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(A6) Electrical / Electronic Systems

Video links by ASE Content Area. Includes video date, video length, and Halderman rating of Good, Better, or Best.

A. General: Electrical Systems Diagnosis (click to expand)
Automotive Electrical Diagnosis 5V Reference Circuit (Time 15:54) (2020) (Good)

Automotive Electrical Wire Connector Types Explained (Time 6:51) (2019) (Good)

Basic Automotive Electrical Diagnosis (Time 20:54) (2021) (Best)

Basic Automotive Electrical Diagnosis Test Lights and Voltage Drop (Time 18:15) (2020) (Best)

Basic Electricity for Service Techs: Ohm’S Law, Current Flow, Opens and Shorts (Time 13:53) (2012) (Better)

Basics of Ohm’S Law, Volts, Amps, Ohms, and Watts Explained (Time 16:38) (2020) (Better)

Best Way to Repair a Cut Wire Harness (Time 17:20) (2020) (Good)

Blower Resistor Replacement (Time 3:45) (2019) (Best)

Building a Solid Electrical Foundation (Time 41:28) (2018) (Better)

Capacitors Explained (Time 8:41) (2019) (Better)

Car Corner – Electrical Diagnostics (Time 51:43) (2019) (Better)

DC Series Circuits Explained (11:28) (2019) (Better)

DC Series-Parallel Circuit Total Resistance (Time 4:58) (2016) (Good)

DLC Testing Tips (Time 7:11) (2019) (Good)

Electric Circuits: Basics of the Voltage and Current Laws. (Time 9:42) (2015) (Better)

Electrical Diagnostics and Troubleshooting (Time 18:05) (2018) (Better)

Electrical Shorts (Time 2:44) (2012) (Good)

Electricity Explained (Time 10:39) (2017) (Good)

Flow of Electricity Through a Circuit (Time 4:30) (2020) (Better)

Fuse vs Relay: What is the Difference? (Time 2:38) (2017) (Good)

Guide to Common Automotive Electrical Connections (Time 11:30) (2018) (Better)

How a Basic Automotive Electrical Circuit Works (Time 12:15) (2020) (Good)

How Electricity Works Working Principle (Time 10:10) (2017) (Good)

How to Calculate the Voltage Drop Across a Resistor (Time 11:32) (2019) (Good)

How to Check for Bad Fuses with a Multimeter (Time 2:58) (2019) (Best)

How to Diagnose a Failed Relay in Your Car, Truck or SUV (Time 8:36) (2020) (Best)

How to Find a Short (Time 9:09) (2017) (Good)

How to Find and Replace a Blown Fuse in Your Car or Truck (Time 3:31) (2011) (Good)

How to Fix and Repair Automotive Wiring Harness (Time 5:22) (2013) (Good)

How to Fix Electrical Connectors Like a Pro (Time 6:15) (2016) (Good)

How to Hook Up an Ammeter (Time 9:44) (2020) (Good)

How to Locate an Open Circuit in a Wiring Harness (Time 50:25) (2017) (Good)

How to Make a Jump Wire for Testing Relay Sockets (Time 2:05) (2016) (Good)

How to Read, Understand, and Use a Wiring Diagram (Time 12:18) (2020) (Best)

How to Replace a Fusible Link (Time 6:57) (2015) (Good)

How to Replace Damaged Wires (Time 15:57) (2019) (Best)

How to Solder Wires Like a Pro (Time 9:22) (2018) (Good)

How to Splice in New Car Electrical Connectors (Time 6:48) (2017) (Better)

How to Splice Wires, How to Solder, How to Crimp, Wire Connectors (Time 10:00) (2020) (Better)

How to Test Car Fuses Using a Test Light (Time 3:05) (2018) (Better)

How to Use a Multimeter to Diagnose Car and Truck Electrical Problems (Time 8:36) (2020) (Best)

How to Use an Automotive Test Light to Find Problems (Time 3:08) (2018) (Good)

How to Wire a 4 or 5 Pin Relay (Time 6:31) (2017) (Good)

How to Wire an Automotive Relay (Time 6:11) (2020) (Better)

How to Wire an Automotive Relay Switch, with Diagram, 4 Pin (Time 5:13) (2020) (Good)

Ins and Outs of Automotive Fuses (Time 8:07) (2018) (Best)

Introduction to Automotive Electronic Control Units (Time 4:25) (2020) (Better)

