Tools for electrical trouble shooting

[sahunt66]

I have some electrical trouble shooting to do. The previous owner said that when the lights are on and the break is applied a fuse blows (I don't know which fuse yet).

What does a good, basic electrical trouble shooting tool kit consist of? Any good sources you know of?

I don't know what the heck I'm doing but am ready to give it a try.

Thanks

[Bambikiller240]

AFAIK, a Volt/Ohm meter, and a continuity tester.

Sources? Local Sears, or Full service Auto Parts store

[frank13]

DVOM=Digital, Volt, Ohm, Meter. Radioshack, harbor Frieght tools, Sears. Must be a Dvom with at least 10 Mega Ohms of internal resistance for good consistant readings and not frie anything in the car your are taking the readings from. E.g. The radio, ECU, aftermarket stand alon FI/timming control, fuses, etc.

Idiot light at minimum. Logic probe better. A good set of crimper. Not the cheap ones, spend some $ on these. You will want to do better jobs because you have the right tool. Quality connectors. When need be that you have to hack off a terminal full of cancer, replace with a good quality terminal that does not use PVC for insulation. Seal any and all possible terminals or repaired connections, taps, new leads of wire with Heat Shrink wrap. Also before all that, a soldering iron would also be good. Solder all crimped connectors as possible. Then seal with the heat shrink. Wiring diagrams. Get them for your car and application from the manual and copy them. Enlarge them and make many copies. Draw on them write notes. Color them in for power, ground, etc. Learn how to read them. The color code chart, symbols, connectors, wire size. Then make sure you have aspirin!:devious:

[sahunt66]

This is great information. Thanks!

[ZHadMan]

Patience also is an electrical virtue (hence the need for aspirin). Take your time and be methodical, almost anal. Scour the internet, talk to friends, ask questions, or read some books and try to understand how and why some things work. This will help you to diagnose/troubleshoot issues you may have with your electrical system.

Be aware that not all wires are created equal. There is actually wiring developed specifically for automotive use (Automotive Primary wires, GPT, GXL... etc).

Spade and ring tongue terminals are used heavily in the Z. Try and find yourself a small assortment kit.

Look for Stripmaster wire strippers... you can find them at Home Depot ($35, but well worth the investment). They are easy to use, allow you to strip several gauges of wire, and reduce the chance of nicking your wires.

Here is a great book for the DIY'er:

Automotive Electrical

Don't get too discouraged if you're having problems... this board is a great wealth of information. Have fun!

-Keith H