Electrical
System Warning Signs:
-
Car turns over
very slowly or not at all
-
Lights are dim
when driving
-
Accessories
work slowly or not at all
-
Alternator or
generator light remains on while driving
|
|
These warning
signs are only possible symptoms of the problem. Please come in and ask our service technicians for a professional diagnosis. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Vehicles today
have many components and accessories that are dependent on the electrical
system: from the ignition and fuel systems to accessories such as your
radio, headlights and wipers. The engine, in turn, powers the electrical
system.
Here are the
three key components of the electrical system: |
|
|
|
Battery
|
 |
| |
When your
car's engine is off, the battery provides the required power to the rest
of the system, as well as during start-up (cranking). It also supplements
the power from the charging system during periods of high demand. |
|
| |
Charging
System
|
|
| |
This is the
heart of the electrical system. It consists of three main components: the
belt-driven alternator, various electrical circuits, and a voltage
regulator. The alternator supplies power to the electrical system and
recharges the battery after your car has started. Just like it sounds, the
voltage regulator controls the voltage, keeping it within the operating
range of the electrical system. |
|
| |
Starting
System
|
|
| |
This system
consumes more electrical power than any other system in your car. The
starting system consists of three components that work in tandem: the
ignition switch, the starter relay or solenoid, and the starter motor. The
ignition switch controls the starter solenoid, which activates the starter
motor. The starter motor then turns the engine until your car starts.
|
|
What our service
includes:
|
 |
|
•
|
Battery Visual Inspection
|
|
|
•
|
Battery
cable connections
|
|
|
• |
Battery hold-down hardware |
|
|
• |
Battery case condition |
|
|
• |
Electrolyte level (where applicable)
|
|
|
•
|
Battery Load Test
|
|
|
•
|
Measures the
battery's ability to "work." Results are compared to the battery and
vehicle manufacturers' specifications. |
|
|
•
|
Charging
System Visual Inspections
|
|
|
• |
Alternator
drive belt |
|
|
• |
Alternator mounting brackets |
|
|
• |
Electrical connections |
|
|
•
|
Charging System
Test
|
|
|
•
|
Alternator
output (current) and voltage are tested. Results are compared to
manufacturer's specifications. |
|
|
•
|
Starting System
Visual Inspection
|
|
|
•
|
Starter cable
connections |
|
|
• |
Starter mounting bolts and brackets |
|
|
•
|
Starter Electrical
"Draw" Test
|
|
|
• |
Measures the
amount of electrical energy required to turn the engine over during
cranking. Results are compared to manufacturer's specifications.
|