@MrJeremy313 I never really modify cars. But you just drill mounting holes and bolt them on, then wire them to whatever switch you have, using wiring directly connected to the battery as they use lots of power
Mr. Kilmer I have an '87 Cadillac Cimarron that is losing about 8.6V constantly. I could tell that because your testing method. My problem is the 1ohm 10w resistor I bought at Radio Shack starts smoking after about 15 seconds and I can't leave the test wire on in order to go through my fuse block. Do I need a different resistor or do I have a different problem?
@rosmob719 you have a massive short, first unplug every wire from the battery and fuse box. When it has no drain, slowly put em back one at a time until it gets hot again.
@scottykilmer I found out it was the power seat motor constantly trying to move. There seems to be no more drain. Is there anything else on that circuit I should be concerned about. Thank you for your help by the way.
ok so i did the old trick with the test light to my 1994 3.4 camaro and it lit up, then when i unpluged the Courtsey Fuse the light went away, ok so that light was super bright. now after the fuse is off i try it again and the light is barely on and then dissapears like in 3 seconds slowly , what does this mean?
Loved the video but I am still stuck. I tried using the volt meter and even after pulling out every fuse and relay I still have a draw of roughly 75.5. Where else could this be coming from?
HELLLP SCOTTTT..... MY 02 ALTIMA 2,5 4 CYLINDER IS SUPPOSE TO GIVE ME 27MPG HWY N 23MPG CITY FUEL ECONOMY IS CRAZY ,,,THE DASH BOARD TELLS ME 16MPG ,,..NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON....SENSORS ARE GOOD..., A MECHANIC TOLD ME TO CHANGE THE COMPUTER THAT IT MIGHT BE ACTING UP AND MAKING THE CAR TO BURN MORE FUEL THAN USUALL....SO I CHANGED THE ECM AND NOW IS EVEN WORSE 14MPG N IT VARIES TO 13MPG.......HELLLLLLLLP SCOTTTTT...
@buckylad123 It helps send current to fire the airbag, after all, the wheel turns so the airbag has to get current from something that can spin around.
Scotty, You are awesume. I have a 2001 BMW I have a parasitic drain that is highly intermitent. It takes my car 16 minutes to go to sleep and then it should draw around 50 mamps. Most of the time when i measure it, the reading are down around 10 mamps. I want to use a set-up that i can leave connected when i drive the car and even plot the data with my laptop over time. would a 10W resistor work for this or would i need to go up to a 1000 watter ? Thanks again Scotty !
i have an 87 toyota corolla (known as the ae86) and when i try to start the car, nothing happens, i turn the key and all of the electronics turn on but the car wont start. no sound no click or anything. what could it be? i would appreciate the help, thanks :)
Scotty, You are awesume. I have a 2001 BMW I have a parasitic drain that is highly intermitent. It takes my car 16 minutes to go to sleep and then it should draw around 50 mamps. Most of the time when i measure it, the reading are down around 10 mamps. I want to use a set-up that i can leave connected when i drive the car and even plot the data with my laptop over time. would a 10W resistor work for this or would i need to go up to a 1000 watter ? Thanks again Scotty !
if you hear no "click", then your solenoid isn't engaging, and thus your starter won't engage either. Since there's no clicking sound, there's no current going to the solenoid, and then to your starter... Ignition control switch maybe? That's what went on my 95 Camaro. A wire surged and burnt a connector, so the car would think the key was always in the ignition. (always had power to my radio, lights, and wiper motors)
start with ignition cylinder & switch, then move down the column.
Because of this, I had multiple phantom loads like in this video, his method worked perfectly! Luckily my car didn't need a resistor wire to override the computers. It's more basic compared to a modern car haha.
Good luck with your issue though, electrical issues are the worst because they're so hard to trace. But nothing's ever impossible!
Scotty I have a 95 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX and it has a battery drain. I was pulling fuses and when I pulled the 30amp ignition fuse the test light turned off so the drain is somewhere in the ignition circuit. What components should I check?
As a retired Senior Electronic Tech who is retired & likes working on my truck, I do enjoy this video, as the Gent doing this knows his stuff & explains it very well for anyone to understand.
Hi Scotty, I tried to installed stereo and it was going good but somehow when pushing the radio/dash kit back somehow I pinched a cable or something. Now when I switch on hazard lights radio turns off. I have Toyota tacoma 2005 help with be appreciated
My 93 Chevy Cavalier the battery drains and goes flat approx 2 week time thats with all switches in off position, and the Heater / AC blower motor does not work but, I do get 11 some volts when I hook up the multimeter at the blower motor's 2 wire terminals although it was ok before,unable to see / find any visible damage. Scotty what should I do ?? I would appreciate the info in detail if possible. Thanks.
Hello Scotty. I'm from Spain. I have a 1981 Porsche 924 . My battery drains in 5 days if I left it plugged to the car. I've made your test and I haven't found what's draining my battery. How should I proceed? Maybe the alternator?
@miguel924 the test would show a draining alternator. There has to be a drain somehwere, perhaps it comes on and off, so test it a few times in different times of the day.
Hi, thanks for the great video. I was wondering, why do you use a resistor and measure voltage rather than measuring the amperage in series with the harness's connection to the battery?
Hi scotty i love the video's. But i have a question i have a 2006 ford taurus. I notice when i have my headlights running and my blower going and i accelerate hard the blower nearly turns off and the headlights nearly turn off they get so dim. When i let off the accelerator the lights go back to normal and the blower goes back to normal. Is this normal because the engine needs more power?
Hi, i have an 01 integra and my little brother took the cd player out and ever since then i have been having to jump the car every couple of days. is the drainage related to him taking the cd player out? what are my best options to resolving this issue easily and affordably? great videos by the way!
