How can I test the voltage on my defroster?
Now test the voltage at the defroster power clips/tabs (on the defroster) using a volt meter or test lamp with one lead to each of the tabs. If you see 12-14 volts or the test light is on then you have a good circuit and the problem is likely with the grid itself. Think separated tabs, scratches or old age. Defroster Tabs?
What to do if your Frost fighter defroster fails?
Begin trouble shooting a total grid failure by carefully inspecting the thick vertical side bars of the defroster. A break or scratch in one of these bars could cause the defroster to fail completely. Use the Frost Fighter Defroster Grid Kit to repair any small breaks or scratches in these critical side bars.
How can I tell if my defroster line is broken?
A really good way to identify broken or “worn out” lines is to switch on the defroster in cold/damp or humid weather to identify which lines are working and which are broken or damaged. Once a break or breaks in the defroster grid has been located, it’s time to consider how to repair the problem.
Why does the grid on my defroster stop working?
Over the years with sun, cleaning or scratching some of these conductive silver particles can come off the glass creating more and more electrical resistance until the defroster stops working all together. If the grid is scratched you can use the Defroster Repair Grid Kit to fix the areas that have the small breaks.
Why does the Volt gauge go up and down?
The voltage always fluctuates, goes up and down depending on how much current is being used by the accessories, and the engine rpm, the charge state of the battery, the ambient temperate, all affect the voltage. Fluctuation is normal, it’s like the stock market.
Where are the probes on a voltage drop meter?
The basics of a voltage drop measurement, where both probes of the meter are placed on the same side of the circuit (here, shown between the positive battery terminal and the positive post on the starter solenoid).
What happens when there is no voltage drop in a starter?
If there is no voltage drop in the cable, the voltage at the terminal on the starter solenoid will be same as it is at the positive battery terminal, and the meter will read zero. But if there is a measurable voltage drop, the meter will tell you what it is.
What does a 5 Volt voltage drop mean?
But, before you condemn it, run a voltage drop test between the alternator and battery. GM typically runs a fusible link wire between them for overload protection and they can go bad, mimicking a bad alternator. A voltage drop of .25 volts or less is Ok and the alternator is bad. A voltage drop of .5 volts or more means the wire is bad.