Fixing A Dead Car With No Electrical Power

[Alvie5]

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

[yyxspress]

hey scotty with the jumper leads, why doesnt the negative lead form the donar, to the car getting jumped,not get connected to the negative plug on the car getting jumped , but to any metal part of the car, simple question i bet, just for got not haha

[scottykilmer]

@yyxspress it can spark, then cause an explosion from hydrogen gas coming out the battery,. rare, but it can happen

[Sonygetitright]

I love your channel Scotty!

[Ryznrun]

hey scotty what is the tool you used called? i know you say power probe but when i google it i get a lot of results. is there a specific model number or a series?

[scottykilmer]

@Ryznrun power probe III is the best.

[1986WILLSON]

NICE VIDEOS BUDDY I REALY LEARNING ..... I WAS A MECHANIC BUT NOW I CANT WORK IN GARAGE SO I FIX A FAMILY CARS AN FRIENDS COOL VIDEOS

[MONKEY123674]

how to fix a car that stars but if you trun off it doest start back on

tank you for all the help.......sir

[scottykilmer]

@MONKEY123674 watch my other vid "fixing a car that cranks but doesn't start up"

[pimbuk]

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.

[scottykilmer]

@pimbuk not yet, Scotty

[hyerxmas]

I'm in love with cars since young, but i'm graduating next month with a IT Diploma. My parents forbids me to be a mechanic because they believe mechanic cannot earn much. Please advise with your experience sir.

[scottykilmer]

@hyerxmas If you work for yourself, you can make good money fixing cars. But, if you work for others, you indeed won't make much.

[ericmck2000]

@hyerxmas I'm on the same path as you. Look at it this way, If you worked on vehicles all day every day, Its not nearly as fun when you build your own vehicles.

[HIsierreno]

is easy to be a mechanic..im studing for auto technician...i afraid about electrical problems is easy??

[scottykilmer]

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

[mav93angel93]

Thanks scotty you were a big help and I like your videos they are helpful

[mav93angel93]

See when I turn d key nothing happens and If I turn on the headlights they turn on but when I hit the brake it goes dead again I jumper cabeld the battery what do u think the problem might be

[scottykilmer]

@mav93angel93 generally either a really bad battery, or a weak alternator. Places like auto zone check em free

[CoolMike299]

Are you a Homosexual?

[scottykilmer]

@CoolMike299 what an odd comment. I've been married for 33 years and have two sons. I am a Homo sapien though.

[CoolMike299]

@scottykilmer hahahahaahh I'm just messing with you Scotty.I'm eccentric like you.

[rizegraymon1]

@CoolMike299 do you like men ? becuase im pretty sure Mr. Killmer doesnt

[morcheebix]

Awesome video, as always. I love your energy. If you ever want some simple animation for your videos let me know.

[DragonsKing91]

hey Scotty How come u don't want to connect the negative to the battery? Thanks

[scottykilmer]

@DragonsKing91 it can spark, and cause a hydrogen gas flame, rare, but it can happen

[TutorialTelevision]

Scotty, if my engine has low compression is there a way to fix it inexpensively? Or am I screwed and have to get a new motor?

[scottykilmer]

@TutorialTelevision screwed, just drive it till it drops

[JuOn666]

@scottykilmer what causes that?

[Usernameinvalid16]

@TutorialTelevision You can get Piston rings and Gaskets for it for no more then 100 Bucks. Just need to know how to look right

[BLACKSTEEL26]

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

[JAY1PIMP]

@scottykilmer great quality videos too btw. and @waynestateman i figure him to be canadian the way he undue or unscrew...ondue and onscrew.

[JAY1PIMP]

@scottykilmer i be concerned with anything else with the pulley/belt system? could the whole motor be seized up? how could i check that out?

