PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
How can I find an electrical short in my car?
It seems like my car may be having electrical issues, and from what I’ve been able to tell, I may have an electrical short somewhere. Is there an easy way to find where the problem is occurring?
Jason Crosby · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
To find where the electrical short is occurring in your vehicle, you’ll need some equipment: an electrical wiring diagram (EWD), a test light (or multimeter), a screwdriver, wrenches, and pliers—anything you’ll need to access your vehicle’s wire harnesses or fuse panels.
The first place to start is to
check your fuses
. You can pull one at random, and apply your test light to the fuse socket. If your test light produces a light, then there’s an electrical current running through that socket. While it may seem like a pain, it’s a great idea to check each fuse for issues. Next, you can check any suspected individual wires for shorting problems. To do this, disconnect a wire in one of either two places—either at the sensor, or at the load endpoints. You can then run your test light along the wire, looking for places where the current stops. If neither of these steps produces any
signs of a shortage
, take the car to a technician, unless you’re a confident and experienced home mechanic. The risk of electrocution or faulty wiring isn’t worth saving a few hundred dollars to have your car inspected and tested by a pro. And for more professional help, go with
Jerry
when it’s time to shop for a new car insurance policy. After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. They can even help cancel your old policy! So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better? View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies