Keep a few simple rules in mind: Every circuit needs a power source. Most electrical problems are caused by low voltage or no voltage, excessive resistance or a loss of continuity. The electrical circuit network of a car, serves as the control and powering mechanism for all the working systems of your car.

Troubleshooting Auto Electrical Problems

The distributor cap and rotor are two essential pieces that distribute electrical current to the spark plugs. The distributor cap connects to the spark plugs directly using a spark plug wire. The number of plug wires connected depends on the amount of spark plugs that are in the engine. An eight cylinder engine will have eight plug wires. The rotor is designed to spin inside of the distributor cap, just missing the terminals inside the cap. A worn or damaged rotor can cause your vehicle to run rough, or even stall completely. The rotor is rotating at the same speed as the camshaft which also happens to be 1/2 the speed of the crankshaft.

Are a vital part of every vehicle on the road today. The exact type of connector used on the vehicle will depend on the duty of the connector. All power accessory systems use connectors. Radio, Antenna, Power Window and even the Alternator all use various forms of connectors. Most of the electrical connectors are designed and constructed from plastic with small metal components inside which transfer electrical power from one wire to another. The most common problem that can occur with a connector is a short circuit. This condition occurs when a wire close to the connector breaks or high resistance is present inside the connector itself. It is also possible for a connector to overheat and melt, this occurs when high amperage or resistance is present. If a connector within your vehicle has melted, turn off your car, disconnect the battery and call Skyway Auto Tune, we will come pick you up and have your car towed to our shop for electrical repair.

A battery is needed to power the operating system of your car. Once the vehicle is running an alternator that is driven by the engine charges the battery. While in operation the alternator creates electricity, about 13.6 to 14.3 volts, and recharges the battery to its original state of charge. The alternator is one of the hardest working electrical components in your vehicle. When your vehicle is running the alternator is busy creating electricity to provide the engine and the car accessories with needed power. When the car is not running and your battery is severely discharged some electrical components such as alarms or other memory retaining items may still operate or operate poorly. Typically, these components are designed to operate properly at 12 volts; if the system voltage is low it can cause erratic symptoms.

Know your Import Automobile Electrical Systems

The single largest power user and most critical to your cars operation - its starter. The starter is simply a DC motor that turns the engine crankshaft through the flywheel, starting the combustion process by creating compression within the cylinders. Voltage to the starter is supplied directly from the battery and is controlled by a relay and/or solenoid operated from the key switch inside your car.
A slow cranking engine may be a sign of a bad starter and with age, that's more and more likely. But on most cars today, it's due to low battery voltage, poor electrical connections at the battery or a failed relay or fusible link.
Most starters will easily outlast a new vehicle warranty if it's not overused, if good connections are maintained and if it's not overheated through dirt and grime buildup.

Home | Contact Us | Coupons | Shop Tour | Auto Repair | Brake Repair | Smog Check | Tune Up | Oil Change | Engine Repair | Battery Repair | Check Engine Light | Air Conditioning Repair | Preventive Maintenance | Radiator & Cooling System | Electrical Repair | Timing Belt Repair | Fuel Injection Service

Preventive Maintenance