HI, i drive a 1995 civic GSR. I experienced power drainage, first a warning which was my speedometer, then my shifting gauge starts going crazy and everything begins turning off. i had my alternator checked, it was good, battery was good, but after dying out more than once, it ruined my battery, so i had to warranty for a new battery, i recently just purchased a new alternator and the problem still persists. thank you for taking the time to read my comment
@duydadance answer: well, either you're getting crappy alternators and batteries, OR you have a wiring short in the charging system. Normally just bad alts on those.
I have a 00 Integra GSR and my car start choking and bogs and dying when my ABS lights on. So then my running day lights and everything in my car starts dimming slowly and the car starts dying. This happen at night time,so I went to autozone to get it check and they say the battery is just low so i had it fully charged. I start my car with the same battery and the abs light doesnt come on no more. But after driving for 15min the same problem happens again. Either Alternator,Battery,Ignition Coil
Scotty I unplugged my alternator as I was watching my battery being drained out of options, because I heard that a alternator that is bad can drain your battery. I unplugged the wire that secures by a nut, not by harness. Then my battery drainage stopped. Also with car running, this alternator was making my reading on my battery go to 17v. This alternator is new, but a chance it could be the problem that is draining? Or is it the wire? The wire does have a bit of rust on it.
@scottykilmer Is it also robbing my battery though? I unplugged it and my battery drainage stopped. I just am not sure if it is the wire or safe to say Alternators that are bad can do that.
@scottykilmer Thank you Scotty. I am most certainly going to replace it today. I had to wait til I got paid because the previous was remanufactured (Ew). I didn't know it was prior to buying it. I am selling the car anyways, but still rely on it until I can get it sold. Anyways, that isn't relevant. Thank you so much for your fast reply. You are by far the best online help mechanic and always recommended. Much Praise!
Ok sorry Scotty, I asked about battery drain and you posted this video. Your information and site is very helpful. Thank you so much. I am going try and get this issue fixed now.
@SilencerRPMs See he said late model car and then he compared to cars of today. Cars of today are OBD2... So the first method was for what? OBD1 and OBD0?
how much milliamps does the pcm or ecm drain from the battery coz i was wondering my van's battery is draining and i just check on it which i have a light from the test light and it drains about .10 mA
Hello scotty, I seen your video and understand, my next ? is after I find the fuse thats draining the battery, what is the next step? do I just change the fuse out or something?
hi Scotty my friend has 02 ford mustang and here is what happen: when the car is off and turns the light or just the key and on position the battery will drain just in few minutes but we know the battery is okay and here the funny thing ones the car is running and turn off is you don't left nothing on, the car will start without any problem, we will do the test as soon as we get the resistor, meanwhile is you been and this please help us, tank you again.
@scottykilmer Seems like it would only change the readings if the drain were a SIGNIFICANT one and so a large portion of energy were being dissipated by the resistor in the form of heat. When you're talking in the range of 3-12v and (in the case of your overhead light) a few hundred milliamps, it's unlikely that a 10W is even necessary.
@scottykilmer Unless the drain is more than 830 mA in which case it's not enough. :P I'm just kidding. I'm screwing with you. Love your videos! They've helped me fix quite a few things on my car!
Another way, use a DMM, connect the leads in between the negative cable and negative terminal, select Amps and then measure - should be somewhere between 10mA and 30mA.
what to look for if the battery light is on? the voltage on the battery is 9 to 10 volts!!!!Manual indicated among others reasons is the voltage regulator or the connectors!!!
@contagiousFX this is an indirect way of measuring amps, the two are related and this is the easiest way of testingt them accurately, using volts. Scotty
@scottykilmer I understand what you're saying, but even though you're measuring voltage, you're measuring it across a 1 ohm resistor and accidentally measuring current. Using Ohm's law your setup conveniently comes out to read the current directly, i.e. 1mV=1mA, and 3V=3A.
Can i just connect the negative side of the voltmeter to the negative terminal? and the positive one to the positive terminal? do i really need the resistor?
@scottykilmer Ah, thanks i appreciate the help, anything else i can use instead of using the resistor? and also, i was going to ask you, my car is draining the battery, is it for sure going to be fixed by removing a fuse? or it can be something else?
@winglajones the resistor cost 2 bucks at radio shack, use one for testing. Now if you remove a fuse and the drain goes away, that stops the drain. IF it runs a device that you don't need, like overhead lights, you can drive it that way and it would be fixed. BUT, if it runs something like the ignition system, then removing it will not let the car run at all, so it wouldn't be very useful to do that. Scotty
@scottykilmer Ok, i did it, i removed all fuses one by one, my car was getting 0.04A while off, then i removed a fuse where it took it to 0.03A i tried all the other fuses, and it wont go lower than 0.03A... why is this? Will it keep draining my battery? is it much of a difference?
@winglajones that's not too big of a drain, see how long it goes, if it doesn't sit for weeks at a time without use, it should be ok with that small drain. Scotty
@scottykilmer i would usually need to unplug the negative terminal everytime i stopped somewhere, so the car would not drain my battery. So i left it on today, so ill check around 10pm to see if the car turns on, ill keep you updated.
Hey Scotty, how late of model do you need the resistor for? Mine is a 1996 gmc jimmy. And if I find the fuse is it just a bad fuse that needs replacing or do I need to fix whatever the fuse is powering?
hello scotty my grandfather have an bmw 530ia 01 and he can drive it for like 10 minutes and sometimes when he stops and turn the engine off. its all out of battery when he tries to start it. would be great if you knew any type of problems that can cause this. /Max
@srtxsara Well, there's always a reason for cells dying. Could be because the battery was cheap, or not charged enough over a period of time. I've had my share of problems with cheap batteries that die after just a couple of months use. See if there's a drain somewhere, and ofc check the water level a couple of times a year. And make sure its clean. Standard mechanical maintenance. Good luck ;)
@srtxsara that one wasnt difficult at all. the battery installed in the car is designed for the original accessories and not extra subs etc. you have to charge your battery every other night to keep it from dying.
there are several easy diy charge kits available that you install in your car. i've had good experience with Defa chargers, but i'ts a bit expensive.
