Bad Ground Connection On Cars-Meaning,Symptoms, Diagnosing and Solving The Problem

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Content of this video:
00:00 Intro
00:35 What is a ground connection?
01:19 Symptoms of a bad ground connection-heavy cranking
02:01 Low alternator voltage
02:32 Flickering headlights
02:53 Car will crank but will not start
03:16 Electronic glitches
04:32 How to find the problem-use a multimeter
06:42 Visual inspection of the connections
09:11 Use a jumper cable
10:26 Solutions to a bad ground connection problem
12:20 Recap
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A bad ground connection is one of the most overseen and neglected electrical car problems.
Although it's very simple to fix in most cases, some symptoms mimic more serious car problems (a weak car battery, bad starter, bad alternator, faulty electric or electronic components, or else).
This often leads to unneeded and sometimes very expensive repairs that solve nothing.
So before you go and spend a significant amount of money and time, take a look at this video tutorial. It may prevent this and perhaps help solve the bad ground connection problem yourself.

You can also read our illustrated articles on the same topic by clicking here:

Hope the video helps, please like and subscribe to our channel!

[conswelob]

Out of all the videos here on YouTube about checking the ground connections, I actually understood what to do. Thank you for making it easy to understand. Have a blessed day.

[joethesequel]

The jumper cable test worked for my 30 year old truck. I had no power inside the truck except the cab light. I was about to buy a new battery even though mine tested 12.6 volts. I turned the key on and hooked up one side of the jumper cables from the negative battery to the fender and everything came on inside. I cleaned the negative battery cable at the alternator. 5 minute fix after watching the video. Thank You so much!!!

[activatedcarbon]

Not to get too far into the weeds of esotericism, but grounding your barefeet to the earth can create stability and homeostasis in the body as well. My 2015 Charger was having no crank issues and just as you correctly stated, it could be a faulty ground game or “Bad Earth” connection issue..Everyone should buy a multimeter and self jump battery capacity for a good educational DIY experience. Remember cars and computers are mimicking our internal human electrical system. Thanks for this..

[Javilon]

Definitely One of the better videos I’ve seen regarding this bad ground issue. Thank you 🙏

[Ridestereo]

Finally someone that breaks it down in a simple form, I've been having some issues with my Jetta. Pretty sure it's a bad ground connection or ECM. This video helped me understand how everything goes together and how to use a multimeter as well.

[abdelmalekbeo]

I clipped every connector under the hood, even the ones to the battery. I replaced the Battery connectors with Brass ones, replaced a few ground cables (easier) from the body to the engine. Plugged the battery cables back, turned the ignition and all lights came on, the car started better than it used. Thank you so much. The Electricians told me I needed an ECM (Computer) and a new set of keys. Your video saved me $700. Thank you thank you thank you.

[maitrejohn]

I think my car might have a bad ground connection, I will definitely follow these steps. I am very impressed by the way you explained everything, you made it so simple to understand and easy to follow. Thank you very much.

[SkyEaglespirit]

You helped me, I knew I had a good battery & the alternator was fine. I was told my battery cable was recalled. I'm stuck 400 miles from home, alone & need to get back. I cleaned the one accessable ground connection & haven't had trouble since. Thank you very much for the info. Now my serpentine belt is squealing & I must replace before my trip. I've had one blow before & it busted the water resivour & temp guage.

[nativearizona]

You give a lot of common-sense remedies to car problems, I like the way you present solutions!

[gpadepedro]

This video solved my no crank no start totally dead car. The voltage measured on the battery terminal was 12.5 volts, however, when the negative probe was moved a few inches away from the battery negative terminal, the voltage went down to 10 volts. The problem was a rusted and corroded connector on the negative terminal. Thank you for this video. Appreciate it.

[Jvinson]

Thank you! I actually understood what to do! Very informative and kept it simple! Thanks again!

[georgesadler]

MR. Despair Repair, thank you for helping me to understand bad ground connections on cars. I am currently restoring a 1986 Toyota Camry Le in Baltimore, Maryland.

[GreekMe]

Replaced FIVE starters (each one lasts maybe a month!) so thanks for this very helpful video, looking for all the ground connections to see if heavy cranking is burning them up due to poor ground. Maranatha

[NonprofitWrench]

Good video!
The jumper cable method is pretty fast. Idk about newer cars but I've also heard of people creating an additional ground on older vehicles. I suppose for a ground diagnoses in conjunction with a certain ground not easily accessible or the area of ground conection is simply too oxidized. May as well check out the condition of the positive cable while you're poking around.
My truck has a slow start, takes an extra crank, bit of a lope. Charging system/battery is good, might just replace the battery cables for the heck of it, see what happens. Its 220, 000 miles and a decent amount of corrosion akl along the inside of the cable. So even it doesnt solve my problem, I feel compelled to do it.
Come check me out.

[aliciageorge]

Awesome video. Im gonna try to clean all of the connections on my car tomorrow. Its a little corroded, and been having issues with my lights, air, wipers, and dash light not working. My "hand brake" signal comes on. On figured it was a bad ground so came across this and it was great! Thanks so much!

[elle]

Thank you sooo much!
I don't think I have this problem but the information is sooo useful.
It will save hours of looking for an electrical fault...
I have similar symptoms to those below, and I think it maybe the alternator, but this information will help eliminate a lot of possibilities!
... And so easy to understand..
I am definitely subscribing 👌

[darlaprest]

Lesson learned. Wished I'd seen it sooner before the new battery. Thanks so much.

[keronemunsie]

This guy breaks down every details so you can understand

[mattsmith]

awesome video! imo, everyone that drives a vehicle should know this info. keep up the good work!

[nextphase]

Very clear and concise review of how to check ground connections. Thanks very much!