While all cars look different, under the hood, they all pretty much function the same.
One thing you can count on is that your car is going to have plenty of electrical connection and components that help make it run. While most of the general driving public associate electrical issues back to the batteries, your car’s electrical system isn’t only made up of batteries, there are other parts as well.
Here’s some of the common non-battery issues we typically encounter during a typical roadside service call involving the electrical system…
Diagnosing Car Electrical Problems
Today, let us tell you about the common electrical problems that you might experience with your vehicle. Knowing them can help you better diagnose your vehicle or at least provide the necessary signs that the professionals need to know to figure out the problem.
When trying to diagnose your car for electrical problems, you have to be on the lookout for the signs. This can help you to pinpoint where the problem lies. Below are the most common problems you might encounter.
Car Starter Issues
The most common car problem that involves the electrical system is when the car simply won’t start. A common cause for this problem is the starter itself. Even if your battery are charged and the alternator belt is in great shape, you can’t start the car with a faulty starter.
The only thing that can be done here is to replace the faulty starter. One clear sign of this problem is the “clicking” sound that your car makes when you start it.
Problem With The Car Batteries
If the car still won’t start after you’ve checked that the starter works, you can move on to the next part, which is the battery. Usually an electrical problem that involves the battery won’t produce the clicking sound that you hear when the starter is the problem.
Your batteries can be dead or it could be leaking. One sign that tells that the battery needs attention is if your dim lights won’t turn on.
Faulty Alternator
Next on the list to check for a faulty alternator. When this is the problem, you’ll feel like the car is losing power and is slowing down. With an alternator that needs to be replaced, you’d also notice that the electrical system flickers because the charge is not properly distributed.
Once you’ve felt a decrease in power and when the car has suddenly lost its speed, the alternator might be the culprit.
Electrical Short Circuit
A short circuit can happen if there is too much power than what the electrical parts can handle. This can result in burning of some parts or even an explosion. A sign to watch out for is the odor of burnt plastic.
This can indicate that some of the wires have already shorted out, which produces heat and melts the plastic or rubber outer covering.
Improper Spark Plug Installation
Spark plugs that aren’t properly installed or attached may become more loose as you use the car.
When this happens, the damage can affect the other parts of the electrical system such as the pistons. Damaged, defective or loose spark plugs eventually lead your car to stop and lose power.
Fuse Box Problems And Loose Wires
If you’ve recently replaced your car’s fuse but find that you need to replace them again, there might already be a problem in your fuse box and should already be replaced.
Additionally, loose wires should also be checked because their presence can lead to blowing a fuse and eventually cause your car to lose power.
What You Should Do Next?
When you find yourself having car trouble, taking note of the different signs can help you with the identification of the car problem. However, you shouldn’t just try to fix the problem on your own especially if you don’t have enough knowledge about them. It is best to call on a professional and have them check your car. You can tell them about the signs that you observed and that would already be of great help.
Whenever you need to call for roadside assistance, always make sure that you choose a reputable company who’ll get there quickly. Problems with the electrical system of vehicles can be time sensitive and would be best if they are immediately dealt with. Plus, you wouldn’t want to have to wait for a long time just to have your vehicle serviced, wouldn’t you?
Source: https://www.carcility.com/blog/7-most-common-electrical-problems-in-cars/
Need an experienced roadside service company for your next battery service call? Call Cleveland’s own Speed Fleet Towing Service today…