Scottie, for what year would this come into play? I have a 97 Subaru Legacy Outback Wagon and I've had to jump it nearly every morning due to low voltage. Already repalced the alternator with an OE reman and the battery (Optima Red Top) tested good. Can I do the trick of the light inbetween the - terminal and the post or do I need the resistor?
I understand this method is good if the drain is more than 10 amps, but how often is that the case? Good multimeters have a 10 amp fuse, in the rare case you have a 11 or more amp draw the fuse will protect the meter.
@eurokid83 You never know what kind of drain you have, and my meter costs 1000 bucks, so I use this method, it always works and is not dangerous to anything. Scotty
I just got a new battery and I tested my car for a drain using only a multimeter. I didn't know you needed a resistor. I disconnected the cable from the negative terminal and completed the circuit by connecting one end of the multimeter to the neg. battery post and the other to neg cable terminal. I got a reading of .09. Is this an accurate way to test or do I need to get alligator clamps and a resistor?
@patchinobamino get clamps and a resistor, It's the only correct way to test it without possible ruining your meter. You got lucky the drain was so low. If higher, it would have melted your meter. Scotty
Anyone that doubts Scotty is a fool. I take in at least one a week with a drain and that's exacly how I find it. I get an easy hour for 5 minutes of work, more if I have to open anything up or relpace the component draining the battery.
@MAIMPORT all batteries come with dates stamped on them. If you suspect one, check the date. Or have it checked with a battery checker, I use a midtronics MD 500 tester. Scotty
@steelace If you don't use a resistor the wire will melt. and it makes the readings make sense with the meter. Trust me, I know what I"m doing, just follow the directions and everything will be OK. Scotty
@scottykilmer Ok. You Hook up the Resistor to Protect the wire (Almost like how a fuse works). Then you hook up your Multi-Meter AROUND the Resistor Bypassing it, Having your Multimeter's Fuse bare the brunt of it. It changed nothing (May as well gone Post to cable). . . Now if you Hooked the Meter up After the Resistor then too the Negitive Cable that Resistor is doing it's job.
I'm not saying you don't know anything. You have a wide breadth of knowledge that's Legit (Videos show it all)
@steelace You don't understand electricity. Stay FAR away from working on cars, you will do serious damage not understanding how it works. The meter is merely measuring current flow, the resistor is taking the brunt of the flow itself. Scotty
@scottykilmer I don't Understand Electricity? Rather then explain myself to a complete stranger over the internet. I'll just spread some common sense. . .
Electricity always takes the path of LEAST reistance. Same thing Applys to Hydraulics.
If a Multimeter can't complete a circuit, it can't mesure flow. . .Huh, Guess thats why they tell Electricians "Never Test a live Circuit" MSHA and OSHA got the details of completing circuits.
(Veiwers don't worry your only dealing with low energy)
@steelace You are an electronic Idiot, probably some sort of engineer. Your "common sense" is complete nonsence. As I said, STAY far away from electrical work, you don't know anything about it. and you certainly know very little about how to fix car. Scotty
@steelace Hooking the multimeter "around" the resistor doesn't bypass it... You don't seem to understand current flow and how resistors work in series and in parallel. You should look up ohm's law.
hi, i have a uk bmw z3 the problem is that the battery drains after a few days if not used the battery its self is fine as ive had it testeda friend says that using a milti meter wont find the problem is this right or is he talking jibberish?? thanks
Hey, this is a wonderful video. I had a problem with my 01 Audi A6 1 year ago and the battery was draining if I didn't use it once a day. Then, they changed the battery,still after 1 month, started to do that.I did exactly what you have done here my numbers are: 0.007A-0.017A , and 14V while car is on. The battery goes fast from 12.6 to 12.22 in 2 hrs after shutting the car. I checked my alternator, AC setting gets me 0.017. I think alternator is fine too.Is my new battery bad? THNX
Scotty I tried this on my 1995 mitsubishi 3000gt just for the hell of it and once I hooked up my test light to the negative cable and touched the post, It went on but dimmed to nothing a second later. What could cause this??
your good, but you are kinda annoying. Lol
MrKristofferS 1 day ago
can help me with how put fog lights in buick regal 95 v6 3.1 pls
MrJeremy313 1 day ago
@MrJeremy313 I never really modify cars. But you just drill mounting holes and bolt them on, then wire them to whatever switch you have, using wiring directly connected to the battery as they use lots of power
scottykilmer 1 day ago
thats clever using a resistor to overide the computers, but how does it work?
paulhunter123 1 day ago
@paulhunter123 it doesn't override anything, it just takes the load of any power drain so nothing melts when testing.
scottykilmer 1 day ago
@scottykilmer thanks scotty i love your work
paulhunter123 1 day ago
Mr. Kilmer I have an '87 Cadillac Cimarron that is losing about 8.6V constantly. I could tell that because your testing method. My problem is the 1ohm 10w resistor I bought at Radio Shack starts smoking after about 15 seconds and I can't leave the test wire on in order to go through my fuse block. Do I need a different resistor or do I have a different problem?
rosmob719 2 days ago
@rosmob719 you have a massive short, first unplug every wire from the battery and fuse box. When it has no drain, slowly put em back one at a time until it gets hot again.
scottykilmer 2 days ago
@scottykilmer I found out it was the power seat motor constantly trying to move. There seems to be no more drain. Is there anything else on that circuit I should be concerned about. Thank you for your help by the way.
rosmob719 2 days ago
@rosmob719 yea, they go bad, pray that's the only short, just leave it un plugged.
