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How to Use a Test Light on Positive and Ground Wires
There are some simple electronic tools for automobiles that provide quicker results than more advanced tools. Auto test lights are such a simple but useful tool. Also known as a circuit tester or test lamp, it can check the presence or absence of electricity in a circuit. Easy to use, this tool gives quicker results than a digital multimeter. So, how to use a test light?
You can use a test light to check any positive and ground circuits. If a component is showing problems, but the fuse seems fine, this tester can trace the wiring route to pinpoint the source of the trouble.
How to Use a Test Light to Check Positive Voltage
If you want to know how to use a circuit tester on a car in a safe way, follow this guideline. It is a simple and straightforward process that does not require any advanced mechanical skills.
–This procedure is for a 12V vehicle, which means the portable electronics in the vehicle receives power through a 12V socket.
Testing the test light.
Well, you have to confirm whether your tool is working fine, right? To find out, clamp it to a ground source such as any metal surface on the car or the negative terminal of the battery. Press the light’s probe to a power source such as the positive battery cable, a fuse, or the positive battery terminal. The tester is working if the light comes on.
Using the test light.
You can use the test light for testing plenty of circuits such as a fuse, alternator, fuel injector, and many other things. You can check a blown fuse without disconnecting it from the fuse box. The task is more than simple. Find the fuse box, connect the clip part of the test light to a metal part, and probe the fuse with the probing slide. The light will turn on if the fuse is still working.
When a component, like a cooling fan, does not work, the first thing we do is change the fuse. But the problem could be with some other parts. This test light can ensure whether or not there is power at the fuse. Instead of wasting time on replacing the good fuse, you can move on and check if the switches or control units are the sources of trouble. So, the tool actually quickens the diagnosis of a circuit.
The battery alternator must produce electricity to recharge the battery and supply electricity for a car’s electronics. How do you know if the alternator is doing its job? A test light makes this job a breeze. If it shows that the alternator’s large terminal has power, you could be sure that the alternator is working fine.
Checking the status of a fuel injector could be another application of this handy tool. Attach the clamp to the battery’s negative terminal and then out the probing end to the injector circuit’s trigger side. Light will come on if the fuel injector is working.
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How to Use a Test Light for a Ground Circuit
You’ve learned to test the positive voltage with a test light. Sometimes, you may need to test a ground circuit too. Do you know how to do that?
Don’t worry. There’s nothing complicated about this.
To check the ground, you first have to see if the circuit has electricity on the positive side. If yes, move on to examine the grounding point. Connect the clip end of the test light to the positive end and use the probing point to probe the ground wire of this circuit. An illuminated light indicates that everything is working fine. In that case, you have to test other parts of that circuit to find the problem.
If the light does not come on, you have to thoroughly examine the ground path. Fixing the grounds is comparatively easier than repairing a positive side. Check closely the connecting point of the ground wire to see if there is any rust, paint, or something else. Such a thing can act as an insulator and obstruct power flow. Cleaning up that connecting point is likely to solve the issue.
Useful Tips
By now, you may have a clear idea about how to use a test light. If so, these tips will be useful, as these will make the job even easier.
- This tool has two leads that are reversible. It means there is no fixed lead for the positive or the ground wire.
- Most test lights are likely to have a probing end. This feature allows you to examine a circuit without detaching any wire as you can just prick a wire’s plastic insulation with that sharp end.
