Ground Side vs Power Side Switching -EricTheCarGuy

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10 жыл бұрын

An important step in figuring out electrical problems is understanding the circuit design of the circuit you're trying to diagnose. Determining if the circuit is ground side or positive side switched is a good start when you don't have a wiring diagram handy. In this video ScannerDanner and I talk about how to determine if a circuit is ground side or positive side switched using basic electrical troubleshooting tools. Now this does not come without some drawbacks as pointed out in the video, but it will still get you started if you're trying to figure out an electrical problem. If nothing else this video shows some basic circuit design principals that you can use to increase your electrical knowledge.
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ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

Пікірлер: 297

@DJDevon3 10 жыл бұрын

This is DIY automotive electrical gold! Thank you Eric and Paul! I learned a lot and have a much better understanding and basis to attack wiring issues besides just continuity and voltage tests. LOVE seeing you guys do videos together it's like two super hero's getting together for a video! PLEASE MORE MORE MORE of you two doing videos together!

@ttocselbag5054 Жыл бұрын

I just stumbled upon this vid eight years after publication. Much appreciation and respect to these men. Basic Gold!!!

@morethanblackandwhite 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks to you and your guest for sharing your experience.

@homeehsan7007 4 жыл бұрын

Good to see two great guys together. Both are masters in their field.

@jasont.1530 4 жыл бұрын

This was an amazingly simple video, a great starting foundation to understand whats going on. I was scratching my head only considering power activated circuits, ground activated circuits just allowed me to solve the puzzle!

@andrzejm1365 10 жыл бұрын

We are indeed living in great times - knowledge passed over with such a QUALITY - for free to everyone. I saw schools not doing 20% of what this video did.

@ronaldj1781 10 жыл бұрын

An excellent video, as always. A nice sized bye of information for anyone, whether just getting started of looking for a bit of review. As a trainer, I often think we feel compelled to say what we are doing is basic for fear we might be boring someone. don't forget, if someone is watching this it's because they don't know and hopefully want to learn. For them it's not basic!

@AgustinGarcia-ym9gf 10 жыл бұрын

Muy buenos videos,uno aprende mucho con estos maestros,gracias Thank you

@JHC1official 8 жыл бұрын

Great video! I have very little experience on electrical systems; however, now that I watched your video, I understood perfectly well how ground side switched and power side switched function. I am working on a 2002 Lincoln LS, which has a nonworking or malfunctioning heating system. The A/C system does work, but when I select the heating, there is no hot air coming out. I am suspecting the heater control valve, which is ground side switched, to be bad. Thank you EricTheCarGuy and ScannerDanner for all your great videos. I am sorry if I don’t write very well, I am a Spanish speaking person. Thank you again.

@aodhmacraynall8932 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for having this guy on, he's always great.

@HaroRider03088 10 жыл бұрын

Please Eric if at all possible make more electrical videos like this. I love how you can "dumb down" what Scanner Danner says for us non professionals (DIYers) Scanner Danner is smart, but you seem to have a more toned down way of explaining things. Together you guys do an amazing job. Thanks for the video.

@ericthecarguy 10 жыл бұрын

I think we make a great team as well. I'd be happy to do more of these.

@IsshmanGarcia 8 жыл бұрын

@tyronejason7844 4 жыл бұрын

I already had a pretty proficient understanding of how basic electricity works in a circuit. But after watching this video I feel I learned quite a bit more on top of everything I already knew. Thanks for the good lessons ETCG 👍

@mikeconn4556 2 жыл бұрын

8 years old and .... thank you sir this is a great video!

@roberttomek6416 3 жыл бұрын

Mr. ERIC thanks for setting the stage on this subject

@MrFastping 10 жыл бұрын

When an awesome guy meets another awesome guy there cannot be anything less than AWESOMENESS :-) You both are a source of positive energy and just made my day. Thank you both! Live long and prosper (and stay dirty!)

@everyday80sdude86 4 жыл бұрын

It's called a Bromance. hahahaha. Two smart bros.

@VolvoGonzo 5 ай бұрын

I'm watching this video in 2024. Danner looks so young it's crazy

@ryansauto93 10 жыл бұрын

Great video! I really like these sort of videos, as I have a limited knowledge of electrical systems and really want to learn more. This was very easy to understand and had great info. You two are awesome as usual!

@muikunruoto 10 жыл бұрын

Excellent information! I have been wondering about the positive vs. negative side switching since I fixed my cars central locking remote system and read through some forum texts about central locking in general. Didn't quite understand how it works (got the remote control box installed anyway though), but this video really clears it up. Good work guys!