scottykilmer 1 day ago
Nice Bike
Vegas052 4 days ago
ok so i did the old trick with the test light to my 1994 3.4 camaro and it lit up, then when i unpluged the Courtsey Fuse the light went away, ok so that light was super bright. now after the fuse is off i try it again and the light is barely on and then dissapears like in 3 seconds slowly , what does this mean?
newmanto03 1 week ago
@newmanto03 leave the courtesy fuse out, and if your problems stop, either trace that wirning, or just leave the fuse out. ONly way to fix it.
scottykilmer 1 week ago
can this be done on late model cars but instead of removing the negative doing the same thing with the positive cable after it is removed?
newmanto03 1 week ago
@newmanto03 yes, you can use either post
scottykilmer 1 week ago
Loved the video but I am still stuck. I tried using the volt meter and even after pulling out every fuse and relay I still have a draw of roughly 75.5. Where else could this be coming from?
mdoyle1268 2 weeks ago
@mdoyle1268 there are unfused things, like starters and alternators and computers. start unplugging them to see when it goes off.
scottykilmer 2 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
HELLLP SCOTTTT..... MY 02 ALTIMA 2,5 4 CYLINDER IS SUPPOSE TO GIVE ME 27MPG HWY N 23MPG CITY FUEL ECONOMY IS CRAZY ,,,THE DASH BOARD TELLS ME 16MPG ,,..NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON....SENSORS ARE GOOD..., A MECHANIC TOLD ME TO CHANGE THE COMPUTER THAT IT MIGHT BE ACTING UP AND MAKING THE CAR TO BURN MORE FUEL THAN USUALL....SO I CHANGED THE ECM AND NOW IS EVEN WORSE 14MPG N IT VARIES TO 13MPG.......HELLLLLLLLP SCOTTTTT...
crazyboy0844 2 weeks ago
Hi scotty
Been watching your you tube vids which are great.Just wondering if you can explain how the airbag clock spring works on a car.
I just dont get how it works.This is what i can gather,its a copper spring which holds a current to operate the horn.indicater canceler,
and other things on the steeing wheel controlls.But i dont get how the airbag system works with it.
appritiate your help
buckylad123 3 weeks ago
@buckylad123 It helps send current to fire the airbag, after all, the wheel turns so the airbag has to get current from something that can spin around.
scottykilmer 3 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Scotty, You are awesume. I have a 2001 BMW I have a parasitic drain that is highly intermitent. It takes my car 16 minutes to go to sleep and then it should draw around 50 mamps. Most of the time when i measure it, the reading are down around 10 mamps. I want to use a set-up that i can leave connected when i drive the car and even plot the data with my laptop over time. would a 10W resistor work for this or would i need to go up to a 1000 watter ? Thanks again Scotty !
Celluloidherosdc 3 weeks ago
hey scotty:
i have an 87 toyota corolla (known as the ae86) and when i try to start the car, nothing happens, i turn the key and all of the electronics turn on but the car wont start. no sound no click or anything. what could it be? i would appreciate the help, thanks :)
x5m1thx 3 weeks ago
@x5m1thx bad starter is number one, check that out first.
scottykilmer 3 weeks ago
@scottykilmer
Scotty, You are awesume. I have a 2001 BMW I have a parasitic drain that is highly intermitent. It takes my car 16 minutes to go to sleep and then it should draw around 50 mamps. Most of the time when i measure it, the reading are down around 10 mamps. I want to use a set-up that i can leave connected when i drive the car and even plot the data with my laptop over time. would a 10W resistor work for this or would i need to go up to a 1000 watter ? Thanks again Scotty !
Celluloidherosdc 3 weeks ago
@Celluloidherosdc if you're driving it, a 1000 watt job.
scottykilmer 3 weeks ago
@x5m1thx
if you hear no "click", then your solenoid isn't engaging, and thus your starter won't engage either. Since there's no clicking sound, there's no current going to the solenoid, and then to your starter... Ignition control switch maybe? That's what went on my 95 Camaro. A wire surged and burnt a connector, so the car would think the key was always in the ignition. (always had power to my radio, lights, and wiper motors)
start with ignition cylinder & switch, then move down the column.
firehawk97 2 weeks ago
@x5m1thx
Because of this, I had multiple phantom loads like in this video, his method worked perfectly! Luckily my car didn't need a resistor wire to override the computers. It's more basic compared to a modern car haha.
Good luck with your issue though, electrical issues are the worst because they're so hard to trace. But nothing's ever impossible!
firehawk97 2 weeks ago
Scotty I have a 95 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX and it has a battery drain. I was pulling fuses and when I pulled the 30amp ignition fuse the test light turned off so the drain is somewhere in the ignition circuit. What components should I check?
Mr3730024 3 weeks ago
@Mr3730024 99 percent of the time that's a bad distributor on that car, unplug the dist wiring, and if the light goes out then, that's it.
scottykilmer 3 weeks ago
As a retired Senior Electronic Tech who is retired & likes working on my truck, I do enjoy this video, as the Gent doing this knows his stuff & explains it very well for anyone to understand.
nucleuscontour 3 weeks ago
Hi Scotty, I tried to installed stereo and it was going good but somehow when pushing the radio/dash kit back somehow I pinched a cable or something. Now when I switch on hazard lights radio turns off. I have Toyota tacoma 2005 help with be appreciated
humbe23 4 weeks ago
@humbe23 well, remove the stereo and check the wiring for pinches or splices on the wrong wires.
scottykilmer 4 weeks ago
Hello Scotty:
My 93 Chevy Cavalier the battery drains and goes flat approx 2 week time thats with all switches in off position, and the Heater / AC blower motor does not work but, I do get 11 some volts when I hook up the multimeter at the blower motor's 2 wire terminals although it was ok before,unable to see / find any visible damage. Scotty what should I do ?? I would appreciate the info in detail if possible. Thanks.
