Electrical System Or Battery

Having Electrical Problems with your car truck or van?

When anyone gets a brand new car, their expectations are very high. Even though electrical systems have been a huge help to mechanics, they also have their drawbacks. A lot of times if an electrical system is poor, it is a sign that there was flaw in the manufacturing process or it could also be a clue that your vehicle isn't as new as you were led to believe. As concerning as this may appear to be, lets just go over a few common electrical problems to ease some of that worry.

One of the most common problems is a dead battery. Totally, easy fix. This is usually the go-to assumption if the electrical system isn't working properly. You can check by flashing your headlights to see how bright they are. If they are extremely dim or don't turn on at all, it may be a sign that you need a jump or need to replace the battery altogether. But just be aware that a dead battery on a new vehicle could indicate that your car may have been used more than you would have liked or it could be a poor manufacturer error.

A damaged alternator is the next common occurrence amongst the powertrain after the battery. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while your vehicle is running. It distributes additional power to other areas of the vehicle like the headlights or the radio. If you have notice that your car seems to start slow, or the electrical systems flicker while you are driving, it means that your alternator is probably not recharging the battery and the power isn't being distributed properly. If this is the case, you'll want to replace the alternator soon.

Now a damaged starter causes a huge issue as well, simply because you can't start a car without a starter. If a starter is broken, then you won't hear that “click” noise when you turn on the ignition. You may have a full battery and a working alternator that do a great job of keeping your starter kicking. But there are those chances that starter may not work even if the other two are working properly. If this is the case, you need to get a replacement since it is more than likely that the part itself had suffered previous damage.

If your vehicle is still acting weird and you have checked the battery, alternator, and the starter for issues already, then it is time to check the fuse box. At this point, it is just better to bring your vehicle into a repair shop, like Alpine Pennzoil who are trained in electrical issues especially in more different fixes such as the fuse box. Overall, if any of the fuses are blown or you notice any loose wire, you'll need some professional help to resolve the problem.

Loose spark plugs can also be a sign when your car is behaving strangely between shifts, such as in lurching forward or losing power it is a possible indication of the engine's internal combustion. Unfortunately, if spark plugs are old or broken it is a sign that the car has been used previously since most manufacture spark plugs would just be loose.

Last but not least, lets discuss ignition problems. How do you know if you are having ignition issues? Well put your key in and turn. If nothing happens, you probably have an ignition problem. The roughest part after diagnosis that it is an ignition issue, it is hard to guess where the powertrain problem is rooting from.

Fortunately, our Grand Rapids automotive team is highly trained in diagnostics and will be able to help you find where the electrical problem is started and possibly give you some information how to continue about with your clock potato on wheels. Let us help you fix your vehicle so its running safely once again.