Car problems are never something car owners want to deal with, but some common car problems can be quickly diagnosed and resolved if owners know what to look for. Many car issues are simply electrical issues that need to be fixed for the car to function properly. Let’s take a look at some common electrical issues, what causes them, and how to fix them.
Battery Issues
The first electrical issue many car owners run into is a dead battery. A dead battery is unmistakeable. Your car won’t turn over, and you won’t be going anywhere until the issue is resolved. Car batteries don’t last forever, over time they hold less and less of a charge, and sometimes they stop holding a charge all together. In this case the battery simply needs to be replaced. In some cases the battery is drained because something in the car is draining it (the headlights were left on, an interior light, etc). In these cases a jump start and then simply driving the car may be enough to recharge the battery.
Starter and Ignition Issues
If your car won’t turn over, and you’ve determined the battery is not to blame (new battery perhaps), it’s possible your starter solenoid has a bad connection or loose wire. In this case you’ll need to have the connections checked out and repaired. If your car won’t start and the starter isn’t to blame, it could be an ignition issues. An easy way to determine which type of issue you are dealing with is to try turning the headlights on. If the headlights turn on, you know the battery is providing power to the car, and therefore the battery isn’t to blame.
Electrical Fuses
If your car’s electrical issues are more limited, and not impacting your ability to drive the car, you may be looking at a blown fuse. A blown fuse usually causes issues like the headlights or taillights not working properly, minor electrical systems in the car not working (such as lights on the car’s dash) and heating/cooling malfunctions. If you are experiencing any of these types of issues with your car, it would be wise to first chance and see if a fuse has blown.
Spark Plug Issues
If your engine misfires it is possible you have a bad spark plug, and if the engine does not start at all, it’s possible all spark plugs have gone bad. A bad spark plug can significantly reduce fuel efficiency and can eventually cause damage to your engine.
If your car is suddenly not starting, or not performing optimally, a simple electrical issue may be to blame. It is important, however, to take your car in to be checked anytime you are unsure of what is causing your car problems. At Hillmuth we can quickly diagnose your car, fix it, and get you back on the road. Whether you need a new battery, or you have a faulty starter, our expert team can get you back on the road and back to your life.
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