Measure Amps (Non-Contact, DC) On a Car (Time 1:18) (2013) (Good)

Multimeter Basics for Automotive Use (Time 9:04) (2018) (Better)

Ohms Law Series Circuit (Time 4:30) (2017) (Good)

Open Circuits, Closed Circuits, and Short Circuits (Time 5:22) (2017) (Better)

Parasitic Drain (Time 8:38) (2016) (Better)

Resistors in Series and Parallel Circuits (Time 10:51) (2017) (Good)

Series and Parallel Circuits (2020) (Good)

Series Circuits (Time 6:01) (2019) (Good)

The Automotive Relay Explained (Time 12:59) (2017) (Good)

Voltage Testing Fundamentals (Time 39:42) (2012) (Good)

Watt’s Law (Time 10:32) (2016) (Good)


Task 1: Research vehicle service information including vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.

Task 2: Demonstrate knowledge of electrical/electronic series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits using principles of electricity (Ohm’s Law).

Task 3: Demonstrate proper use of a digital multimeter (DMM) when measuring source voltage, voltage drop (including grounds), current flow and resistance.

Task 4: Demonstrate knowledge of the causes and effects from shorts, grounds, opens, and resistance problems in electrical/electronic circuits.

Task 5: Demonstrate proper use of a test light on an electrical circuit.

Task 6: Use fused jumper wires to check operation of electrical circuits.

Task 7: Use wiring diagrams during the diagnosis (troubleshooting) of electrical/electronic circuit problems.

Task 8: Diagnose the cause(s) of excessive key-off battery drain (parasitic draw); determine needed action.

Task 9: Inspect and test fusible links, circuit breakers, and fuses; determine needed action.

Task 10: Inspect, test, repair, and/or replace components, connectors, terminals, harnesses, and wiring in electrical/electronic systems (including solder repairs); determine needed action.

Task 11: Check electrical/electronic circuit waveforms; interpret readings and determine needed repairs.

Task 12: Repair data bus wiring harness.

B. Battery Diagnosis and Service (click to expand)
AGM Battery Technology (Time 2:40) (2020) (Better)

How a Car Battery Works (Time 16:01) (2020) (Best)

How Does a Car Battery Work? (Time 3:09) (2018) (Good)

How to Charge and Test Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries (7:15) (2017) (Better)

How to Jump Start Your Car ((Time 1:38) (2016) (Better)

How to Jump-Start a Vehicle (Time 3:34) (2017) (Better)

How to Use Car Battery Charger (Time 5:19) (2015) (Better)

Testing Battery Health in Your Car, Truck, or SUV (Time 9:59) (2020) (Best)

What Is the Difference Between Conventional and Absorbed Glass Mat AGM Batteries? (Time 1:35) (2017) (Better)


Task 1: Perform battery state-of-charge test; determine needed action.

Task 2: Confirm proper battery capacity for vehicle application; perform battery capacity and load test; determine needed action.

Task 3: Maintain or restore electronic memory functions.

Task 4: Inspect and clean battery; fill battery cells; check battery cables, connectors, clamps, and hold-downs.

Task 5: Perform slow/fast battery charge according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

Task 6: Jump-start vehicle using jumper cables and a booster battery or an auxiliary power supply.

Task 7: Identify safety recautions for high voltage systems on electric, hybrid-electric, and diesel vehicles.

Task 8: Identify electrical/electronic modules, security systems, radios, and other accessories that require reinitialization or code entry after reconnecting vehicle battery.

Task 9: Identify hybrid vehicle auxiliary (12v) battery service, repair, and test procedures.

C. Starting System Diagnosis and Repair (click to expand)
A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Ignition Waveforms (Time 14:12) (2020) (Better)

Automotive Oscilloscopes (Time 37:10) (2019) (Better)

Automotive Waveform Noise (Time 5:10) (2020) (Good)

Basic Starting System (Time 10:32) (2019) (Better)

Engine Starting and Charging System (Animation) (Time 1:51) (2017) (Better)

How an Engine Starter Motor Works (Time 3:55) (2020) (Best)

How Does a Cars Starter Motor Work? (Time 5:52) (2019) (Better)

How to Diagnose a No Crank No Start Issue (Time 12:47) (2015) (Good)

Ignition Systems: How They Work (Time 13:30) (2018) (Better)

Testing with an Oscilloscope (Time 7:18) (2012) (Good)

The Starter Motor (Time 27:01) (2019) (Better)

What Happens When You Turn the Ignition Key in Your Car? (Time 5:14) (2019) (Best)


Task 1: Perform starter current draw tests; determine needed action.

