transmission cooler? Hopefully one for an older model chevy lol.

Hey Scotty love your videos! I think you may have fixed my problem. I have a 1997 Grand Prix GTP. Brand new Optima Red Top battery. Car starts fine but no power windows, locks, interior lights, seats, or radio. No blown fuses. They've been known to have ignition switch problems. Any other suggestions?

you fried something, so start at the main battery cable and use a test light to check for power loss going from the battery back to the fuse box and then back into the car for EVERY stinking wire there. Pray you find where power has been lost quickly , and that you didn't ruin the main computer

Love the enthusiasm on the video. No bullshit. Upvoted!

@roorsalt so as not to create a spark that can potentially blow up hydrogen gas that vents off the battery. It's rare, but it can happen. Scotty

oh yeah, glad i took the time to look up the symptoms on the internet find out it was just a switch and then shopped around till i found a small garage that looks at hondas specifically for not alotta cash, coulda did it myself but i didnt know where to get the shear bolts they use to hold the igniton switch in place but i saved a bit of money. didnt believe that it would be that much of a difference when my father said Dealers charge way more but the sayings true never hurts to shop around

Best auto mechanic channel

i had a bad switch in my 97 accord, it was fun driving along, having the engine cut out, turning the key partially to get power back, taking the hand off the key to shift gears with the engine cutting out then going right back to the key. found out there was a recall but when i called the dealership they said the recall was only on US cars, then told me it would cost 600 bucks and tried to convince me you Cant just replace the switch without replacing everything else, 60 bucks later Done!

awesome vedios Mr. Kilmer your funny and making the vedios more easy to follow....thanks for sharing your wisdom

if you having same issues like this, have a go yourself, youll have a good feeling knowing you did it right and being a better man or woman!

YES! YES! YES! It worked! I don't know how, but it worked. Thanks Scotty!

@Matthew55904 you could if you wanted to, but it's easy enough just to unplug it and put a new switch assembly in. Scotty

You are the best mechanic ever

@eckoprr replace the ignition switch and pray it's just that. Those pontiacs are electrical nightmares as they pass 10 years of age. No wonder they stopped making em.

continue... what do you think is the problem of my vehicle. i hope you can help me figure out whats wrong and hopefully a simple problem and not an expesive repair.. thanks a lot

im your fan #1!!!!! i watch all your videos. thank you alot !!!

sounds like more than one problem. first do my video "fixing a car that cranks but doesn't start up" to find why it doesn't start. Often a bad main power relay in those though

The SHO isn't a family sedan, it's a 4 door sports sedan. It was intended to have high HP engine because the body is extremely heavy and needs HP and + feet-pound of torque to be quick. The only thing that was bad on that model and those years was the transmission, and they didn't offer manual alternatives. Chevy has also had it's years of lackluster cars. They are both neck to neck on everything currently.