The electrical systems in your car run just about everything, from starting your engine to running your radio, running your alternator to working your headlights. So if your car’s electrical system is on the fritz, then it can cause problems throughout the whole vehicle. Pearson Auto in Fairbanks and North Pole, AK, have encountered — and fixed — their share of auto electrical problems. Here are seven of the most common.
7 Common Auto Electrical Problems
Battery
A dead car battery is possibly the most common electrical car problem for a driver to encounter. If a vehicle has encountered extreme heat or cold, or had lights left on, the battery can be completely drained until the car can not start. If this is the case, it usually only needs a jump-start from another car, pulling enough power from a live battery to get it working on its own. However, if your battery is dying frequently, it is likely time to replace it with a new battery.
Starter Motor
A car’s starter motor pulls stored power from the battery to turn over the engine and start the car. However, if the starter motor is faulty or worn down, you may have trouble or inconsistency getting the car started, or start to hear clicking noises when you turn the key. If the motor is the cause — rather than cleanable corrosion or loose wiring — the full starter motor will probably need to be replaced.
Alternator
The alternator in a vehicle will take the energy that the engine generates and convert it into electricity. It then moves the electricity into the battery for future use, as well as other electrical systems in the car like the lights, stereo, and windows. However, if the alternator starts to fail or becomes too worn to be effective, the energy conversion and distribution will also be less effective. Windows and stereo may lose power, lights — internal and external — may dim, and your engine may stall. If you start to notice these signs, bring your car in to your favorite technicians for repair or replacement.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs create the literal spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in your car’s engine to make it run. The many ignitions, however, can lead to buildup, heat damage, and corrosion on the spark plugs that can interfere with their ability to work. If you start to notice power surges, engine stalls, reduced gas mileage, and your Check Engine light turning on, there could be a spark plug issue. It could be a matter of simply cleaning the corrosion and buildup off of the plugs. If that doesn’t help, or there is too much, replacing the spark plugs is the smart option.
Wiring
Wiring is involved in all electrical systems in the car, ensuring that power and signals reach where they are supposed to. If systems are on the fritz, however — lights are flickering, fuses keep blowing, there is a smell of melting or burning plastic, the car’s fuses keep blowing — there is a high chance that there are corroded or damaged wires. This can come from heat, rodents, poor installation, weather damage, or any number of causes. If wiring is the cause of your car electrical problems, it will require professional repair and inspections.
Fuses
Like your fusebox at home, the fuses in your car can also be overloaded and blow. Blown auto fuses can lead to systems like power windows and radios to stop working suddenly. Luckily, if this is the first time your car has blown a fuse, it’s most likely a matter of just replacing the blown fuse with a new one of the same amperage. However, if this has happened multiple times, especially if it’s happening frequently, the fuse is indicative of a larger problem deeper in the electrical system, and should be investigated quickly to prevent the whole system going down with the next blow.
Light System
The light system in your vehicle consists of your headlights, tail lights, and turn signals. When one of these lights goes out, most likely the issue is just a matter of replacing the bulb. We at Auto Correct recommend replacing your lightbulbs in pairs — both headlights, tail lights, or turn signal lights at once — to keep things on approximately the same replacement schedule. However, if your light is still out after replacing the bulb, the issue could be caused by switches, wiring, or connectors that need replacing.
How To Prevent Car Electrical Problems
The best kind of action is prevention when it comes to car repair. And a car’s electrical system is no different. Routine maintenance and inspections like oil changes and tune-ups will review all of your car’s primary systems — including the electrical ones — to catch signs of wear and tear before they cause problems. Outside of the auto shop, you can ease the strain on your electrical systems by easing up on or avoiding the aftermarket add-ons like fancy stereos and lights. While they absolutely seem fun, they could be overloading your alternator’s and fuses’ capabilities.
Time for a check in on your electrical system? Have concerns? Stop by either of our Pearson Auto locations for an electrical service, or to winterize your vehicle.