Task 2: Perform starter circuit voltage drop tests; determine needed action.

Task 3: Inspect and test starter relays and solenoids; determine needed action.

Task 4: Remove and install starter in a vehicle.

Task 5: Inspect and test switches, connectors, and wires of starter control circuits; determine needed action.

Task 6: Differentiate between electrical and engine mechanical problems that cause a slow-crank or a no-crank condition.

Task 7: Demonstrate knowledge of an automatic idle-stop/start-stop system.

D. Charging System Diagnosis and Repair (click to expand)
Alternators and Batteries (Time 7:17) (2018) (Better)

Charging System Test (Time 4:49) (2010) (Good)

Electromagnetism (Time 5:08) (2019) (Good)

Electromagnetism Time (3:19) (2018) (Better)

How Alternators Work (Time 18:14) (2020) (Best)

How Alternators Work and a Simple Explanation of Electromagnetic Induction (Time 5:32) (2019) (Better)

How to Replace an Alternator (Time 11:52) (2015) (Good)

Intro to Magnetism and Magnetic Fields (Time 18:59) (2021) (Good)

Warning Signs of a Failing Alternator On Your Car (Time 3:04) (2018) (Good)


Task 1: Perform charging system output test; determine needed action.

Task 2: Diagnose (troubleshoot) charging system for causes of undercharge, no-charge, or overcharge conditions.

Task 3: Inspect, adjust, and/or replace generator (alternator) drive belts; check pulleys and tensioners for wear; check pulley and belt alignment.

Task 4: Remove, inspect, and/or replace generator (alternator).

Task 5: Perform charging circuit voltage drop tests; determine needed action.

E. Lighting Systems Diagnosis and Repair (click to expand)
A Beginner’s Guide to Understand Halogen Headlight Bulbs (Time 8:40) (2020) (Best)

How to Aim and Align Your Headlights Correctly (Time 13:04) (2007) (Better)

How to Properly Aim the Headlight and Fog Light (Time 5:39) (2018) (Good)

How to Test Automotive Bulbs and Turn Signal Lights for Resistance Measurements with Multimeter (7:53) (2020) (Good)

Testing Halogen Headlight Bulbs (Time 2:31) (2019) (Good)

Which Headlight Bulbs Should I Use in My Vehicle? (2018) (Better)


Task 1: Diagnose (troubleshoot) the causes of brighter-than-normal, intermittent, dim, or no light operation; determine needed action.

Task 2: Inspect interior and exterior lamps and sockets including headlights and auxiliary lights (fog lights/driving lights); replace as needed.

Task 3: Aim headlights.

Task 4: Identify system voltage and safety precautions associated with high-intensity discharge headlights.

F. Instrument Cluster and Driver Information Systems Diagnosis and Repair (click to expand)
How to Diagnose and Repair a Gauge Cluster (Time 3:56) (2015) (Better)


Task 1: Inspect and test gauges and gauge sending units for causes of abnormal readings; determine needed action.

Task 2: Diagnose (troubleshoot) the causes of incorrect operation of warning devices and other driver information systems; determine needed action.

Task 3: Reset maintenance indicators as required.

G. Repair Body Electrical Systems Diagnosis and Repair (click to expand)
Airbag Circuit Testing (8:03) (2020) (Better)

All Car Sensor Full Explanation (Time 4:01) (2018) (Better)

Auto Infotainment Systems (Time 3:28) (2015) (Good)

Automotive Controller Area Network (CAN) Overview and Training (16:28) (2016) (Good)

Autonomous Driving (Time 3:09) (2018) (Good)

Brake and Turn Signal Connections (Time 2:35) (2018) (Better)

Brake Pedal Position Sensor (Time 2:46) (2020) (Better)

CAN Bus Diagnostics (Time 2:55) (2015) (Better)

CAN Bus Explained (Time 8:41) (2017) (Best)

Car Sensors (Time 5:23) (2019) (Best)

Coolant Level Sensor (Time 2:25) (2018) (Better)

Ford Vehicles: The Absolute Easiest Way to Diagnose Air Bag Faults (Time 11:43) (2016) (Better)

Fuel Pump Electrical Check (Time 2:56) (2016) (Good)