MultiPanther2000 1 month ago
@MultiPanther2000 Do this test first, and if disconnecting the blower wiring stops the drian, that's the problem
scottykilmer 1 month ago
Hello Scotty. I'm from Spain. I have a 1981 Porsche 924 . My battery drains in 5 days if I left it plugged to the car. I've made your test and I haven't found what's draining my battery. How should I proceed? Maybe the alternator?
Thank you.
miguel924 1 month ago
@miguel924 the test would show a draining alternator. There has to be a drain somehwere, perhaps it comes on and off, so test it a few times in different times of the day.
scottykilmer 1 month ago
Hi, thanks for the great video. I was wondering, why do you use a resistor and measure voltage rather than measuring the amperage in series with the harness's connection to the battery?
gunmetalx 1 month ago
@gunmetalx because this is easy, and safer for equipment and the parts are really cheap.
scottykilmer 1 month ago
Hi scotty i love the video's. But i have a question i have a 2006 ford taurus. I notice when i have my headlights running and my blower going and i accelerate hard the blower nearly turns off and the headlights nearly turn off they get so dim. When i let off the accelerator the lights go back to normal and the blower goes back to normal. Is this normal because the engine needs more power?
MrTrip3ace 1 month ago
@MrTrip3ace that's not normal, often a weak alternator or dying battery does that, get em tested.
scottykilmer 1 month ago
@scottykilmer i tested the battery and alternator and every thing is showing good numbers! Anything else it could be?
MrTrip3ace 1 month ago
@MrTrip3ace bad grounding wires often do that, and there are tons all over that ford. get a schematic showing them all and test them for corrosion.
scottykilmer 1 month ago
thanks i think this will help.
08 ram cummins, replaced batteries once by dealer, getting P0562 & P2509, week start
890buba 1 month ago
@890buba wiring , bad battery, or bad alternator cause those codes. so check that first.
scottykilmer 1 month ago
Hi, i have an 01 integra and my little brother took the cd player out and ever since then i have been having to jump the car every couple of days. is the drainage related to him taking the cd player out? what are my best options to resolving this issue easily and affordably? great videos by the way!
langtana 1 month ago
@langtana do this test and fix any shorts that make the light come on. and of course, go back in the dash and see what wires he crossed up
scottykilmer 1 month ago
@TheMsShetta they leak acid and vapor and cause that. Sand it clean and paint it with primer paint. Then buy better made battery
scottykilmer 1 month ago
can this be used to discover surface charge as well?
BUCKSHOTSss 1 month ago in playlist Favorite videos
@BUCKSHOTSss na,you need a fancy tester for that, I use a midtronics myself.
scottykilmer 1 month ago
@scottykilmer Cant you use a multimeter to do surface test?
ActiveSkater13 1 month ago
HI, i drive a 1995 civic GSR. I experienced power drainage, first a warning which was my speedometer, then my shifting gauge starts going crazy and everything begins turning off. i had my alternator checked, it was good, battery was good, but after dying out more than once, it ruined my battery, so i had to warranty for a new battery, i recently just purchased a new alternator and the problem still persists. thank you for taking the time to read my comment
duydadance 1 month ago
@duydadance answer: well, either you're getting crappy alternators and batteries, OR you have a wiring short in the charging system. Normally just bad alts on those.
scottykilmer 1 month ago
Those are just some advice they given me but Im not to sure to diagnose it and don't want to lose money diagnosing it. thankyou
fresno93703 1 month ago
I have a 00 Integra GSR and my car start choking and bogs and dying when my ABS lights on. So then my running day lights and everything in my car starts dimming slowly and the car starts dying. This happen at night time,so I went to autozone to get it check and they say the battery is just low so i had it fully charged. I start my car with the same battery and the abs light doesnt come on no more. But after driving for 15min the same problem happens again. Either Alternator,Battery,Ignition Coil
fresno93703 1 month ago
@fresno93703 Low battery means it's not being charged correctly. SO, have the alternator tested too, places do it free, just like that auto zone
scottykilmer 1 month ago
Scotty I unplugged my alternator as I was watching my battery being drained out of options, because I heard that a alternator that is bad can drain your battery. I unplugged the wire that secures by a nut, not by harness. Then my battery drainage stopped. Also with car running, this alternator was making my reading on my battery go to 17v. This alternator is new, but a chance it could be the problem that is draining? Or is it the wire? The wire does have a bit of rust on it.
24okay 1 month ago
@24okay 17 volts is waaay too high, replace that alternator, it's overcharging
scottykilmer 1 month ago
@scottykilmer Is it also robbing my battery though? I unplugged it and my battery drainage stopped. I just am not sure if it is the wire or safe to say Alternators that are bad can do that.
24okay 1 month ago
@24okay yes, I would replace the alternator, that's at least the main problem
scottykilmer 1 month ago
@scottykilmer Thank you Scotty. I am most certainly going to replace it today. I had to wait til I got paid because the previous was remanufactured (Ew). I didn't know it was prior to buying it. I am selling the car anyways, but still rely on it until I can get it sold. Anyways, that isn't relevant. Thank you so much for your fast reply. You are by far the best online help mechanic and always recommended. Much Praise!
24okay 1 month ago
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24okay 1 month ago
Ok sorry Scotty, I asked about battery drain and you posted this video. Your information and site is very helpful. Thank you so much. I am going try and get this issue fixed now.
24okay 1 month ago
What's considered late model? Like an OBD1 vehicle?
24okay 1 month ago
@24okay I am guessing OBD2 vehicles.
SilencerRPMs 1 month ago
@SilencerRPMs See he said late model car and then he compared to cars of today. Cars of today are OBD2... So the first method was for what? OBD1 and OBD0?
24okay 1 month ago
LOL, OBD0.
velocityinstereo 1 month ago
Any idea how much the tools in the video cost to purchase?