[JAY1PIMP]

@scottykilmer im trying to wrench on the 96 pontiac grand am. it was given to my girlfriend and wont turn over. the previous owner said it was the alternator. well, i ripped it out and had it tested and its good. im waiting on the battery, overnight, until the morning to find that out. if its bad, ill replace. the next thing i came across was the tensioner wouldnt loosen up and appears seized. Im told to get this whole bracket off and get a new one for about 40 bucks. should i be concerned

[autogearhead]

Scotty, i see u are a older toyota fan, im looking to buy the same black 94 celica u have, would u buy a older honda? im with u on driving older cars, the new stuff an technology today is junk, looks nice just junk.

[waynestateman]

2:41 I knw he was from michigan!!!! lol Whats good Detroit!!!!

[scottykilmer]

@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

[incogneto1990]

@scottykilmer  thank you for the help

[incogneto1990]

@scottykilmer thank you i'll try it oh annd i was wondering if you haave a video that shows how to dro a fuel tank?

[scottykilmer]

@incogneto1990 yep, "replacing a fuel pump in your car" type that in the search on my scottykilmer channel main page, the new exciting youtube format, makes searching MUCH better, they really upped the search engine quality. Scotty

[incogneto1990]

Hey scotty i have a 1993 dodge intrepid and it will not start unless the gas llight is on when all the lights come on before you crank the engine over

[scottykilmer]

@incogneto1990 probably a short in the fuel pump system inside the gas tank. scotty

[granyagami1982]

my car starts but if the switch is in the on position it discharges the battery, do I have to replace it?

[scottykilmer]

@granyagami1982 your question is rather open ended, but I assume you mean the engine is running with the key on, if so, replace the alternator. scotty

[granyagami1982]

@scottykilmer the symptom it's like this video no lights on the dashboard electrical windows do not work the alternator is ok I checked with a light tester and the light was on so I took the fuse for the ignition switch off and the light went off , how can I make sure the ignition switch is bad or not?

[scottykilmer]

@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.

[granyagami1982]

@scottykilmer I tried a new ignition switch and the battery voltage is ok but the lights for the dashboard are still not working not for the gas, millage, temperature, rpm any advice of what to do would be most appreciate it

[scottykilmer]

@granyagami1982 oftren a bad dash unit, perhaps try a used junk yard one.

[Irvindouglas90]

You are really Awesome Scotty!!

[iShuffleLA]

Instead of a probe, why not do a voltage drop test and see where the lost of current can be so it can be easier to narrow down the problem.

[scottykilmer]

@iShuffleLA I do that in other videos, there's more than one way to skin a mule, yes. scotty

[jdmjtag]

hey Scotty great videos you have here they have helped me a lot before! I was just wondering if you would be able to help me out I live in a small town we have no mechanic unless I drive for an hour (but my car isnt working so I cant!) Sometimes when I turn the key to start it it does nothing like my battery is dead. I cant explain the rest because if the limit here but if you could would you check out the video i uploaded i have it in the description its my only video. Id appreciate it a lot!

[scottykilmer]

@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

[jdmjtag]

@scottykilmer I highly doubt its the starter because the other day my radio went out, (no power) and then the car slowly lost power and died. 30 mins later boosted it, alternator charged it up and worked normally (started 1 try). then it turned off when i was driving yesterday going about 20 kph, just lost power and power steering, started up 1 second later. I tightened the battery cables, and 2 times it acted like it was dead and wouldnt start, first time its done that. check my video?

[scottykilmer]

@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

[jdmjtag]

@scottykilmer on the full battery, it started on the 3rd try. so whats switching the battery going to accomplish. also it just went dead while driving, and started with a boost 30 mins later, and another time died but started a second later. makes no sense!

[hp11208]

is there another way to check if i dont have a probe

[scottykilmer]

@hp11208 get a 5 dollar cheapie test light then. Scotty

[traumahawk517]

hey Scotty good video,was the name of the tool you used? and where can i get it ? and how much did it cost??? thanks scotty and as always a great learning video.

[scottykilmer]

@traumahawk517 it's the power probe III, just google that. Scotty

[oldhamegg]

that does not look easy

[Bandana9000]

This is the best mechanic guy i ever saw !!!!

