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Watson’s StreetWorks’ LED brake lights have been one of their many award winning electrical products to hit the market.
Our friends at Watson’s StreetWorks have been producing some of the most amazing electrical must have gadgets, for several years. These switches, disconnects, gauges, lights, latches and other really cool stuff, have been staples for hot rod builders at every level. Part of what makes Watson’s StreetWorks the first stop for electrical needs is their ability to help everyone from beginning amateurs to seasoned professionals.
We hit up the folks at Watson’s for some technical tips on electrical testing, to help those struggling builders searching for answers on the internet. Watson’s tech crew handles questions from callers everyday about different parts and problems enthusiasts are experiencing. The crew deals with these questions that most often are relating to other manufacturer’s products, which has earned them a reputation as the “expert’s expert.”
Most of these calls have some common issues and problems, regardless of what the electrical product might be. They have generously provided us with some of the most common questions to help our readers avoid the same pitfalls.
Watson’s StreetWorks has so many products that you didn’t know you needed, until you see them.
Issue #1: This @#$%^&* thing doesn’t work and the @#$%^&* won’t @#$%^&* and @#$%^&* and @#$%^&*.
Watson’s Answer: Frustration seems to be all too common when doing electrical work. Some of that comes from not being able to see those pesky little electrons, some from not doing electrical work every day (experience) and some is because not many people really understand how it works. And that’s OK.
It’s important to honestly know your limitations and to stop and get help before you reach the boiling point. Once a person gets completely frustrated nothing can or will help, no answer will be “right”, no remedy will work until they calm down and start thinking rationally. Listen to what you are told and follow directions.
Pro Tip: Call before you get all wound up. Realize the true extent of your electrical knowledge and proceed accordingly. Get help when you need it.
Fashionable and functional are the key words in their product line.
Issue #2: It doesn’t work. What is the loose white wire for?
Watson’s Answer: It amazes us how many people don’t read, use, follow or can even find their instructions. There are too many companies who don’t provide instructions, others that give you the bare-bones instructions. But if you get instructions, please read them and use them. They have been provided for a reason.
Pro Tip: Instructions are your friends.
Issue #3: My left taillight isn’t as bright as my right taillight. What’s wrong with it?
Watson’s Answer: The common conclusion is that there’s something wrong with the left light, but that’s seldom correct. The two most common problems are: a bad ground on the light or lower voltage going to the light.
Pro Tip: Bad grounds are the number one problem with parts that don’t work, work inconsistently or stop working altogether. Test lights have their place but a Volt-Ohm Meter (VOM) is a great tool to have. You can get pretty good units these days at very reasonable prices. Learn to use it and it will help with a lot of these issues.
Issue #4: It worked fine before and now it doesn’t.
Watson’s Answer: Before what? Often the reply is, “Before it went to paint (or upholstery, or alignment, or…).” One of the best first questions when diagnosing a new problem is, “What has changed? What has happened between then and now?” I know of one case where the painter removed most of the ground wires, painted, and then put them back on top if his fresh paint – very bad for conductivity. In another case, an upholsterer cut through a bundle of wires because they were in the way and didn’t bother to tell the owner. Unfortunately, some people who don’t understand electricity can mess you up.
Expert Tip: Look for other, seemingly unrelated, possible causes for system that have stopped working right.