Thanks
mcpartlan1975 1 month ago
@mcpartlan1975 30 bucks if you buy a cheap meter at radio shack . But my test meter costs about 800 bucks, being a professional unit.
scottykilmer 1 month ago
how much milliamps does the pcm or ecm drain from the battery coz i was wondering my van's battery is draining and i just check on it which i have a light from the test light and it drains about .10 mA
andrewmylyf 1 month ago
AND does the ecu or controlled module in the car drain the battery just like that?
andrewmylyf 1 month ago
@andrewmylyf ecus often drain a little, but only 5 or 10 milliamps.
scottykilmer 1 month ago
hi scotty i just found out that my car is draining up my battery just the test what u just did in the video so whats next? what im gonna do?
andrewmylyf 1 month ago
Hello scotty, I seen your video and understand, my next ? is after I find the fuse thats draining the battery, what is the next step? do I just change the fuse out or something?
llando17 2 months ago
@llando17
Behind that fuse is a device that is draining power. You must either remove or fix this device.
toejam119 2 months ago
@llando17 no, then you have to find what's shorting out in that system by tracing the wring and checking components it runs.
scottykilmer 2 months ago
hi Scotty my friend has 02 ford mustang and here is what happen: when the car is off and turns the light or just the key and on position the battery will drain just in few minutes but we know the battery is okay and here the funny thing ones the car is running and turn off is you don't left nothing on, the car will start without any problem, we will do the test as soon as we get the resistor, meanwhile is you been and this please help us, tank you again.
felipevinalay 2 months ago
@felipevinalay of course do this test, and also have the battery tested, it could just be wearing out.
scottykilmer 2 months ago
Can I use resistor 1 ohm 9W?
Can't find anywhere 1ohm 10w... :/
twooger 2 months ago
@twooger it would change the readings, radio shack sells em or get one online.
scottykilmer 2 months ago
@scottykilmer Problem is that I live in Europe, we don’t have Radio shack here :)
I’ve bought resistor at local electro shop, but guy didn’t sound very sure that this is 1ohm 10W. I has sign on it that says 1R0 10%
How can I tell if it is?
twooger 2 months ago
@scottykilmer are you from Chicago or something???
JohnnyMidnight1 2 months ago
@scottykilmer Seems like it would only change the readings if the drain were a SIGNIFICANT one and so a large portion of energy were being dissipated by the resistor in the form of heat. When you're talking in the range of 3-12v and (in the case of your overhead light) a few hundred milliamps, it's unlikely that a 10W is even necessary.
tearabite 2 months ago
@tearabite yes, but one never knows what the drain is until you check it, so the 10W resistor is a safety method that can be used for all shorts.
scottykilmer 2 months ago
@scottykilmer Unless the drain is more than 830 mA in which case it's not enough. :P I'm just kidding. I'm screwing with you. Love your videos! They've helped me fix quite a few things on my car!
tearabite 2 months ago
Another way, use a DMM, connect the leads in between the negative cable and negative terminal, select Amps and then measure - should be somewhere between 10mA and 30mA.
GoneBadKiwi 2 months ago
Can you please make a video on how to make jumper wires? Thanks :)
tbz02 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
what to look for if the battery light is on? the voltage on the battery is 9 to 10 volts!!!!Manual indicated among others reasons is the voltage regulator or the connectors!!!
awadbab 2 months ago
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awadbab 2 months ago
hi scotty, my car charging while engine running is 14.5v, is it normal?tq
wea619 2 months ago
@wea619 yes, that's normal.
scottykilmer 2 months ago
AWESOME INFO! Never thought using a resistor and reading the voltage.. Your a goldmine of info Scotty.. Thanks!
dslynx 3 months ago
What gauge wire do I use? Thanks scotty! :)
tbz02 3 months ago
@tbz02 14 gauge wire is fine. scotty
scottykilmer 3 months ago
Scotty, is the multimeter supposed to be in the fused or unfused position ?
thanks
tbz02 3 months ago
@tbz02 fused. Scotty
scottykilmer 3 months ago
@scottykilmer well i figured out that my multimeter has the 10amp on unfused and the milimap on fused. So still fused? thanks again.
tbz02 1 month ago
@tbz02 sorry miliamp
tbz02 1 month ago
couldnt you just leave the test light connected and pull fuses individually, then when test light goes out you know you found the drain?
uhldrew1 3 months ago
@uhldrew1 not in a modern car, they all have computer drains and the light would never go out completely. That's what this test is for. Scotty
scottykilmer 3 months ago
@scottykilmer so you are checking battery drain by reading volts not amps?
contagiousFX 3 months ago
@contagiousFX this is an indirect way of measuring amps, the two are related and this is the easiest way of testingt them accurately, using volts. Scotty
scottykilmer 3 months ago
@scottykilmer I understand what you're saying, but even though you're measuring voltage, you're measuring it across a 1 ohm resistor and accidentally measuring current. Using Ohm's law your setup conveniently comes out to read the current directly, i.e. 1mV=1mA, and 3V=3A.
therealjammit 3 months ago
You are absolutely insane, but thank you very much! I mean that in the best way possible.
humbuggrown 4 months ago
@humbuggrown lol how is he insane?
