Electrical question

KiltedBanshees93GT · 07-30-2003, 10:22 AM

OK, I have a general troubleshooting question. Specifically, I am going to be troubleshooting some of the lighting on my car, (fog lights and interior) I picked up a multimeter for the task ahead, and have a basic understanding of wiring, but what is the best way to test a "dead" or unconnected circut?
Example: for the fog lights, I want to test the underhood wiring from the harness to the lights. Since I am going to be removing the + current side, what setting on the multimeter is used to put a test current through the harness?Assuming that I use the body as ground (since the fog lights are grounded to the body).
Or am I way off base here?

Thanks in advance
J

TMASTER · 07-30-2003, 11:56 PM

What is the objective for this? And what car?

PKRWUD · 07-31-2003, 08:28 AM

If you want to trace a wire and see how far along it you have current, just turn on the switch to whatever it is, set the DMM to 20 volt DC scale, connect the neg lead to ground, and check the wire in question in various spots with the pos test lead. When there is no longer bat voltage, you trace back to find the break in the wire.

You could also set the DMM to ohms, and test for continuity, but the first way is easier.

07-30-2003, 10:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
KiltedBanshees93GT Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Pigeon Forge Tn Posts: 608	Electrical question OK, I have a general troubleshooting question. Specifically, I am going to be troubleshooting some of the lighting on my car, (fog lights and interior) I picked up a multimeter for the task ahead, and have a basic understanding of wiring, but what is the best way to test a "dead" or unconnected circut? Example: for the fog lights, I want to test the underhood wiring from the harness to the lights. Since I am going to be removing the + current side, what setting on the multimeter is used to put a test current through the harness?Assuming that I use the body as ground (since the fog lights are grounded to the body). Or am I way off base here? Thanks in advance J __________________ ____________ '66 Mustang Coupe- AKA "Lenore" on disability for a bit '93 GT Mostly stock AKA "Fawkes" Rice Haters Club Member #239 "Angel, you're a.." "Spike!" "You're a bloody Puppet!" "AAARRGGH!" "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats." H. L. Mencken

07-31-2003, 08:28 AM	#3 (permalink)
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	If you want to trace a wire and see how far along it you have current, just turn on the switch to whatever it is, set the DMM to 20 volt DC scale, connect the neg lead to ground, and check the wire in question in various spots with the pos test lead. When there is no longer bat voltage, you trace back to find the break in the wire. You could also set the DMM to ohms, and test for continuity, but the first way is easier. __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

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07-30-2003, 11:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
TMASTER Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: TEXAS Posts: 161	What is the objective for this? And what car?

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