Need a Good Electrical technician!

[alley_walker]

You know, having a electrical problem can be a very frustrating situation. currently have a Freightliner that cant hold a charge even with 4 new batteries. So yesterday having been at a Freightliner for the 3rd time with the same set of problems, I was told that it cant be fixed!!?? They have had the truck for a week for repairs because of a accident the truck was involved in. (Not me driving--Not my co-driver either) They said they would have to jump start it every morning. It was asked of them to "check it out" But the problem was never identified therefor never fixed. Yesterday they said they know what the problem is, just cant fix it............... edited by me ......What a surprise ,I just received the good news they fixed it.

When it comes to electrical problems from a mechanics stand point, the less you know the more you get paid!!! Anybody know a good technician in the Indianapolis area?:duh2[1]:

[2millionplus1]

I have always had real good luck with Fyda Freightliner. Closest would be Columbus or Dayton. The one in Dayton is right on I-70

[rollnthunder]

Electrical problems really are not that bad to figure out.They can be time comsuming.When i use to work at a bodyshop we would have these problems every so often.The easiest way is to pull fuses one at a time till the drain stop then you know what curcuit to look at.Some mechanics dont like to work on these kind of problems because they are so challenging.Your doing the right thing in trying to find a new mechanic.

[Dr._Wrench]

Finding electrical problems involves utilizing the 'process of elimination' by checking current draw while pulling fuses out of each circuit until a substantial reduction in current draw is noticed (as RollinThunder mentioned).

Most reputable shops have an electrical test device that can be clamped around the positive battery cable to monitor amp draw while eliminating circuits (pulling fuses) until a lower amp draw reading is noticed. Once they isolate the problem to a particular circuit then they can trace it.

I've found lots of typically unsuspected current draws on vehicles I've worked on, including glove box & side box lights that would stay on after the doors are closed. Also, if you have a stereo with an amplifier(s) in it be sure that it (they) turns off when the stereo is turned off.

Power inverters with no low-voltage cut-off are also a culprit, especially if you leave it on constantly to run a 120-volt refrigerator.