If your car has an electric short circuit, don’t panic! There are 5 steps you can take to resolve the issue. Remember that these tips are only provided as a temporary solution until you can get your car to a mechanic.
If you feel out of depth with any of these steps, then be sure to bring your car in for service at Mike Patton Ford Lincoln.
We have a team of experienced mechanics who can help get your car back up and running in no time!
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Your first reaction to an electric short circuit might be to panic, but don’t! Take a deep breath and arm yourself with the following tools:
- Shop manual for the year, make, and model of your car
- Short circuit detector
- Fuse socket connector kit
- Lineman’s pliers
- Soldering iron
- Flux
- Solder
- Utility knife
- Wire crimper
- Butt connectors
- Electrical moisture sealant
- Electrical tape
Step 2: Connect the Tester
Before taking on this step, make sure to grab some insulated gloves to protect your hands.
Once you’ve suited up, yank the fuse for the shorted circuit and install a fuse adapter. Handle the adapter and fuse by the insulated portions only.
Next, connect the circuit breaker leads to the ends of the fuse adapter using butt connectors. Make sure these connections are tight and free of moisture.
Step 3: Trace the Circuit
For this step, you’ll need a short circuit testing meter.
The needle on this meter should be continuously swinging back and forth. Slide the meter along the wire harness and watch the hand. If it stays still at any point, you’ve found the shorted circuit.
Open up the wiring harness at the point where the needle stopped and remove the insulation. You’ll then see which wire is shorted out.
Step 4: Repair
Carefully inspect each wire for any signs of chafing or damage. If you find any damage, cut the wire and strip off about an inch of insulation. Twist the exposed wires together and use the electric tape to cover the connection.
Reattach the wiring harness and test your work by plugging in the fuse adapter. The meter should now show a continuous reading.
If you’re not comfortable doing this step on your own, take the car to a professional mechanic.
Step 5: Prevention
They say prevention is the best cure, and that’s especially true when it comes to electric shorts.
The best preventative method for electric shorts is to take your car in for an annual maintenance check. During this check, a technician will look for any damage or wear and tear on your car’s electrical system that could lead to a short circuit.
That way, you won’t have to face the hassle and expense of fixing an electric short circuit down the road.
Conclusion
If you require a reliable place to take your car for maintenance, look no further than Mike Patton Ford Lincoln. We’re proud to serve Grantville, GA, and we’re committed to providing our customers with the best possible experience.Schedule with us today!
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