@Zombikes Жыл бұрын

This is unbelievable 2 kings together. Too much knowledge in 1 place I’ve learned a lo through this 2.

@regisrock8242 5 жыл бұрын

Great job keeping it simple. Easy to understand. Please create more video like this Eric and Paul.

@talon0863 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks Eric and Paul, I look forward to the next electrical class. Good job!

@crpth1 6 жыл бұрын

First time I see a video of both you guys explaining the abc's. Awesome! Good clear and simple explanations. Surely a added value to all of us. Thumbs up. ;-)

@jenko701 10 жыл бұрын

Great video, same methods for looking for open ground. Don't forget Continuity tests of wires and parts. The more methods you have in your bag of tricks the better.

@ReneRmartin 3 жыл бұрын

This is a great training video for technicians. This is better then most automotive shop training modules.

@vaztion 10 жыл бұрын

Pure gold, Eric and Paul!

@rickm4295 4 жыл бұрын

This video is super good !!! Every single person that is weak on electrical issues is gonna make huge gains after watching this. Just learning when ground side switching is "normal" helped me. Now you can apply it and do tricks , hehe

@isabelosaguionjr6161 4 жыл бұрын

Scanner Danner and Erick the Car Guy The Awesome PILLARS of Automotive Diagnostics!!!, Sharing is Caring.God Bless!!!

@mangham2011 7 жыл бұрын

Best diagnostic video, EVER! Thank you.

@mlee81 2 жыл бұрын

Eric is a natural teacher. Very good

@shkodadmitry 10 жыл бұрын

Eric! watch your work constantly. Anglisski not speak. Your video without understanding the language is very clear and informative ..

@grtntgod 2 жыл бұрын

Been studying to grasp auto electronics your presentation is superb and gained for me the lexicon of electronics trouble shooting thanks

3 жыл бұрын

Two of the best automotive technician/teachers on KZfaq Chris Fix and Eric O from south Main Street auto is also a good teacher you guys help me a lot on repairing vehicles at work god bless you two

@LMacNeill 10 жыл бұрын

That was an EXCELLENT video! I've never quite understood how to determine, without a wiring diagram, which side is being switched until now. Thanks so much!! Great vid!

@petercatchpole2334 3 жыл бұрын

Still a great video!!!! So much better to see this done practically than just learning the theory. Thanks guys!

@sambitar8448 Жыл бұрын

ERIC, YOU ARE BOTH THE GREATEST ASSES TO OUR AUTOMOTIVE FIELD AND BETTER THAN THE BEST SOURCE OF PRACTIAL LOGIC IN EXPANATION. DANNER DOCUMENTED HIS KNOWLEDGE IN TEACHING AT THE SCHOOL ALSO AND PROVIDING HIS BOOK AS A GREAT SOURCE TO ALL TECHICIANS.

@carrollrobertg 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Seriously both of you have helped a normal joe keep his kids cars running. I have learned much and really am enjoying something I was never exposed to .... working on cars. You have and are educating me ... much apprceciated

@JamCass1TV 10 жыл бұрын

I learned more from this than any other video. I will be going back and watching it again.

@mitsulancer91 10 жыл бұрын

Really helpful to understand how this all works

@hashimraza4383 5 жыл бұрын

GOOD things to know with a great show with knowledge.

@isabelosaguionjr6161 4 жыл бұрын

Im following these guys, They are MAGNIFICENT!

@Mugah42 10 жыл бұрын

These collaborations are so great. The mutual admiration the two of you have for each other is beautiful. It adds something to the to the already wonderful education you are providing us. I will "like" any video with the both of you in it,

@jarinwilson9539 10 жыл бұрын

Determining circuit design, low side driver vs high side driver also determines the polarity at which your test light should be connected to in order to bypass components which I know Paul is notorious for doing(I do it all the time too) I just recently did it on a newer Honda(R17A) They use that starter cut relay with a yellow wire from the ignition switch energizing it. It is my preferred method for diagnosing compressor clutch coils as well. I am surprised no one has addressed Blind riveted TP sensors(Honda use to blind rivet their tps to the throttle body) A R&R video on those would be awesome. Great video guys.

@michaelglynn2638 10 жыл бұрын

Very good bite size info and fun to watch, more like this please.

@SamnissArandeen 10 жыл бұрын

This is more important than most people realize...also, Scanner Danner sounds like a professional wrestler name.

