YHM’S ELECTRICAL & STARTING SERVICES WILL KEEP YOU GOING
Electrical issues can be frustrating, especially when the vehicle’s battery doesn’t seem to be the culprit. In older vehicles, the battery is most likely the cause of any electrical issues. However, newer vehicles often have a complicated and extensive electrical system. While advancements in technology make driving more comfortable and safer for most vehicle owners, they also have more potential for failure due to their complexity. Modern vehicles are much more reliant on their electrical systems than older cars. If the alternator, battery, or other components of the electrical system start to fail, you will often experience a wide range of issues.
The major components of a vehicle’s electrical system are:
- Battery
- Starter
- Alternator
- Fuses
- Lights
- Wiring harnesses
Battery
A vehicle battery, on average, remains reliable for about three years. There are a few factors that can lead to shorter battery lifespan. Taking an excessive number of short drives, extreme temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit or below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and loose or corroded battery cables will drain your vehicle’s battery. If your vehicle’s battery is three or more years old, you should have your vehicle battery tested to determine whether it’s time to replace. At YHM, we recommend being proactive, so you’re not left stranded.
Starter
You also rely on your vehicle’s starter each time you get into your vehicle to drive. The starter uses power from the battery to spin the flywheel and give your engine the jumpstart it needs to turn on. The alternator provides the battery with power by recharging the system on a continual basis.
As the main components in the starter begin to wear out, you may notice that your vehicle cranks slowly or weakly when you try to start it. This is because the starter struggles to turn the flywheel at the proper speed. If this continues to occur, your engine will eventually fail to start altogether.
Alternator
Alternator problems often can be noticed by a faint clicking sound as you attempt to start your vehicle and eventually the alternator will stop charging the battery. Once the alternator fails, your vehicle battery will fail to recharge and eventually your vehicle will not start. You will probably also see a warning light on your console warning of low voltage.
Fuses
Fuse boxes are meant to prevent short-circuiting and over voltages. A fuse breaks the circuit to protect fragile electrical components from drawing too much current and damage. Sometimes fuses blow for indiscernible reasons. However, if the vehicle’s fuses are constantly blowing out, then this may mean the vehicle is having severe electrical issues. If a fuse needs replacing more than once in a short period of time, make sure to take the vehicle to a professional mechanic like YHM. If a short-circuit or electrical fault is the problem, waiting too long to repair it will likely result in further damage to the vehicle.
Lights
The lights are critical to the safe operation of a vehicle. Turn signals, brake lights, and headlights help you communicate with others and keep you safe on the road. Interior lights ensure drivers can find what they need to at night or in other poorly lit conditions.
If the vehicle’s electrical system malfunctions, you may notice that the lights start to dim or flicker. Dimming lights typically indicate low system voltage or a charging failure with the battery. However, loose wires or a malfunctioning alternator or belt could also be to blame.
Another problem that causes lights issues with the vehicle is corrosion. YHM can test the vehicle’s electrical system with a voltmeter to ensure it has the proper voltage and amps to run properly.
Wiring Harnesses
Wiring harnesses are indispensable in controlling your vehicle’s electronic components, transmitting power and signals to every part of the vehicle. Comprising of connectors, terminals, clamps, sheaths, and other elements surrounding a core of electrical wires, they are crucial components and can be compared to the human body’s blood vessels and nerves. Since some wiring harness electrical problems start with subtle symptoms, it’s a good idea to have a YHM technician diagnose and repair the worn wiring harness and components as early as possible before you are left stranded.
Burning Plastic Smell
If your vehicle has any electrical symptoms along with a burning plastic or burning electrical insulation smell, stop driving immediately. Get the vehicle towed to a repair shop such as YHM. Driving the vehicle with an electrical issue will almost inevitably result in further damage to the vehicle and could be a safety issue as the vehicle could stop working entirely while driving.
Diagnosing Vehicle Electrical Problems
It can be fairly challenging to diagnose electrical problems in modern vehicles. The vehicle should be inspected by an experienced technician. Unless you are very familiar with the electrical system of your vehicle, there’s a high risk of causing more damage to the electrical system. Every circuit in the vehicle needs a power source and must be continuous. Additionally, most electrical devices in the vehicle requires a minimum voltage to work correctly.
How Can YHM Help?
At YHM, we have years of experience in diagnosing vehicle electrical problems. We provide free estimates and are dedicated to quality customer service. YHM cares about our customers’ safety, and we know how stressful vehicle troubles can be. If your vehicle is having electrical issues, bring it to YHM. We have access to all the latest scanning technology, voltmeters, and have skilled and experienced diagnostic technicians.
