Automotive Wiring and Electrical Systems (Workbench Series) Paperback – Illustrated, April 2, 2009

Very informative book, reasonable price, honest seller, on time delivery.

This book has quickly become one of my favorite books!I am currently rebuilding a 1986 Chevrolet blazer and, as well as other aspects, the electrics do require a great deal of attention.I purchased this book from Amazon as a complete beginner with absolutely no confidence in electrics, but I was motivated by the potential financial savings and the ability to learn more about my car.This book did not disappoint! Firstly the book is very easy to read and follow (and I have no electrical back ground at all). I began with small jobs such as changing individual wires, ensuring connections where good, really just dipping my toe and getting my confidence. I have now moved on to slightly bigger jobs such as installing the wiring for the fog lamp system and installing a new wiring harness for my horn and I am make improvements on a weekly basis and learn something new! I am progressing up to bigger jobs as my confidence grows and I hope to soon start being able to fault find as well!If you are in the same situation, either you are looking to do electrical work on your car, either a complete overhaul (like me) or just to be able to fix odd jobs when they come up, then I recommend this book.It has been an incredible help and has given me a good understanding of the basics, giving me the confidence to begin working on the electrics myself and it continues to be an indispensable source of reference.

This is a fantastic book, and Tony Candela really knows how to put things in plain English. A couple of points I'd like to make:#1: The book left you wanting more...more projects, more information...just...more. Which he is happy to give everyone - in the second book of this series...(sigh)#2: Relays...they're important...they're awesome...they're the most important thing on the planet as far as Tony is concerned and when I finally learned about them, I couldn't agree more. However, for something so critically important...I felt his explanation of what the relay's job was lacked a bit of detail...maybe it was me, maybe I didn't read it well and I should go back and re-read it a couple more times...but...That being said, I read his book cover to cover and still felt I didn't quite "get" relays. One technical writeup I found online later, and I fully understood relays, how they worked, what they did and why they are just so gosh darned important in cars!So, long and short - it's a great book, if you're like me, be prepared to look up relays online and get the real scoop...and be prepared to shell out another wad of cash for the second book that walks you through more projects and gets you a lot more hands-on.

I am in the process of restoring a 45 year old car with atrocious wiring. After looking at the burnt wiring and tangled mess under the dash I went looking for a book that would help me figure out how to rewire the car. I ultimately purchased four books on automotive electrical projects, including Tony Candela's "Automotive Wiring and Electrical Systems" and his follow-up book "Automotive Electrical Performance Projects". Candela's two books are truly superb. If you are new to automotive electrical projects I recommend starting with his first book (Electrical Systems) then read the book on Performance Projects. The two books together lead you through the simple theory you need to understand the practical application of actually installing the wiring. I'm still in the process of installing an aftermarket wiring harness, plus rewiring the battery/Alternator/Starter system and upgrading the ground system for the entire vehicle. The books helped me decide what kind of wiring to upgrade, the tools I needed, types of connectors, how to install headlight relays and numerous other factors. There are quite a few books out there that tell you about Ohm's law and other technical details about automotive electrical systems. These two books show you "what to do" with detailed photos and diagrams that can be understand by your average backyard mechanic. Whether you need a simple courtesy light upgrade or a complete wiring harness install, there's information here that will help get the job done.

This book has something for everyone. Gives theory, formulas, and sound advice as to wiring a car...any car. A bit dated...but just a bit. With all the new stuff coming out, and with a little research on that new stuff, you can easily integrate them into this. It teaches you how to become adept at automotive wiring skills ...and teaches you the mindset to be independently capable. If you can read, comprehend what you're reading, and have good hands this book will be a great help to you. Get volume 2 also. Don't expect to see step by step instructions for your application though...This is designed to teach you how to make your own "connections" lol For those that do not understand this....hire an automotive electrician. For those that do...and want to learn...buy the books. Definitely not a waste of money.

Probably not a great book if you know what you are doing. I know cars inside and out, and have even rebuilt differentials and two engines. I don't know squat about wiring and electrical, however. Going back to square one for me was tough to do, ego-wise, but my more or less thorough automotive education has large holes that need to be filled. I am used to working out of manuals and such that are very tech oriented, but I knew zip about the tools and terms used for electrical work. This book got me up to speed enough to allow me to continue self teaching with more advanced manuals. I now understand most of the basics and am no longer reluctant to work on my aging wiring harnesses and connectors. Not a bad purchase at full price, but as a Kindle book it was a steal. At this price, if you do not like it you are not out very much. I though it was very useful and now have a much more evenly balanced skill set.

Love the book