Car Electrical Repairs | Everything you Need to Know

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man checking car battery and repairing car

As a car owner you must know when your car needs electrical repairs. When your car's electrical system isn't working correctly, it can be a huge hassle. You may not start the vehicle, the lights may not work, or other problems could occur. 

This blog post will discuss the most common car electrical issues and fix them. We'll also provide some tips on preventing car electrical problems in the first place. Keep reading!

What is Car Electrical System?

A car electrical system is responsible for powering everything from your car's lights to computers. This complex system requires specialized diagnostic equipment and must be maintained to keep your vehicle running properly.

What are the Main Components of a Car Electrical System?

A vehicle's electrical system is composed of a few components that need to be in good condition for the car to function. The main components are

  • Battery- This is what powers your car when the engine is off. It also supplies power to start the engine.            When your battery is faulty, it can cause starting problems.
  • Alternator- This component keeps the battery charged while the car is running. If this isn't working, then       the battery will eventually die.
  • Starter- This is one of the most significant components of a car. Having a faulty starter will prevent the            car from starting at all.
  • Electrical Wiring- Connects all components and distributes power where it's needed. Damaged wiring can       cause problems with various electrical systems in the car.

Signs that your Car's Electric System is Malfunctioning

Are you suspecting that your car's electrical system is malfunctioning? There are several different signs that your cars may manifest. Here are a few:

  • Your car's battery is drained even after being plugged in overnight.
  • Your car won't start, even though the engine turns over.
  • All of your car's lights suddenly turn on or off by themselves.
  • Your vehicle's dashboard lights are flickering.
  • Strange noises coming from the engine bay
  • Dashboard lights are out or dim
  • Power windows and locks don't work
  • Car stereo cuts

Common Car Electrical Problems and How you Fix Them

When you hear the word electrical, what comes to your mind? Wirings? Connectors? You are right! However, it is not as simple as that. A car’s electrical parts contain a battery, starter, alternator, wiring harnesses, fuses, and relays. When any of them are in trouble, your car won't start. Let us see what these car electrical issues and their fixes are.

Faulty Battery

A damaged battery will prevent your car from starting because there is no power. There are many factors why a battery may die. It may be due to age, overuse, or even extreme weather conditions.

How do I Fix a Faulty Battery?

You'll need to jump-start the car to get it going again. Once the car is running, you should drive it around for a while to recharge the battery. If the problem persists, you'll need to replace the battery. 

Replacing the battery is pretty straightforward; however, it is best to leave it to a professional if you are not mechanically inclined. But of course, we are always here, so you may follow the steps below:

Safety First

  • Remember that before you start, make sure to disconnect the car battery terminals. This will help                    prevent any accidental sparks from occurring.
  • Consider wearing rubber gloves, as they can protect you when working with electricity.
  • Never connect any cables not according to their purpose! Don't connect any battery cables and battery            posts to where they aren't supposed to be connected.
  • Take precautions when removing the old battery. Suppose it's broken and/or leaking. In that case, you            might want to hire a professional to do the job instead.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Car Battery

The average car battery life lasts about four years, but if you live in an area with harsh winters, it may only last two or three years. If your car has battery problems, you might need to replace it. Here's how you do it:

  1. Locate the battery and remove the cover. Be very careful when doing this, as batteries contain a corrosive      acid that can cause severe burns.
  2. Take off the negative cable first and then the positive one. If you're unsure which is which, look for a plus       sign or a minus sign on the battery itself.
  3. Carefully place the new battery in position and reattach the cables in reverse order. Make sure they are           tight, so they don't come loose later.
  4. Once everything is back in place, replace the hood and reconnect the car.

Faulty Alternator

The alternator charges the car's battery while the car is running. If it malfunctions, the car will eventually lose power and come to a stop. A faulty alternator can be caused by several things, such as a loose connection, bad bearings, or even overuse.

How do I Fix a Faulty Alternator?

Fixing the alternator is complex due to its many parts. You will likely need to take it to a mechanic and examine it. However, since we aim to help you in any way, we have a few tips.

  • First, check all the connections and make sure they are tight.
  • Next, check the drive belt to see if it is loose or needs to be replaced.
  • Finally, examine the bearings and see if they need to be lubricated or replaced.

Oops, don't fret! Of course, we don't want you to leave empty-handed, so we provided this video that will help you replace your alternator.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hmx2fHdmBIw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmx2fHdmBIw

Bad Wiring

Wires exposed or damaged can cause all sorts of electrical problems in a car. They may overheat, spark, or even catch on fire. A rodent may cause it chewed through the insulation or a car accident that damaged the wiring. If you find damaged wires, it's best to repair or replace them.

How do I Fix a Bad Wiring?

Wiring problems in cars can cause all sorts of electrical problems. From headlights that won't turn off to car radios that just won't work, bad wiring can cause issues. Sounds easy, right? 

However, although it may sound like an easy task, fixing car wiring can be more complicated than it seems. However, we've always got you covered! So here is the step-by-step guide!