@mathbc1984 10 жыл бұрын

I will buy his book to learn more about electrical circuit. The entire video is really interesting. Now, after I watch this video, I have less problem to deal with electrical issue. Less is not meaning nothing.

@chrisbaker8722 5 жыл бұрын

Thankyou I will have to watch this video a few times to understand properly, in college we have just been introduced to these concepts on paper .

@MrMichael2009 10 жыл бұрын

the stumbling conversation is great!

@biancaboobchamp1078 10 жыл бұрын

Wow, so clearly explained. Great video. Stay healthy stay happy

@TheRedboy1195 10 жыл бұрын

Great video simple straight forward instruction Thanks

@johns2975 10 жыл бұрын

This will help me alot in the future,. I know some things about electricity but always scared to damage something in the car to find the source. thanks!

@johnbladykas4454 5 жыл бұрын

Outstanding video on clueing us on two wires and which way did they go

@JOEZEP54 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks guys. Great explanation!

@ncooty 3 жыл бұрын

Superb explanation. Great instructional prop. Very useful tutorial. Thank you.

@ayikanyingwilfred3858 Жыл бұрын

Wonderful piece of knowledge and skills. Thanks a lot.

@alexluz7023 Жыл бұрын

test light is great because it loads the circuit but just to find positive and negative wiring those "green,red leds testers" are a must i believe.. keep up the good work! love to see 2 great automotive legends together!!

@ACommenterOnYouTube Жыл бұрын

test light is only half the battle. It will light on 6V which will give you a false reading. We had a module that went bad in the car and the test light came ON while testing making us think it had power when it only had 8V going to it. Always use a volt meter to verify 12V

@gregorykusiak5424 5 жыл бұрын

I need to watch this a few more times to figure out if this is how a waste spark ignition coil pack works: I’ve long suspected that the ECU of my car alternates the lifting of ground and power to create the spark events, but now I will be able to learn/diagnose/backwards engineer the system prior to deciding to attempt to modify it. Thank you so much!

@UberAlphaSirus 10 жыл бұрын

When I was about 17 with my first car, negative side switching confussed the shit out of me until I drew a simple negative side switch diagram, then I got the light bulb moment. This should be a great smack in the face of logic for alot of people, great upload.

@wick3528 10 жыл бұрын

very well explained, cool to see paul in another vid

@user-sv2sl2lt1p 9 ай бұрын

amazing video. thank you. This whole channel is a great learning tool.

@nickayivor8432 2 жыл бұрын

Good Evening Ericthecarguy,ScannerDanner Thanks 👍 From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧

@coffinb1 5 жыл бұрын

You guy's are awesome !! Keep up the good work. I just work on my own cars. Really good info. 👍

@richardmwale7772 4 жыл бұрын

Paul and Eric, you are doing a comendable job on educating us in the Third World countries,, thanks a zillion once again.

@vaibhavprabhu04 5 жыл бұрын

Eric .... greetings from India.. very nice video and thoroughly informative.. definitely a coolest video

@arfk1986 6 жыл бұрын

Greetings from Egypt. Thank you.

@angelocedeno1906 4 жыл бұрын

Love these guys I appreciate all the videos

@xxrevansblackopsxx 10 жыл бұрын

Congratulations on turning over 400,000 subscribers!

@kobayashimaru8114 9 жыл бұрын

Great video! The only thing I would've added to the demonstration is another short piece of wire with alligator clips on each end to more accurately simulate a switch. The benefit to this would be identifying a positive side switch with just the volt meter by reading the switch's terminals. I think it also would've been nice to have a discussion about use cases for switching negative. But perhaps out of scope for this video.

@oraciorobles3328 8 ай бұрын

This is awesome video. Thank you both. God bless.

@mariametko 5 жыл бұрын

This is so important and should explain why you MUST disconnect an alternator COMPLETELY, not just the battery, before using arc welding on a vehicle.

@coffwalt7038 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you guys. Great video 👍

@chrislee4946 3 жыл бұрын

Great explanation I learned something new! Subscribed

@wakeuprandy 10 жыл бұрын

Great video, guys!!

@ezexiousco2409 3 жыл бұрын

Yes buddy my two hero ..GOD bless your family

@spiderdad00 10 жыл бұрын

Great video Eric loved it

@gentlerowdy 2 жыл бұрын

very nicely explained

@knobblyknob 2 жыл бұрын

Important info, especially with the advent of LED spotlights and light bars.

