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Problem choosing a short circuit finder
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qudoe
Novice
Apr 1, 2009, 1:57 PM
Post #1 of 8
(7348 views)
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Problem choosing a short circuit finder
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My 1986 Mazda B2000 truck w/ 100K miles, has an intermittent short circuit, that appears to be hidden in the harness or dashboard.
I've seen various short circuit finders (circuit testers), most are not well described, making it difficult to compare the circuit testers, features etc.
I am trying to find out what are the best short circuit finders? OR What are the most important features I should look for in a circuit tester?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 1, 2009, 5:29 PM
Post #2 of 8
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Re: Problem choosing a short circuit finder
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Before you go too nuts what is shorting? Is a fuse blowing? What doesn't work when this happens?
T
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Apr 1, 2009, 5:50 PM
Post #3 of 8
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Re: Problem choosing a short circuit finder
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There is no such thing as a 'magic' "short finder". A good DVOM and a knowledge of electricity is what's req'd.
Loren
SW Washington
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qudoe
Novice
Apr 3, 2009, 1:34 PM
Post #4 of 8
(7325 views)
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Re: Problem choosing a short circuit finder
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What is the technique for using a DVM to find a short or open circuit? Especially if it maybe in the harness or dash?
Do you have any advice on tracing the wires (sometimes they enter the harness one color and exit it another color)?
Thanks
Charlie
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 3, 2009, 3:37 PM
Post #6 of 8
(7318 views)
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Re: Problem choosing a short circuit finder
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Cranks won't run - intermittently - now we're getting somewhere. You can test till the cows come home when it works properly and find nothing so you'll have to catch it in the act.
Find out what's missing when in cranks and won't start. Bring staring fluid and a spark tester and see if one or both aren't working when it won't start.
A squirt of starting fluid down/into throttle body should ge a reaction if there' s a fuel problem and chase down that. If not spark we chase that and so on,
T
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qudoe
Novice
Apr 6, 2009, 1:19 PM
Post #7 of 8
(7300 views)
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Re: Problem choosing a short circuit finder
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I am really grateful for your help in trying to troubleshoot the problem, though I think I have a good idea which line the problem is on. The wire in in a harness with other wires Which would make locating, piercing and testing difficult.
I thought with a wire tracer [circuit tester, short circuit finder] I should be able to connect it in series with the wire and find or get very close to the short or open circuit. I also thought that you'all may have had come experience with a short circuit finder (cricuit tester, wire tester etc) and believed that you recommend something, maybe able to help me find a relatively easy way to trace the short / open circuit OR possibly help me find the information.
I am considering something like the S G ToolAid 25300 information at: http://www.amazon.com/SG-Tool-Aid-25300-Detector/dp/B000RFOP1I/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1239051978&sr=8-1
I really am grateful for your help, and advice, I hope it comes across like that.
Charlie
Cranks won't run - intermittently - now we're getting somewhere. You can test till the cows come home when it works properly and find nothing so you'll have to catch it in the act.
Find out what's missing when in cranks and won't start. Bring staring fluid and a spark tester and see if one or both aren't working when it won't start.
A squirt of starting fluid down/into throttle body should ge a reaction if there' s a fuel problem and chase down that. If not spark we chase that and so on,
T
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way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Apr 6, 2009, 3:33 PM
Post #8 of 8
(7295 views)
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Re: Problem choosing a short circuit finder
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The one you show will help give you a general area where the problem is. As Tom stated, if it is not acting up, nothing will really help. If you purchase thyat finder, just follow directions exactly. Moving it too quickly will give you a false reading. Good luck. If you really want to go wild, click here 
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
(This post was edited by way2old on Apr 6, 2009, 3:37 PM)
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