Grounds
B33p3r
01-26-2005, 09:39 PM
I am by no means any kind of self proclaimed expert on automotive electrical systems. Since joining the forum and reading different problems and seeing people post the solutions once determined, I am convinced in my own mind that a large number of electrical problems can be remedied and avoided if we maintained the grounding system in our vehicles.
I am in the electrical field, and alot of technology today is based on 24 volt (might as well say 12 volt) control power. I've had the oppurtunity to deal with 120 volt ac control and 24 volt dc control. I must tell you that 24 volt dc control is a lot more prone to ground problems. Grounds must be "clean" and tight.
I see these problems in controlled enviroments. Vehicles weather all kinds of enviroments. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of parts are changed out because they were thought to be defective when in fact by changing the part, the grounds were cleaned or retightened in the process thus eleminating the problem. Thus we think the parts was to blame. Me? from this point on, I'm going to check all vehicle ground points( an electrical diagram of your vehicle will show you where they are) once a year(in the fall just prior to winter) . Clean them, make sure all corrosion is removed, and make sure they are tight. Replace oil for an engine, Replace ground for electrical system! What does everyone think?
I am in the electrical field, and alot of technology today is based on 24 volt (might as well say 12 volt) control power. I've had the oppurtunity to deal with 120 volt ac control and 24 volt dc control. I must tell you that 24 volt dc control is a lot more prone to ground problems. Grounds must be "clean" and tight.
I see these problems in controlled enviroments. Vehicles weather all kinds of enviroments. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of parts are changed out because they were thought to be defective when in fact by changing the part, the grounds were cleaned or retightened in the process thus eleminating the problem. Thus we think the parts was to blame. Me? from this point on, I'm going to check all vehicle ground points( an electrical diagram of your vehicle will show you where they are) once a year(in the fall just prior to winter) . Clean them, make sure all corrosion is removed, and make sure they are tight. Replace oil for an engine, Replace ground for electrical system! What does everyone think?
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