Are you having problems with dead batteries, faulty lights, or any other electrical-related problem with your car? Electrical issues are always a pain in the neck, but knowing how to deal with them ensures that your car’s performance and safety is restored. Let’s look at some of the electrical issues that car owners face, how to resolve them, and where you should go for reliable repairs.
Common Electrical Issues And How To Solve Them
- Replace Battery: If your car’s battery has gone dead or cannot retain charge, then it will be best to replace it. You should begin by disconnecting the battery. The negative terminal which is the black one should be disconnected first before the positive terminal which is red to avoid any electrical shorts. After both terminals have been removed from the old battery, gently take out the battery from the car. Put the new battery in the same position and then connect the terminals, first the positive end, and then the negative one. This ensures a safe and correct installation.
- Fix Alternator: If the alternator is faulty, then you are expected to replace it. An alternator is designed in such a way that it charges the battery and provides electrical current to the electrical system of the car once it’s running. Replacing an alternator may not be very easy because sometimes it involves the removal of belts and possibly many other parts of the engine to be able to access the alternator. If you are not so confident with this extent of car repair, it is advisable to consult a mechanic. A mechanic will ensure that the alternator is replaced in the right manner.
- Change Fuses: If you are having a problem with a particular component in your car, chances are you have a blown fuse. It is very easy to replace a fuse. First, identify where the fuse box is located, it is most often concealed beneath the car’s dashboard. The blown fuse can be recognized by the condition of the wire inside the fuse or by the dark and burnt look of the fuse. Remove the defective fuse and put a new one of the same rating as the one that was removed.
- Repair Wiring: Another cause of electrical system failure is wiring problems. To correct this, first locate the bad wire which may be worn, loose, or corroded in some way. For wires that have a cracked insulator, you can use electrical tape to shield the wire. If a larger section is damaged, then you have to cut it out and replace it with a new section of wire. Check that all connections are properly tightened and cover all connections with a suitable material that will avoid future cases of corrosion.
- Replace Faulty Sensors: If a sensor is defective, it can cause all sorts of electrical problems. Plug an OBD-II scanner into the car’s computer to check for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These codes can then be used to diagnose which of the sensors is at fault. After identifying, pull out the sensor and install a new one.
- Replace the Starter: If your car does not start and the engine does not crank, then it could be a problem with the starter. Starter replacement is a little more complex than most electrical repair jobs. First, the battery should be disconnected to eliminate the probability of an electrical shock. Second, look for the starter and this is normally found around the lower part of the engine. Take off anything that hinders access to the starter. Once the old starter has been pulled out, fit the new one and re-assemble the relevant components. Since this is a very delicate task and coupled with the fact that the starter is usually placed in a hard-to-reach area, seek professional help to avoid any unfortunate incidents.
Come To Huron Automotive For Your Car’s Electrical Repairs
At Huron Automotive, we have the capability 
of diagnosing and fixing any electrical problems in any type of car. Based in Green Bay, WI, our professional mechanics utilize professional tools that help diagnose car issues and we make sure to resolve them efficiently and safely. Whether it is a battery problem, an alternator problem, or any other electrical problem, you can count on us. Visit us at any of our two locations in Green Bay now or give us a call to book an appointment and have your car working as it should again.