[johnmartin512]

Hi Scotty. First, thanks for another good video. Second, along with jaxsmarts, I would like to request a new video showing how you changed the switch. Thanks, John

[macluis925]

scotty how difficult on a scale from 1-10 would it be to do a swap on a 1986 chevy caprice? want to put a lt1 in it

[scottykilmer]

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

[ktumbleweed]

@macluis925 Does it have a 5.7L 350 v8 in it now? Why go thru the trouble of doing a lot of wiring and fuel line retrofitting for an LT1? If your going to do all that go for an LS1. That is a much better engine, it is lighter and makes more power. It is more expensive though! If you have a 350 just do some upgrades to it. Good intake and 4barrel carb, msd distributor, maybe some new heads, etc etc.

[wolfman5494]

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.

[Jayc28777]

Scotty where can I find a tester like the one you have?

[scottykilmer]

@Jayc28777 just google power probe III, Scotty

[lilbiGpena]

will a 1984 toyota celica gt engine fit in a 1984 toyota pick up?

[scottykilmer]

@lilbiGpena You can make it fit, but odds are it won't bolt right in without mods. scotty

[johhny6gun]

hey scotty can you do a video on how to flush a transmission?

[scottykilmer]

@johhny6gun I don't flush em, too dangerous, I just change the fluid and filter. Watch my video "changing transmission fluid in your car". Scotty

[djsoon1]

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

[Matthew55904]

scotty i just watched a video on a 2001 crown vic cop car that runs on propane do you know of any propane powered cars here in the states?

[scottykilmer]

@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

[Matthew55904]

@scottykilmer but how would you fill it? there is no propane gas pumps and any gas station and how would u convert a propane engine to gas?

[xXBuckOFiveXx]

@Matthew55904 I have a F150 7700 seires with 350000miles that came from Ford with propain injection. All the aftermarket propain kits you can buy are junk imo.

[Matthew55904]

@Matthew55904 the person who bought this car said just throw on a carb and put gas in can you convert it that easy?

[wangbungal]

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!

[identity43]

Good vid n tips Scotty!!

[Compwhiz128]

@2:37 say it dont spray it!

Cost my family $600 to have an ignition switch changed on a 92 dodge moms van, at the dealer...BIG mistake...

They didn't even fix it right, it wouldn't spring back to ON, you'd have to move it manually to ON or it'd keep on crankin' even today!

[moogmanXanders]

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!

[scottykilmer]

@moogmanXanders Yea, they aren't the most honest people. Scotty

[moogmanXanders]

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

[moogmanXanders]

hah the garage i brought it to, Decca, has an ol 78 Civic that he restored at the end of the driveway, I always get a kick outta those cause my neighbor had 2 of em one was a parts car for the other one and Niether one of em worked

[trulymeparker]

Another job well done, onya Scotty from Perth Western Australia

[julianbell90]

these intros and outros are better

[imabichover9000]

this is the problem my friend and i had spring break last year, we drove another friends diesel datsun pickup and she kept tryin to cut off in the road...when she did there werent any electrical power so we had to push it off the road, the datsun was such a beater that the hood wouldnt open...i was really bummed when i was told that he sold the datsun for scrap

[MrRsevalla]

scotty. do you have video for changing time chain for mercedez benz sl 500

[scottykilmer]

@MrRsevalla no, I've never done one of those, and probably never will. Scotty

[3wheeler016]

Ahhhh electrical. Of alllllll the things I do fixing cars, I hate electrical the worst. Brakes lines are a close second.

[Scotthockenberry]

Scotty, you are the bomb! Where in the country are you?

[scottykilmer]

@Scotthockenberry houston, Scotty

[jaxsmarts]

Scotty, are you gonna have a video on changing that switch?

[Matthew55904]

cant u just redneck wire it so u can bypass the switch with a toggle switch or something then u just flip the switch for power and turn the key to start?

[scottykilmer]

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

[Matthew55904]

@scottykilmer not for me getting the column panels off is one thing but my luck is id never get it back on

[Greenfire2200]

@Matthew55904 The switch actually contains about 6 different wires for off, on, accessory, and start... With a wiring diagram you could theoretically Make a toggle for accessory if you wanted it (not really necessary unless you want to listen to the radio the engine off), one for on, and a push button for start. You would first have to switch the toggle for on, then press and hold the push button for start. The average redneck would likey hold the button too long and burn up the starter though..

