What controls a car’s electrical system?
Along with the engine and transmission, a car electrical system is essential for a car to run. The car electrical basics consists of an alternator, a battery, and starter. Each of those items are key in making the other work, like the hand bone is connected to the arm bone is connected to the elbow bone, etc., etc.
The car electrical system works when the starter gets powered by the battery and the alternator energizes the battery so that it can power the car. A car with electrical problems can be any of those three components that cause it to malfunction. This can keep a car from starting, and if it does start, it won’t run properly.
Of those three components in a car electrical system, the alternator is key to keeping an engine running. It is the alternator that powers the battery, keeping it charged so that the electrical system can keep going. When the alternator component of the car electrical system is failing, or even quits, a car will start and could run for a time.
What causes a car’s electrical system to suddenly stop working?
When it comes to cars, a car electrical system with problems are the most difficult to determine, even though there are a few possible issues it could be. The main components that can create the loss of electrical power are indicated in these ways:
- Alternator: Lights dim, engine dies.
- Battery: Car slow to start or won’t start.
- Fuses and Links: Car won’t start or car loses all power.
- Ignition Coil: Car won’t start or die while going down the road.
- Starter or Solenoid: Car won’t start due to loss of power.
How do you know if you have electrical problems in your car?
An older car electrical system problems typically will be the battery. A car electrical system in a new car is more complicated. The technology in today’s car has made our driving experiences better, but they have also brought us challenges with that complexity because they rely on the electrical system more than older car did. Issues with the car electrical system can be misdiagnosed, but the following can give you a guideline for those issues that can help you determine, ” Why did my car lose all power?”:
Engine Starting Incorrectly
Electrical power is required for a car engine to start, and that power comes from the battery. The battery ignites a spark with the engine’s fuel mixture. When the car doesn’t start right, it could be a bad battery, the alternator or another electrical matter that is unrelated.
The most common indication of a car electrical system problem is a clicking sound when starting the car. That clicking sound is telling you there isn’t sufficient energy to battery for the engine to turn. This can be the battery has lost power or has died. It could also be the alternator or starter. A grinding sound while trying to start the car, it is typically the starter or the flywheel.
A Battery Problems
A dead or discharged battery is one of the most obvious car electrical system problem. When you open the hood, if the battery cables are corroded or not connected to the battery, that will be the first thing you notice. Before replacing the battery though, it should be checked by a professional mechanic with a battery tester. The average lifespan of a car battery is five years, so if the battery has reached that 5 year mark, a replacement may be necessary. Under 5 years, it could be the alternator.
Lights Malfunctioning
All the lights on your car are necessary to be operated safely. The lighting system includes brake lights, headlights, and taillights as well as the turn signals. Each of these lights are how drivers communicate on the road. The interior lights assist a driver in operating the car as well. When you notice the lights dimming, it is usually an indication of a low voltage or failing battery. Other car electrical system issues can be the alternator belt or loose wires.
Fuses Blown
The fuse box in your car is there to minimizing any over-voltage or short-circuiting from occurring. The purpose of the fuse is to break the circuit and shield any fragile electrical components getting too strong of a current. There are indiscernible reasons that can cause a fuse to blow, however, if it is a constant issue, there could be a more severe issues with the car electrical system.
Burning Plastic
If you notice the smell of burning plastic along with any of the electrical symptoms we’ve described here, park the car, and call a mechanic immediately.
Will car run on alternator only?
It depends on the age of the car. An older car, 20 years old or older, you can drive it for a short distance. A newer car electrical system will not start and cannot be driven.
If it is determined your car needs car electrical wiring repair, it is important to have it done by an authorized and experienced mechanic. They will have the experience and tools, like a car electrical circuit tester, along with a wiring map to do the job correctly. Call 609-737-7226 today for your car electrical repair in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ.