Your car, truck, or utility vehicle is equipped with an electrical system to provide power to components and accessories. Various parts of the electrical system include the alternator, which generates voltage; the battery, which sends power throughout the vehicle; and the electrical wiring, which transports the electricity. Here are signs your car’s electrical system is malfunctioning.
Difficult Starts
As we just mentioned, the alternator produces voltage and this voltage is converted into DC current that is sent through the electrical wiring. This current is also sent to the battery to keep it charged. If it is difficult to start your automobile, the battery may not be getting charged by the alternator or you may have a phantom electrical drain from one of the accessories or components.
Slow Accessories
Another thing that can become difficult is the operation of your vehicle’s accessories. This includes interior accessories such as the power windows and the touchscreen and exterior accessories such as the headlights and taillights. If there is an electrical problem that is preventing power from making its way to an accessory, this accessory will slow down or malfunction.
Burning Odors
In some cases, the electrical system can start to overheat. One thing that can cause this is an overactive alternator that is generating more than 14.5 volts of electricity. Worn wiring can also overheat the system. If your car’s electrical system is overheating, you may smell burning electrical odors coming from the engine or in the inside of the car, utility vehicle, or truck.
Blown Fuses
In addition, your electrical system may start blowing fuses in the fuse box if it is overloaded. You should never have to change an automotive fuse in the fuse box. If you find yourself changing fuses all the time, you’ve got a problem in the electrical system. As we mentioned above, the alternator could be producing too much electricity and, consequently, overheating/overloading the system.
Battery Light
Finally, your vehicle is equipped with a battery light on the dashboard that will turn on if the electrical system is malfunctioning. The light will turn on if the battery is dying, if the alternator is malfunctioning, or if the electrical system has another problem. It’s important that you head straight to our auto repair shop if you see the battery light turn on so we can resolve the electrical issue right away.
Seriously! Come to our shop or call us if you are having electrical problems with your automobile.
