01
Voltage, Current, Resistance & Power
What each electrical quantity means and how technicians measure it.
Core Topic
BTAT Learning Center
Learn Automotive Technology
Start with electrical fundamentals and build toward circuit testing, diagnostic strategy, wiring diagrams, and scan-tool diagnosis.
Foundation
Automotive Electrical Fundamentals
This path is arranged so each topic builds on the one before it. You can still jump directly to the subject you need.
02
Ohm's Law & Watt's Law
Use the relationships between voltage, amperage, resistance, and power instead of memorizing isolated formulas.
Video Available
03
Series Circuits
Current flow, voltage drops, total resistance, and what changes when one resistance changes.
In Development
04
Parallel Circuits
Branch current, shared voltage, total resistance, and how parallel loads affect the source.
Planned
05
Series-Parallel Circuits
Break mixed circuits into manageable sections and predict what each measurement should show.
Planned
Testing & Diagnosis
From Theory to Diagnosis
The goal is to use circuit behavior to decide what to test, where to test it, and what the reading means.
Digital Multimeter UseMeter setup, lead placement, voltage, resistance, and current measurements.
Voltage Drop TestingFind unwanted resistance while the circuit is working under load.
Open CircuitsRecognize the measurements that point to a loss of continuity.
Shorts to GroundUse circuit behavior and isolation methods to narrow the fault.
High ResistanceUnderstand why a circuit can show voltage but still fail under load.
Wiring DiagramsFollow power, ground, loads, splices, connectors, and control paths.
Diagnostic Thinking
Build a Testing Strategy
A good diagnostic process starts by predicting what should happen, measuring what actually happens, and using the difference to narrow the fault.
1
Understand the Circuit
Identify the source, load, control, power path, and ground path before testing.
2
Make a Prediction
Decide what voltage, current, resistance, or signal you expect at the test point.
3
Test & Narrow
Compare the reading to your prediction and move through the circuit logically.
Practice the Math
Use the Technician Tools
Use the BTAT calculators alongside the lessons to check Ohm's Law, Watt's Law, unit conversions, and circuit values.