GM Interlink Display Blank Screen, Flickering, and Bluetooth Errors (Time 6:09) (2019) (Good)

How Do Self-Driving Cars (Time 5:24) (2019) (Better)

How Do Self-Driving Cars Actually Work (Tesla, Volvo, Google) (Time 9:43) (2017) (Good)

How Do Wiper Motor Work from Wiring Diagram , for Toyota Camrys and Asian Cars (Time 4:43) (2019) (Good)

How Does a Fuel Delivery Module Work? (3D Animation) (Time (3:16) (2020) (Best)

How Self-Driving Cars Work (Time 7:07) (2019) (Good)

How Tesla’s Self-Driving Autopilot Actually Work (Time 4:27) (2016) (Good)

How to Diagnose Power Window Problem (Time 3:37) (2015) (Better)

How to Diagnose Your Car’s Non-Functioning Windshield Wiper Motor (Time 3:50) (2018) (Better)

How to Do Automotive CAN Bus Voltage Test (Time 29:14) (2019) (Good)

How to Install a Car Audio Capacitor (Time 1:29) (2010) (Good)

How to Install a Car Stereo (Time 13:33) (2013) (Good)

How to Remove Washer Fluid Pump 09-18 Ram 1500 (Time 8:44) (2018) (Best)

How to Replace Blower Motor Resistor 09-14 Ford F-150 (Time 6:26) (2018) (Better)

How to Replace Windshield Washer Pump 09-14 Ford F-150 (Time 7:19) (2018) (Best)

How to Scan a CAN (Controller Area Network) (Time 6:09) (2020) (Good)

How to Test a CAN Bus Network with a Meter (Time 16:06) (2019) ( Good)

How to Test: Seat Belt Pretensioner (Time 0:55) (2015) (Good)

How to Wire a Turn Signal Flasher Relay Directional Blinker On a Car, Truck, ATV, Motorcycle (Time 7:14) (2021) (Good)

How to Wire an Electric Fuel Pump (Time 7:36) (2015) (Good)

Immobilizer System Explained (Time 10:04) (2019) (Good)

Lights, Fans, Radio Not Working in Your Car? How Electric Circuits Work (Time 5:17) (2021) (Best)

Power Sliding Door Diagnosis 2008-20 Dodge Grand Caravan 5Th Generation (Time 10:15) (2020) (Best)


Task 1: Diagnose operation of comfort and convenience accessories and related circuits (such as: power window, power seats, pedal height, power locks, truck locks, remote start, moon roof, sun roof, sun shade, remote keyless entry, voice activation, steering wheel controls, back-up camera, parking assist, cruise control, and auto dimming headlamps); determine needed repairs.

Task 2: Diagnose operation of security/anti-theft systems and related circuits (such as: theft deterrent, door locks, remote keyless entry, remote start, and starter/fuel disable); determine needed repairs.

Task 3: Diagnose operation of entertainment and related circuits (such as: radio, DVD, remote CD changer, navigation, amplifiers, speakers, antennas, and voice-activated accessories); determine needed repairs.

Task 4: Diagnose operation of safety systems and related circuits (such as: horn, airbags, seat belt pretensioners, occupancy classification, wipers, washers, speed control/collision avoidance, heads-up display, parking assist, and back-up camera); determine needed repairs.

Task 5: Diagnose body electronic systems circuits using a scan tool; check for module communication errors (data communication bus systems); determine needed action.

Task 6: Describe the process for software transfer, software updates, or reprogramming of electronic modules.

Rap Relay (Time 9:02) (2011) (Good)

Reading an Existing CAN Bus Network (Time 11:30) (2021) (Best)

Seatbelt Pretensioner and Force Limiter (Time 1:54) (2016) (Better)

Splicing Into a CAN Bus Network (Time 13:18) (2021) (Best)

The Challenge of Building a Self-Driving Car (Time 15:45) (2019) (Better)

Turn Signal Controller Circuit (Time 8:09) (2020) (Good)

Turn Signal Wiring Schematic (Time 6:51) (2018) (Good)

Upgrade These for Better Car Audio Performance (Time 7:28) (2017) (Better)

Velodyne Lidar 101 (Time 3:48) (2018) (Better)

What Is CAN Bus? (Time 5:34) (2021) (Best)

Why Is My Car Horn Broken or Not Working (Time 3:42) (2019) (Best)