TheAstro30 3 months ago
Thanks for the instructions and for making them simple
moonshinegrrl 5 months ago
Can i just connect the negative side of the voltmeter to the negative terminal? and the positive one to the positive terminal? do i really need the resistor?
winglajones 5 months ago
@winglajones yes, cause you can fry things up if you don't use the resistor. Scotty It's there for a reason, I just don't randomly do things.
scottykilmer 5 months ago
@scottykilmer Ah, thanks i appreciate the help, anything else i can use instead of using the resistor? and also, i was going to ask you, my car is draining the battery, is it for sure going to be fixed by removing a fuse? or it can be something else?
winglajones 5 months ago
@winglajones the resistor cost 2 bucks at radio shack, use one for testing. Now if you remove a fuse and the drain goes away, that stops the drain. IF it runs a device that you don't need, like overhead lights, you can drive it that way and it would be fixed. BUT, if it runs something like the ignition system, then removing it will not let the car run at all, so it wouldn't be very useful to do that. Scotty
scottykilmer 5 months ago
@scottykilmer Ok, i did it, i removed all fuses one by one, my car was getting 0.04A while off, then i removed a fuse where it took it to 0.03A i tried all the other fuses, and it wont go lower than 0.03A... why is this? Will it keep draining my battery? is it much of a difference?
winglajones 5 months ago
@winglajones that's not too big of a drain, see how long it goes, if it doesn't sit for weeks at a time without use, it should be ok with that small drain. Scotty
scottykilmer 5 months ago
@scottykilmer i would usually need to unplug the negative terminal everytime i stopped somewhere, so the car would not drain my battery. So i left it on today, so ill check around 10pm to see if the car turns on, ill keep you updated.
winglajones 5 months ago
@scottykilmer Hi Scotty, I was just curious, my car is a 1997, so I'm not so sure what millivolts my car should be at, how can I found out?
EasternStolenFit 5 months ago
@EasternStolenFit should be less than 50 scotty
scottykilmer 5 months ago
@scottykilmer Thank you!
EasternStolenFit 5 months ago
would 92 caddy devill need this
johhny6gun 6 months ago
@johhny6gun yes, it has many computer systems that would show a normal small drain. Scotty
scottykilmer 6 months ago
Hey Scotty, how late of model do you need the resistor for? Mine is a 1996 gmc jimmy. And if I find the fuse is it just a bad fuse that needs replacing or do I need to fix whatever the fuse is powering?
shepdog213 6 months ago
@shepdog213 that's late enough to need the resistor, tons of computers running on that thing. Scotty
scottykilmer 6 months ago
An interior light, seriously? XD
MrRoryJames 7 months ago
@MrRoryJames yes, anything can drain a system, and a weak battery will crap out in an evening with that light on. Scotty
scottykilmer 7 months ago
@scottykilmer I was surprised a customer had actually brought a car to you with that problem, not that the light drained the battery...
MrRoryJames 7 months ago
hello scotty my grandfather have an bmw 530ia 01 and he can drive it for like 10 minutes and sometimes when he stops and turn the engine off. its all out of battery when he tries to start it. would be great if you knew any type of problems that can cause this. /Max
rYOBI1338 7 months ago
@rYOBI1338 try this test of course, and have the battery and alternator load tested, places like auto zone do it for free. Scotty
scottykilmer 7 months ago
can u check the fusible link b4 u start buying parts, coz its not the start since the car can start.
eriki1979 7 months ago
@srtxsara Well, there's always a reason for cells dying. Could be because the battery was cheap, or not charged enough over a period of time. I've had my share of problems with cheap batteries that die after just a couple of months use. See if there's a drain somewhere, and ofc check the water level a couple of times a year. And make sure its clean. Standard mechanical maintenance. Good luck ;)
panzerveps 7 months ago
Nice guide as always.
It's a good idea to lock the car, including the hood lock and let it rest for 10-20 minutes for all of the computers to shut down.
There are always some computers that stay on for a while after the vehicle has been locked. These will give faulty readings.
I usually let the cars I work on 30-40 minutes just to be sure.
panzerveps 7 months ago
@srtxsara that one wasnt difficult at all. the battery installed in the car is designed for the original accessories and not extra subs etc. you have to charge your battery every other night to keep it from dying.
there are several easy diy charge kits available that you install in your car. i've had good experience with Defa chargers, but i'ts a bit expensive.
panzerveps 7 months ago
@srtxsara yep, that tiny little battery isn't strong enough. My car has a 1000 amp battery in it, and it never dies. Scotty
scottykilmer 7 months ago
Scottie, for what year would this come into play? I have a 97 Subaru Legacy Outback Wagon and I've had to jump it nearly every morning due to low voltage. Already repalced the alternator with an OE reman and the battery (Optima Red Top) tested good. Can I do the trick of the light inbetween the - terminal and the post or do I need the resistor?
bhstone1 7 months ago
@bhstone1 I would use the resistor, as you have quite a few computers on board that thing. Scotty
scottykilmer 7 months ago
how much did the volt meter cost
13FravelJ 7 months ago
@13FravelJ Mine is a very fancy one, 700 bucks. But you can get a 30 dollar one at radio shack that's good enough. Scotty
scottykilmer 7 months ago
@scottykilmer why buy a fancy one for 700 bucks when you could have bought one for 30 bucks. can yours do a lot more or what.
13FravelJ 7 months ago
@13FravelJ the more fancy, the more it can do, in most cases.
the cheap ones have most of the basic functions, but the fancier it gets, the more detailed info you get from the same functions.
panzerveps 7 months ago
I understand this method is good if the drain is more than 10 amps, but how often is that the case? Good multimeters have a 10 amp fuse, in the rare case you have a 11 or more amp draw the fuse will protect the meter.
eurokid83 7 months ago
@eurokid83 You never know what kind of drain you have, and my meter costs 1000 bucks, so I use this method, it always works and is not dangerous to anything. Scotty
scottykilmer 7 months ago
I just got a new battery and I tested my car for a drain using only a multimeter. I didn't know you needed a resistor. I disconnected the cable from the negative terminal and completed the circuit by connecting one end of the multimeter to the neg. battery post and the other to neg cable terminal. I got a reading of .09. Is this an accurate way to test or do I need to get alligator clamps and a resistor?
patchinobamino 8 months ago
@patchinobamino get clamps and a resistor, It's the only correct way to test it without possible ruining your meter. You got lucky the drain was so low. If higher, it would have melted your meter. Scotty
scottykilmer 8 months ago
Anyone that doubts Scotty is a fool. I take in at least one a week with a drain and that's exacly how I find it. I get an easy hour for 5 minutes of work, more if I have to open anything up or relpace the component draining the battery.