@ericmaapeh6045 2 жыл бұрын

You guys are too much am learning a lot of stuff from you. thank you so much

@fekaduzewdie2814 2 жыл бұрын

I need more to learning about short circuit. Thanks about detail.

@alvaradooutdoor 7 жыл бұрын

Love your video. Complete!

@marktirabassi7873 6 жыл бұрын

Great video. Tks guys

@mikegilbert5434 10 жыл бұрын

I'd love a video like this on voltage drops; identifying and locating.

@oneguy5311 8 жыл бұрын

Nice Video on explaining applied voltage. If no ground wire is found in a circuit it will be "flooded" with the voltage applied to the circuit. Even with many resistors in the circuit. Think of a winding river. If you place a dam in a river. The current flow goes to zero and all the winding turns and bends in the river get flooded out and overcome. You are essential cutting of the current flow. Those bends and turns in a river can be compared to resistors, but with a dam in place in the river (damn is like an open) they are overcome and now the water become static and the stored energy is the same from the power source to the dam (the open). Once the dam is removed (switch is closed) the circuit is complete and you get current flow...now the resistors (bends in the river) can effect current flow once again and you will energy losses (voltage drops) as the water flows around the bends. Very archaic way of explaining it but it helps to understand the basic theory.

@oneguy5311 8 жыл бұрын

+Oneguy If you test the side of the damn that has water flooded to it that is the positive side and you get applied voltage....if you test the side of the dam that has no water flow...that is the negative side and you will see zero. This my friends is known as my "DAMN THEORY" used it to teach military technicians for years. lol Hope I didn't confuse anyone.

@jaseralomary8854 4 жыл бұрын

Dear Excellent video

@MrMichael2009 10 жыл бұрын

you guys are awesome!

@Sugerboi 10 жыл бұрын

Cool guy, big respect .

@soomro753 Жыл бұрын

simple but informative vedio nice

@erkanerkan6821 7 ай бұрын

Both of you wonderfull Thanksss

@hwalton211 10 жыл бұрын

Eric, I really love watching your videos. What I would like to see is more that are done with a town and country/grand caravan. Mine needs a new heater core (leaks) and I need some expert advice on actually doing the repair.

@jwgmail Жыл бұрын

great stuff

@spelunkerd 10 жыл бұрын

The other way to quickly identify which side is switched if both sides show ground is to look for ghost voltage after disconnecting the device. The side where your multimeter shows an unwavering zero volts will be the constant ground, and the switched open side will show ghost voltage.

@ScannerDanner 10 жыл бұрын

good tip!

@VIheavyequipment 10 жыл бұрын

ScannerDanner hey I'm a first year heavy duty and I'm having troubles and at work understanding back feeding like when you did it positive to the posiive side it still lite up could you explain it a bit better sometime?

@ScannerDannerPremium 10 жыл бұрын

VIheavyequipment To be clear, you are talking about when I had my test light connected to B+ and I touched on the positive side of the light bulb circuit with the light bulb still plugged in and the light bulb wire disconnected from B+. Right?

@ScannerDannerPremium 10 жыл бұрын

VIheavyequipment The short answer is this: If you are doing this test with a high ohm load in the circuit, the test light may not even light. If it is a low ohm load (like in the video) the test light lit brightly. Another twist, if using an LED test light, it would even light with a high ohm load in the circuit as it doesn't require the same current flow to light the LED as it does an incandescent bulb. This is one of the reasons I do not like the circuit testers with the red and green LEDs for power and ground ID. In this application, one of those tools would have lit green on that positive side of the circuit telling you it is a ground, when it is not. It is an un-switched or turned off power supply. There is so much to this. Hard to put all the variables into print.

@jaetizzy1663 3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful

@ivancedillo8 10 жыл бұрын

I didn't know Jax from SOA teaches auto tech on the side. Sweet!

@VsixtyFive 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@rideordieguy1 2 жыл бұрын

Good info....

@israelayemoba 4 жыл бұрын

Two great men in automotive

@MohamedIbrahim-gs6tj 2 жыл бұрын

It's great toturials

@erwinramnandanlall6217 9 жыл бұрын

great video thanks guys

@kouyang2876 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you i have better a understanding about battery now

@JAVTROOPER Жыл бұрын

Thank you Master

@silet31 3 жыл бұрын

13:38 instead of test lamp sir, you can use also multimeter by putting the one probe in positive terminal of battery and the other probe is for the wire you want to check.