How to Use an Automotive Test Light - Quick and Easy

** Timeline below if you would like to jump to a specific section **

A test light is a simple, quick tool to test for electrical issues in your car. They may look intimidating, but I promise you it's easy to use! In this video I show what a test light is, how a test light works, and what to look for before you purchase.

Timeline
0:00 - Intro
0:13 - Basic Construction of a Classic Test Light
0:30 - How to Use Classic Test Light
1:24 - Application (Testing Fuses)
1:51 - Modern Test Light vs. Classic Test Light
2:43 - How to Use Modern Test Light
3:00 - Things to Know Before You Buy / Different Types
5:48 - Thanks!

Tools Used
- Test Light

[jonnyboat]

I almost thought I was watching one of Chris Fix’s talking hand videos. Excellent job. That was explained as if you remembered what it was like when you didn’t know how to use a tester and what questions a newbie would have.

[Turco]

I don't know what Joe looks like but if I saw his hand on the street, I'd easily recognize him.

[porkyrabbit]

We need more people like you on YT. this was very helpful brotha!

[jonnyboat]

You should do an “understanding electricity” video. The best way I ever heard of to depict how electricity works and how devices employed to control and refine electricity, was to think of electricity as water flowing through a pipe. You can use ball valves to act as switches and clear tubing to depict wires and colored water to depict electricity.

[pyrokamileon]

I have acquired one or two of these via tool kits over the years but never knew how to use them. thank you very much for helping me understand this tool a bit better 👍🏽

[tldrafaik]

Thanks for the detailed explanation. Thought I was watching a ChrisFix video for a second 😆

[blacksonne]

Thanks man, I will I can't believe I'm saying this but I've been working on cars and trucks for 30 years n I just never really messed with the wiring if I did I just winged it. I mean I did a cv axle on a BMW yesterday but I never knew how to use one of these. So thanks.

[CIorox_BIeach]

I just used it to hunt down a parasitic draw.
>Disconnected the negative lead from the battery.
>Had my kid brother hold the probe on the battery clamp with the clip on the post.
>Pulled and reset fuses until he yelled that it went dim.
Found it. The damn radio. It's an aftermarket part that one of the previous owners installed.
All the problems I've been having with my truck for the last two years were the result of someone "upgrading" things. Yes, it's a very nice tape deck, but it ain't worth s**t if I can't start it in the morning.

[buggybunny]

Helped me out big time, trying to get my trailer lights to work. Thank you

[theeabster]

Your last name fix? cuz I could have swore for a minute that I clicked on Chris fix video the way the video started. Lol thanks for your video

[jsn]

I got a test light with a built in voltmeter. Saved me so much time.

[ClassicBMWFanInQuebec]

Thanks for the video, now I understand how test lights work :)

[sandywoolf]

The video explains very well. The voltage test pen is still necessary. I bought a renhotecic brand test pen not long ago. The test is very convenient, accurate and safe. Family must.

[wilmagerrits]

Thanks so much, very easily explained, so now I know how to use my new tester.

[vicpetrishak]

To receive the best ground on a vehicle, clamp a small locking pliers ( ViseGrips ) onto a good ground then clamp the test light’s clip to it .

[michaeledwards]

Thank you so much! Great video on the led type test lights. You provided exactly the information I needed.
🌊 Thanks again.

[Lawlessindika]

Yo!..Havent seen you since the Adams Family bro. . nonethless Good video man.

[KH-elvc]

Thank you very much for your video, Mr. JoeCanDolt.

[richroc]

My problem is I’m looking at how to use a circuit tester that has TWO clamps (one red and the other black). I understand how to use it with a battery but what if I can’t reach the battery, can I just use the black clamp and attach it to a piece of metal as a ground without having to connect the red clamp?

[Brain-Lag]

Thank you. I needed this to help me with my headlights ❤❤❤