Good work Scotty. Keep it up!
tazztt1 8 months ago
Entertaining and helpful! Thanks, Scotty.
yodertim1 8 months ago
Please I am need to know, if you buy battery from some 1 how can u tell if it is been used or brand new using an electric multimeter?
For example if some one sold me a battery he used it for 1 year already,
if I test it it will give me the same voltage & everything,
But
when I use it I will find out that it does not hold charge for more than couple of hours
So how can I test it since beginning if it has been consumed or not?
Very important
I would appreciate if you can help me out
Thanks a lot
MAIMPORT 8 months ago
@MAIMPORT all batteries come with dates stamped on them. If you suspect one, check the date. Or have it checked with a battery checker, I use a midtronics MD 500 tester. Scotty
scottykilmer 8 months ago
that was awesome.
but cant one use AMP METER and read the amps ?
zloben9000 8 months ago
@zloben9000 no, it would burn out if connected directly IF you had any serious drain, that's why you use the method I show. Scotty
scottykilmer 8 months ago
voice like rock steward when i close my eyes
hierophant0209 8 months ago
I think my motorcycle has an electrical drain. I'll try this this weekend.
Rangerscott69 9 months ago
Why a Resistor? And Why do you hook up the meter Before and After the Resistor? Doesn't seem to make sense to hook it up before the resistor. . .
steelace 9 months ago
@steelace If you don't use a resistor the wire will melt. and it makes the readings make sense with the meter. Trust me, I know what I"m doing, just follow the directions and everything will be OK. Scotty
scottykilmer 9 months ago
@scottykilmer Ok. You Hook up the Resistor to Protect the wire (Almost like how a fuse works). Then you hook up your Multi-Meter AROUND the Resistor Bypassing it, Having your Multimeter's Fuse bare the brunt of it. It changed nothing (May as well gone Post to cable). . . Now if you Hooked the Meter up After the Resistor then too the Negitive Cable that Resistor is doing it's job.
I'm not saying you don't know anything. You have a wide breadth of knowledge that's Legit (Videos show it all)
steelace 9 months ago
@steelace You don't understand electricity. Stay FAR away from working on cars, you will do serious damage not understanding how it works. The meter is merely measuring current flow, the resistor is taking the brunt of the flow itself. Scotty
scottykilmer 9 months ago 2
@scottykilmer I don't Understand Electricity? Rather then explain myself to a complete stranger over the internet. I'll just spread some common sense. . .
Electricity always takes the path of LEAST reistance. Same thing Applys to Hydraulics.
If a Multimeter can't complete a circuit, it can't mesure flow. . .Huh, Guess thats why they tell Electricians "Never Test a live Circuit" MSHA and OSHA got the details of completing circuits.
(Veiwers don't worry your only dealing with low energy)
steelace 9 months ago
@steelace You are an electronic Idiot, probably some sort of engineer. Your "common sense" is complete nonsence. As I said, STAY far away from electrical work, you don't know anything about it. and you certainly know very little about how to fix car. Scotty
scottykilmer 9 months ago
@steelace Hooking the multimeter "around" the resistor doesn't bypass it... You don't seem to understand current flow and how resistors work in series and in parallel. You should look up ohm's law.
D1G1T4L3CH0 8 months ago
good info, Scotty - Ill try it this week. One question... do I just jam the wires into the resistor ( alligator clips) ?
crespisi 9 months ago
hi, i have a uk bmw z3 the problem is that the battery drains after a few days if not used the battery its self is fine as ive had it testeda friend says that using a milti meter wont find the problem is this right or is he talking jibberish?? thanks
brettjj1 9 months ago
@brettjj1 Do this test to find out, meters find such stuff. Scotty
scottykilmer 9 months ago
lmao the intro is funny and lol at "some knucklehead"
Emeliz13 9 months ago
"some knuckle head" lol
MrRichierich1990 10 months ago
not good with a multi meter what setting do i put my meter on i have a cheep
crapsmen
M1LERTYME 10 months ago
hey scotty, how come you use the resistor vs just straight wire?
frayedom 10 months ago
@frayedom cause the wire would melt if there were a big short, you MUST use the resistor. Scotty
scottykilmer 10 months ago
A power probe will also work with this test ?
bma852 10 months ago
@bma852 yes. Scotty
scottykilmer 10 months ago
that's great information on finding a draw on the battery
utsports 10 months ago
Hey, this is a wonderful video. I had a problem with my 01 Audi A6 1 year ago and the battery was draining if I didn't use it once a day. Then, they changed the battery,still after 1 month, started to do that.I did exactly what you have done here my numbers are: 0.007A-0.017A , and 14V while car is on. The battery goes fast from 12.6 to 12.22 in 2 hrs after shutting the car. I checked my alternator, AC setting gets me 0.017. I think alternator is fine too.Is my new battery bad? THNX
inventorOz84 10 months ago
@inventorOz84 well, something's wrong, that tiny drain isnt' draining it. I'd change the battery first. Scotty
scottykilmer 10 months ago
Scotty I tried this on my 1995 mitsubishi 3000gt just for the hell of it and once I hooked up my test light to the negative cable and touched the post, It went on but dimmed to nothing a second later. What could cause this??
coldcash12345 10 months ago
@coldcash12345 a drain that stops after a short while. That's normal with computers in cars, don't worry about it. Scotty
scottykilmer 10 months ago
If you cant find your drain by removing the fuses it could be that you have a faulty alternator ,the diode pack goes bad and causes a drain.
Also an aftermarket alarm/immobiliser fitted on an older