Before you start repairing any wires, you need to identify the problem. There are many reasons for car wiring problems. For example:

  • Blown breakers and fuses
  • Charred or darkened outlets and switches
  • Light switches and outlets that emit shocks 
  • Short circuits
  • Frayed wires
  • Corrosion or oxidation on the connectors

Once you have identified the problem, it's time to repair it. Do these steps below:

  1. The first step is to remove the wire from its connector. If there is corrosion or oxidation on the connector,      use a wire brush to clean it off before proceeding.
  2. Once the connector is clean, reattach the wire and secure it with electrical tape. Be sure that the                       connection is tight and won't come loose easily.
  3. If the wires are damaged, remove the old wire by cutting it off as close to the connector as possible.
  4. Strip about ½ inch of insulation from each end of the new wire and twist them together with a pair of              pliers.
  5. Connect the wires to the connector and secure them with electrical tape. Ensure that there is no exposed       metal on the wiring and that everything is well-covered with insulation.

Faulty Starter

The starter is what starts the car's engine. If it's not working properly, then the car will not start. This is usually caused by a problem with the car's battery, but other electrical issues can also cause it.

How do I fix a faulty starter?

As mentioned above, there are several causes of starter problems. So before replacing the starter itself, make sure to perform the following:

  • If the problem is with the car's battery, you will need to charge it or replace it if necessary.
  • Check your battery capacity. Make sure it delivers 150 amps for 15 seconds without dropping below 10.5        volts. Also, check if it recovers nearly to the 12.6 volts mentioned above within a minute.
  • Check for poor elect   rical connections to the starter or solenoid.
  • Check the starter relay. If it's defective, you will need to replace it.
  • Inspect the wiring and routing of the cables from the battery to the starter.
  • If all of these are in order, you might have to replace your starter.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Starter

If you've determined that your car's starter needs to be replaced, follow these simple steps:

  1. Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery.
  2. Next, remove the cover plate on the front of the engine.
  3. Detach the cables from the old starter and remove them.
  4. Attach the cables to the new starter and install it in place.
  5. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Test your car to make sure that everything is working properly.

How Much Does Car Electrical Repairs Cost?

Component

Cost

Battery

$220 to $270

Wiring

$125 to $400

Alternator

$290 to $680

Starter

$290 to $995

When should you take your car to a mechanic for electrical repairs? 

Many car owners and drivers want to do the repair themselves, which is great, especially when saving money. However, some car issues and situations need a professional approach. 

If you think it is relatively easy to fix, you can try it yourself, but let the mechanical experts do it for you if it's something serious.  You should take your car to a mechanic for electrical repairs if:

  • The car is completely non-functional
  • You're not sure how to fix the problem yourself
  • There is physical damage to the car's wiring
  • The problem is with the car's computer or electronic systems
  • The car has been in an accident

Tips for DIYers’

If you are uncomfortable or familiar with car electrical repairs, it's always best to ask for professional help. However, if you would like to try fixing the issue yourself, here are a few tips:

  • Make sure you have the necessary tools and parts before beginning the repair.
  • Always consult your car's owner manual for specific instructions on fixing electrical issues.
  • If you're ever unsure about something, don't hesitate to ask a friend or family member for help.
  • Find video tutorials online that can walk you through the repair process step-by-step.

Tips to Avoid Car Electrical Issues

Having a car is not just like having a phone that you use and charge when it's low battery. Cars need special care and handling so that you can make the most of your investment.

Cars have some disadvantages too, one of them being car electrical problems which might occur from time to time. 

However, we can do a few things to avoid these issues. The following are a few tips to help you avoid car electrical problems:

  • Get your car serviced regularly by qualified mechanics who know what they are doing;
  • Keep an eye on all the warning lights on the dashboard and take action.
  • Always use original parts or components when repairing or servicing your car
  • Keep your car's battery clean and free of corrosion.
  • Make sure all the connections in your car's electrical system are tight and rust-free.
  • Periodically check your car's fuses and replace them if necessary.

Car Electrical Repairs FAQs

1. What are the common electrical problems that occur in cars? 

The most common car electrical problems include:

  • Dead battery
  • Loose or corroded battery terminals
  • Alternator issues
  • Starter issues
  • Wiring problems

2. What are some of the most common fixes for car electrical problems? 

Here are some of the most common fixes for car electrical problems:

  • Replacing a car battery
  • Cleaning or replacing battery terminals
  • Charging or replacing the alternator
  • Replacing the starter motor
  • Repairing, or replacing the car wiring

3. Can I drive with a bad alternator?

It is not recommended to drive with a bad alternator, as it can cause your car to stall and leave you stranded.

4. Is it expensive to repair the car's electrical system?

The cost of repairing or replacing your car's electrical system will vary depending on the severity of the problem and the make and model of your car. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $500 for most car electrical repairs.

5. How often should I check my car battery?

It is good to check your car battery at least once a month.

Conclusion

Repairing car electrical issues is not an easy task, particularly when the alternator is the culprit. However, you can definitely fix it yourself by knowing all the important information about car issues and their repairs!

But if you do find yourself dealing with one, remember to stay calm and consult a professional if necessary. With a little patience and effort, you should be able to fix the problem in no time! Thanks for reading!