[Matthew55904]

@Greenfire2200 not sure about push button start from what ive seen and heard having a car with push button start is always a bitch to start

[Greenfire2200]

@Matthew55904 I was just adressing your question about using a redneck bypass on the ignition switch. I didn't say it was a good idea ;)

[Greenfire2200]

@Matthew55904 You would then only need the key to disengage the steering wheel lock... unless of course you removed the locking cylinder. Why would you want to do all this though? You'll make your car that much easier to steal!

[Matthew55904]

@Greenfire2200 some cars dont even have locking steering wheels cars that have the ignition in the dash instead of the column dont have locking steering wheels the 00-05 Impala a prime example

[Greenfire2200]

@Matthew55904 This would stand to reason but that's more the exception than the rule :)

[wangbungal]

@Matthew55904 why do you think honda's is one of the most stolen cars?

[motorhead1]

good vid

[contagiousFX]

You change the ignition switch with an aftermarket replacement from auto zone and you didn't need to reprogram the key?

[scottykilmer]

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

[procharge]

awsome videos



[keronchong]

thanks scott...

[MarstaJNZ]

Can anyone explain why you dont put the Negative to the Negative of the Battery?

[zozx]

@MarstaJNZ Sparks, If you connect directly to the battery it can cause a spark, the battery can explode due to hydrogen gas build up from the charge/discharge of the battery.

[wangbungal]

this happened to me and i almost got hit by a semi in the highway, my car just went dead completely while running, i called honda and said my car is not part of the recall of the faulty ignition switches, im still lucky to be alive today

[tilou32]

@wangbungal what kind of honda do you have me i have a 2007 civic and the ignition switch is make small noise when i turne slowly my key to on????

[scottykilmer]

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

[wangbungal]

@tilou32 I have a 1999 Accord, have it check as they may be recalls for your car!

[ilovemyeg2sir]

scotty, im am located in houston,TX are u available for hire? I need a clutch replacin. thanks.

[scottykilmer]

@ilovemyeg2sir yep, just e mail me scottykilmer@gmail.com I work monday thru friday. Scpttu

[classikz]

You make it look so easy, nice video!

[74bluewolf]

yeah I knew it, thanks scotty I really appreciate what you do to help all of us do it yourself guys. I m not taking my car there again.

[CoolasIce2]

Good info, but oversimplified. How do you know which wires under the dash or steering column to check????

[scottykilmer]

@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

[donyboy73]

good vid

[turbobuick33]

When jumping starting the battery, why put the ground cable on a metal side and not on the neg battery? What is the difference?

[Infinitrium]

@turbobuick33 supposed to lessen sparks or something like that

[scottykilmer]

@turbobuick33 cause hydrogen gas comes off the battery, and it can blow up with a spark. Rare, but it can happen. Scotty 

[outdoorsman310]

@scottykilmer is that why there is a random tube next to the battery on my motorcycle it just goes from the side of the battery box to the bottom of the frame

[74bluewolf]

sorry I ran out of room, anyway I think they jipped me and is disappointing because I could've gotten a decent distributor for cheap and fix the problem myself, but unfortunately I did not have the time because of work. I trusted these guys but now Im dissapointed and I will not take my car there again. What do u think in your proffesional opinion. Many thanks.

[Infinitrium]

@74bluewolf You have a Honda I'm guessing

[74bluewolf]

@Infinitrium yeah a 95 EX,

[scottykilmer]

@74bluewolf yea, they ripped you, you could get a brand new distributor from china for much less than they charged you just for the igniter. Scotty

[wangbungal]

@74bluewolf always get a second opinion, with these economy, a 30 dollar oil change can be 90 if you dont keep an eye!

[74bluewolf]

@wangbungal I hear you I'm usually preety good about fixing my car, is just that the circumstances with work and a family are time straining and they got me good. but no more.. thanxs for writing.

