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Common Auto Electrical Problems

Auto Electrical servicing is one of the most important ways of keeping modern cars running efficiently and safely. You should always visit a qualified auto electrician to ensure your vehicle is maintained properly.

It is easy to spot an auto electrical issue when the worst happens. A car which will not start signals an issue with the battery, alternator or spark plugs. But what about when there are more subtle issues going on with your vehicle? There are warning signs which can signal that you need to make a trip to see an auto electrician or suitably qualified mechanic. Some of the top symptoms and causes of auto electrical failure include:

  • Faulty start due to worn out spark plugs.
  • Engine will not start due to a broken alternator.
  • Dead battery due to buildup on the connection cables.
  • Puddle under a car which will not start due to a leak in the battery.
  • Engine does not engage due to failed starter and cylinders which haven't been ignited.
  • Engine light on.
  • Car will not start due to faulty electrical components.

In addition to the traditional systems such as starter motors and simple systems like radios, the electrical systems of modern cars now need to cope with many more components. Such things as modern safety systems & controls and a range of electronic devices such as navigation systems and various entertainment devices all rely on your auto electrical system to function.

Auto Electrical Services from Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service include testing, servicing, refitting and repairing a whole range of electrical components fitted to different types of vehicles including:

  • Electrical Diagnosis
  • Electric Window Repairs
  • Central Locking Repairs
  • Starter Motor Repairs
  • Battery Check
  • EFI Diagnosis
  • Spark Plug Checks
  • ABS Brake Services
  • Globe Replacement
  • Battery Replacement
  • Reversing Sensors
  • Alternator Replacement
  • Spark Plug Replacements
  • Dual Battery Installation
  • Rear View Camera Installation
  • Car Alarm Repairs & Installation
  • Key Pad Repair & Replacement
  • Electric Brakes Repair & Installation
  • Belt Check
  • Battery Cleaning
  • Check Engine Light On
  • Air Bag Warning Light On

Have all of your auto electrical issues taken care of when you make an appointment at Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service today!

Common FAQs - Auto Electrical

Dead Batteries, alternator problems, solenoid issues, spark plugs, low voltage - there are plenty of things that can cause problems in your vehicle that relate to the auto electrical system. The major components of a modern car auto electrical system are inherently interconnected and when one fails it will usually affect at least some, if not all of the other components in the system, often making it difficult to determine exactly what the problem is. If you have a problem with your vehicles auto electrics please contact us today - Blackwood Dyno Tune & Service can conduct certain tests to allow us to quickly determine where the problem is and fix it with minimal hassle and inconvenience to you. That's real Peace of Mind. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked auto electrical questions.

What parts of the auto electrical system require maintenance?

  • Battery - The battery provides the power required to start the engine
  • Alternator - Maintains the charge level in the battery while the car is moving
  • Starter motor - uses power from the battery to start the engine
  • Solenoid -administers power from the battery to the starter motor
  • Voltage Regulator - Ensure the correct voltage level in the system
  • Fuse Panel - Provides protection for electrical components in the car
  • Connectors and Wires - connect the electrical system and close circuits

What are the most common problems auto electrical systems can have?

  • Alternator belt - the alternator recharges your battery by harnessing the power generated by the engine by means of a belt and transferring it to the battery. If the belt breaks, loses tension or comes loose the alternator will no longer be able to maintain the charge in the battery
  • Broken or loose wiring - Electrical current requires a closed circuit to be conducted and the wiring system of your car connects the various electrical systems and provides the circuit. If an important wire comes loose, breaks, wears out or melts you could have a problem using your electrical components or even starting your car. This can be a difficult problem to diagnose
  • A flat battery - Flat batteries are a common problem and may not be cause for alarm. Accidentally leaving lights or other electrical items on without the engine running is often the cause. Once you have the car going the alternator should once again maintain a good charge. However, if, after driving around or running the engine for a while, the battery goes flat again it means you have a problem elsewhere. The battery itself may need replacing, the alternator could be faulty, the voltage regulator has a problem or even a combination of these
  • Normal wear and tear - all of your cars parts are susceptible to wear and tear in some form or another. The cars battery, solenoid and voltage regulator are a couple of auto electrical parts known to cause problems due to normal wear and tear
  • Blown fuses - Fuses in your car are a safety feature designed to protect your electrical components from serious damage from surges and overloads. Provided you are fortunate, a blown fuse will be your only problem when an electrical component of your car is not working. While this can happen occasionally, if it happens too often you should get your cars auto electrical system checked by a qualified professional as there is likely something causing a problem
  • Car will not start despite having a good battery - The solenoid may not be working correctly and is not allowing a sufficient charge to start the car. The solenoid is a coil of wire around two magnets that administers higher voltage than normal from the battery to the starter motor

What are the signs an auto electrical system may need a service?

  • An odd growling or whining noise may indicate a problem with your alternator belt
  • Dimming or flickering headlights could mean your voltage regulator is having problems
  • Electrical items such as car stereo, lights, air conditioner and so on are just not working could be as simple as a blown fuse, though they may represent a deeper problem
  • Hearing a loud clicking noise when turning the ignition key may be linked to a problem with your starter motor
  • If there is no sound at all when you turn the key (the car doesn't start) - your solenoid could be at fault, particularly if the battery is known to be working correctly
  • Smelling burning rubber or hot wires could well be a problem with your alternator. Catching this problem early may prevent costly diagnosis of problems later and may even help prevent a fire in the electrical system.

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