Short Circuits

NOTE: Never use a self-powered test light to perform checks for opens or shorts when power is applied to the circuit under test. The test light can be damaged by outside power.

1) Isolate the circuit from power and ground.
2) Connect the self-powered test light or ohmmeter ground clip to a good ground and probe any easy-to-reach point in the circuit.
3) If the light comes on or there is continuity, there is a short somewhere in the circuit.
4) To isolate the short, probe a test point at either end of the isolated circuit (the light should be on or the meter should indicate continuity).
5) Leave the test light probe engaged and sequentially open connectors or switches, remove parts, etc. until the light goes out or continuity is broken.
6) When the light goes out, the short is between the last two circuit components which were opened.