Common Car Electrical Problems
So much of a car runs on and is connected by electricity, from the starter to the headlights, so when there’s an issue with the electrical system, it can cause problems through the whole vehicle. But your Auto Correct technicians in Glendale, AZ can help you narrow down the issue to these seven most common car electrical problems, then fix them for you.
7 Common Car Electrical Problems
Battery
Most drivers have encountered a dead battery, whether their own, or someone else’s that they’ve been asked to jump-start. When a battery has fully died, your car simply will not start, though a dying battery will cause interior lights to shine more dimly than usual. The car’s engine may have difficulty turning over, and a battery warning light may come on. Luckily, battery issues are easy to fix: simply replace with a new battery. To give your new battery as long a life as you can, do your best to keep it out of extreme temperatures and ensure that the electronics and lights are turned off when you leave your vehicle.
Starter Motor
The starter motor pulls power from a car’s battery to turn the engine over and get the car fully started. If you start to hear clicking when you turn your key, or starting your car is a sporadic event, your starter motor is likely the cause. This could be due to general wear and tear, corrosion or loose connection in the wiring, or oil leaks. A faulty starter motor will most likely need to be replaced, but staying on top of general maintenance of the engine and electrical systems can catch these issues before they become a problem.
Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils
Ignition coils create the voltage for spark plugs to ignite the fuel mixture in your engine, and they can wear down or get damaged just like any other car part. Signs of damage and wear can be the Check Engine light turning on, odd power surges, reduced gas mileage, and engine stalls. If you start to notice these signs, you can start by cleaning any corrosion off the spark plugs. If they are too worn down, however, they may need to be replaced.
Alternator
A vehicle’s alternator takes the energy generated by the engine, converts it to electricity, and uses it to charge the battery and fuel the various electrical systems. If the alternator is wearing down or breaking, the conversion of energy will be less efficient and the electricity will not be distributed properly. If you notice your lights alternating between dim and bright, your radio or windows losing power, the power warning light turns on, or your vehicle stalls to the point that a jump-start will not restart it, you may have an issue with your alternator.
Light System
Problems with your headlights, taillights, or turn signals can be a very common electrical problem in cars. Luckily, these are usually a quick fix that mostly involves swapping out the old bulb for a new one — though we advise replacing your bulbs in pairs so that your headlights or tail lights are always on the same schedule. If the issue is not with the lightbulbs, it could be caused by wiring, switches, or connectors that need to be replaced.
Fuses
Old or overloaded fuses can be blown in your car just like in your fuse box at home. This could cause electrical functions like the power windows or radio to suddenly stop working. If it is the first time a fuse has blown in this car, you can simply replace the fuse with a new one with the same amperage. If blown fuses are a reoccurring problem, there is likely a big problem, and you should bring your car in to be inspected before the blown fuse brings the rest of the car with it.
Wiring
Wiring connects all electrical components of the car to each other, transporting power and communication. If the wiring becomes corroded or damaged — we’ve seen heat damage, poor installation, even rodent damage — it can no longer keep everything connected and working, leading to electrical failures, blown fuses, flickering lights, even the smell of burning or melting plastic. Wiring issues will require professional repair and inspection, and as soon as possible to prevent damage to other systems.
Preventing Car Electrical Problems
The best way to fix your car’s electrical problems is to prevent them, and the best way to prevent them is with routine maintenance and inspections. Don’t skip your oil changes or tune-ups, because they usually include inspections of all of your car’s major systems. Additionally, do regular checks on your battery and alternator, testing their voltage, to make sure they’re working properly. And, to prevent putting too much strain on the system, avoid diving into too many aftermarket electrical add-ons like fancy lights and stereos. They may seem cool, but they may be overloading your car’s alternator and fuses.
Have questions about your electrical system? Maybe it’s just time for a check-up. Stop by Auto Correct for a walk-in appointment, give us a call, or book an appointment for a time that works for you, and we’ll take care of your car’s electrical systems.
