Automotive Wiring and Electrical Systems : Workbench How-To

Often, wiring and electrical work intimidate automotive do-it-yourselfers more than anything else. It's not mechanical, and therefore, it's unfamiliar territory. Electrons are invisible, and to an untrained enthusiast they can do unpredictable things. Finally, here is an enthusiast's guide that takes the mysteries and misunderstandings out of automotive electrical design, modification, diagnostics, and repair.

Automotive Wiring and Electrical Systems is the perfect book to unshroud the mysteries of automotive electrics and electronic systems. The basics of electrical principles, including voltage, amperage, resistance, and Ohm's law, are revealed in clear and concise detail so the enthusiast understands what these mean in the construction and repair of automotive electrical circuits.

All the tools and the proper equipment required for automotive electrical tasks are covered. In addition, this in-depth guide explains how to perform more complex tasks, such as adding new circuits, installing aftermarket electronics, repairing existing circuits, and troubleshooting. It also explains how to complete popular wiring projects, such as adding late-model electronic accessories and convenience items to earlier-model cars, installing relay systems, designing and assembling multi-function circuits and harnesses, and much more.

With this book in hand, you will be able to assemble, design, and build single- and multi-function circuits and harnesses, troubleshoot and repair existing circuits, and install aftermarket systems and electronics. Automotive Wiring and Electrical Systems is the perfect book for wiring a hot rod from scratch, modifying muscle car electrical circuits for cooling fans and/or power windows, or adding a big stereo and other conveniences to modern performance cars.

About the Author

Tony Candela has been in the automotive aftermarket electronics industry for 20 years and has held positions in installation, sales, management, manufacturer's sales representation, and regional sales management.

During his tenure, he has worked for two aftermarket electronics manufacturers, Clifford Electronics and Rockford Fosgate. Candela has created and given hundreds of seminars on the topics of installation, application, wiring, and basic automotive electronics, and is the author of CarTech's best-selling Automotive Wiring and Electrical Systems.

Table of Contents:

About the Author

Acknowledgments

What is a Workbench Book?

Introduction

Chapter 1: Understanding Electrical Principles, Simple Circuits and Working Safely High Current/Low Voltage

Chapter 2: The Right Tools for the Job

Chapter 3: The Fundamentals of Automotive Wiring

Chapter 4: Ignition Switches, Wiring Harnesses and Controllers

Chapter 5: Power Accessories and the Charging System

Chapter 6: Wiring Aftermarket Equipment and Upgrading Components

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting

Chapter 8: Advanced Installations and Interfaces

Chapter 9: Building a Wiring Harness

Resources

Appendix