[74bluewolf]

Hey Scotty, you know my car went dead about a week ago it turns out the igniter and ignition coil needed replacement. There was no spark in the spark plugs and no jumpstart could start my car. Well to tell you the story they charged me close 700 bucks. and in the invoice I noticed they charged me $304 for the igniter, which I think is the common name for the Ignition control module, correct me if Im wrong. Anyway I looked at some prices and they dont charge more that $94 -$113 even at the dealer

[blessedhombre]

How do you fix a the door lock switches on a 99 honda accord lx? I hear the relay and the fuses are ok.

[IrishWoodDoctor]

do you ever ask customers can you make a video about fixing their car, can put it on youtube or is it just what they dont know cant hurt them?

[powerboxsoad]

Really helpfull vid. And would this be the same way to test a car with that problem thats from the early 70s?

[scottykilmer]

@powerboxsoad yes. Sdcotty

[chrilla1980]

LMAO this was really hilarious......because the ignition switch was the first thing i suspected before even watching the video.

But still on of many many awesome videos tho so cheers and take care.

[jimisback]

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

[scottykilmer]

@jimisback ah semantics. I was looking for where power was shorted out and didnt' travel any more, so I call it a short. Scotty

[GrandCaravanSE]

Scotty, where can I find that Power Probe?

[scottykilmer]

@GrandCaravanSE  just google it, tons of places sell it. Scotty

[testbooster]

@GrandCaravanSE I bought one off of Amazon.com for about $90 a very useful tool

[dslynx]

Dang.. I've never heard of an ignition switch going bad.. Awesome vid. I'd hate to have to troubleshoot that though..

[bonkerzmhann]

2:35 - why check engine light flashing?

[scottykilmer]

@bonkerzmhann other minor problems no one cares about with this car. Scotty

[squibbles0]

@bonkerzmhann that wasnt the check engine light

[lduenas]

wish i could tow my car to you but you live way across the country.

[sonyxploder]

I'm not sure if you've explained this before. Where did you get that tester? I'd love to get something like that for my car.

[scottykilmer]

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

[cruisepix]

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

[fooey88]

love anything to do with honda like vehicles :)

thx for this scotty

[gammatnt]

great video



[hp11208]

cool

[fleetwoodsucks]

Hi Scott.

Got a 560 sec which fails to start, Tried jumping it as well as daisy chaining 2 batteries.

dash lights turn but the engine doesnt even try to turn over, you hear the fuel pump whurr and a noise when the key is turning but the engine doesnt burp or rumble.

Any ideas? I have tried rocking the shifter about incase it was a stuck inhibitor but no luck.

[scottykilmer]

@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

[fleetwoodsucks]

@scottykilmer That sounds likely, anyway to be 99% sure without spending the £100 on a new starter?

[shallpion]

@fleetwoodsucks I once met this problem, and later it turned out to be the position sensor of the transmission shift is not working properly....

[FXNorm]

@fleetwoodsucks no start problem..either your neutral safety switch is screwed up or your starter is bad..very simple..go to starter with test lite and test the small terminal on the starter solenoid while someone holds the key in the start position...no voltage..bad armature or solenoid...most likely a bad starter.

[FXNorm]

@fleetwoodsucks Oops, I meant to say..no voltage at solenoid..bad ignition switch..if there's voltage at the solenoid ..bad starter.

[killsometimeforfun]

thank you sir. good vid.

[shallpion]

Second!

[Enzofromwb]

Do the more modern cars like this one still use the old-school fuse-able links like my old Pontiac had? I had that burn out on me one day and I got the same condition. Just about the easiest electrical fix I've ever encountered.

[scottykilmer]

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

[roorsalt]

@scottykilmer why do you hook the negative jumper up to the engine and not the terminal?

[dslynx]

@roorsalt Batteries have the ability to release a combustible gas. Completing the circuit between the car and the jump start battery has the ability to cause a spark. If it sparks to the engine, the chances of it igniting the gas are less. If you touch it to the negative terminal of the "dead" battery, the spark could cause it to ignite the gas causing an explosion.

[scottykilmer]

@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

[EbonixD]

great vid scotty.