Can't find info

[wildcard]

I've tried the Archives, links and FAQs. I'm looking for the directions on locating a short by disconnecting a battery cable and using a test light. But from there I go blank. I know the steps have been explained before and I used to use that method. Guess it's that age thing happening. So could someone refresh my memory please ?

[Thunderfoot]

This post talks about it some... http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 15#p265865

[m-mman]

Connect a simple test light between the (removed) positive battery cable and the battery terminal. With EVERYTHING off (is there a clock in the radio?) the bulb should not glow at all.

To see how this works; With the test light connected turn on the headlights. (a huge draw) you will see the test light glow brightly. A small draw (short?) will make the test light glow very dim.

If there is a draw then follow the positive cable to the starter solenoid and remove all the wires from the side of the solenoid where the battery cable connects. Then jump the test light from the battery terminal to EACH of the individual wires. The one wire that causes the test light to glow as brightly as when it was connected between the terminal and the cable is the wire that is 'shorted'. (Drawing power with the key off)

Then the hard part begins. Trace that wire through the system until you find out where (or why) it is drawing power.

Safety issues: Connecting and reconnecting this wire can cause a small spark. IF your battery is dead or recently charged it could be producing hydrogen gas which is explosive and can be easily ignited. If your battery is not a fully charged, fully functional battery put one in during the tests.

[wildcard]

Thanks Thunderfoot and m-mman. I determined I have a small short somewhere in the light system. I was working on rewiring a boat trailer and couldn't seem to make it work right. But that prob ended up to be in the new wiring harness for the boat. Ended up swapping 2 wires around and works fine now. Apparently they messed up inside the plug on the trailer side so now the brown/yellow goes to yellow and yellow goes to brown.
Guess now I can start looking for a short in my truck.