Any way to artificially test grounding issues?

[thefrey]

2013 Yukon 6.2. I am having some headlight flickering issues along with a battery light that seldom appears only when at a stoplight and will go away with higher RPMs.

Did some multimeter test on the alternator/battery and everything seems to checks out. Before I throw the parts cannon at it, can you artificially test for grounding issues with a pair of jumper cables? I feel like this would work in theory and would point me in a direction. Not sure if anyone has tried this before

 

[Scrappycrow]

Yes, you can use the ohmmeter portion of the multimeter to check continuity, grounding, and whether there's a short.

What would you be trying to do with the jumper cables? Create another ground path? If so, yes, you can do that, but you can also fabricate your own test leads with a length of wire and some alligator clips.

 

[Fless]

An ohmmeter will tell you if you have continuity, but not if the circuit can handle the load. Google "voltage drop test" and see what YouTube returns. It can be done on both negative and positive circuits as separate tests.

And, yes, you can use jumper cables or another heavy wire to test and also to confirm the results of a voltage drop test.

Lastly, check the alternator for AC ripple.

 

[petethepug]

If not done yet replace the -/+ battery cables. They rot from inside out but look pristine on the outside. Rotten cables play havoc on the heavily optioned Denali & Caddy’s.

Once you replace the cables you’ve rid the truck of almost all the phantom false code source. You can then check the underhood fuse box and its contact board.

 

[OR VietVet]

Sure sounds like an internal regulator in the alternator.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

As stated above, multimeter testing of the battery does not provide any information on the remaining load capacity of the battery. Charge the battery, remove it from the truck, and take it to a local auto parts store that has a bench style battery load tester. This is the only way that you can eliminate the battery as a potential source of your issue.

 

[Doubeleive]

turn everything in the vehicle on, engine on lights on high beam, fog lights, hazards, rear defroster, heater on high fan speed (front & rear), seat heater, wipers full speed, radio full blast, if you have rse turn that on .
then take your volt meter and test at the battery terminals and see what voltage you have at the battery terminals and see what the ground ohm's out from battery post to frame