This extensive blog series will first explore your combustion engine vehicle’s primary auto electrical system components. It will include a battery, alternator, and starter motor review. Next, we will examine some common malfunctions in driver-controlled and vehicle-controlled electrical systems. Finally, we will look at the best ways to care for and maintain the life of your vehicle’s electrical systems. If you drive an electric or hybrid automobile, stay tuned for our specific blog series that address those vehicle types.
These days, almost every new car feature and automatic controls rely on its electrical system. Every electric-powered component in your auto works because of an electrical circuit. A circuit is simply a loop of wire that connects the part with the power source (the battery or the alternator). Consequently, electricity continuously flows when the component is in use. Most auto circuits supply power to more than one component. A few of the most common electrical features in today’s vehicles are:
The three main parts of your car’s electrical system are the battery, alternator, and starter motor. In addition, a complex web of circuitry and switches provides the pathway for every electrical component in your vehicle.
The battery is probably the most essential element in your vehicle’s electrical system. Without it, the simple act of starting your car, turning on the lights, or using the power steering are but a dream. Fortunately, one of the battery’s main roles is to provide power to the starter motor, which then activates the engine’s spark plugs. Another is to give power to the peripheral electrical systems (i.e., interior & exterior lights, stereo, etc.) even while the engine is not running.
The alternator produces the electricity needed to power your vehicle’s electrical systems while the engine is running. It has an attached belt, which converts kinetic energy into electricity. The alternator converts an alternating current (AC) to a direct current (DC) before storing it in the vehicle’s battery. Furthermore, it constantly recharges the battery and provides power to electrical features like lights and wipers. This also ensures the battery will have enough stored energy the next time you want to start your car.
The starter motor has one significant job. The battery sends a considerable amount of energy to the starter motor when you start your car. The starter motor ignites the compression of air and fuel in the engine cylinders and powers the spark plugs. The vehicle’s engine will not start if the battery or the starter motor fails.
The wiring of your auto’s electrical circuits are protected from overloads or shorts with fuses. Still, they can only handle a certain amount of amperage. Unfortunately, an electrical short or overload could cause a power surge and endanger the entire circuit. However, most fuses have a delicate metal filament that not only maintains the circuit and breaks to open the circuit. Your car’s fuses are conveniently located together in fuse boxes.
Most cars have two fuse boxes. One is usually located in the engine compartment. It manages circuits for electronic drive features, like anti-lock brakes. Look for the second box in the glove compartment or under the vehicle’s driver’s side dashboard. It holds fuses for the circuits that control the passenger compartment devices, such as the windshield wipers, stereo, and power windows.
Most modern Automobiles have an engine control unit (ECU), sometimes called an Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The ECU is basically a mini-computer connected to various engine and fuel system sensors. The ECU is responsible for many tasks, including:
If the ECU malfunctions or fails, your vehicle may be completely un-drivable. Newer cars are more prone to malfunctions with their ECU, since it runs most of their fuel system sensors.
Get your vehicle inspected by a technician immediately if you suspect a problem with its ECU or other electronic systems. Any component or function controlled by the ECU is liable to sustain damage unless a qualified technician repairs the system. Your owner’s manual should contain a circuit map explaining which electrical systems operate with each circuit. It can be helpful to reference your owner’s manual when attempting to diagnose a failure in an electrical component.
You should have your automobile’s electrical system inspected regularly to keep it in good working order. Never ignore minor electrical problems, as they could be symptoms of larger issues, causing serious malfunctions later. In addition, electrical system failures could have disastrous consequences if they occur while driving.
Ron’s Garage proudly uses and supports various diagnostic tools, launch scanners, and start testers to diagnose your electrical system. A quick diagnosis can limit unnecessary labor costs. Our skilled technicians utilize electrical and computerized diagnostic measures to determine the source of your vehicle’s issue. This state-of-the-art equipment allows us to narrow down the needed repairs and get you back on the road faster.
We would love to hear from you. Call us today at (734) 961-4701 to schedule your appointment or visit us online for all your auto electronic diagnostic service needs.
Our next blog will go into greater detail about your combustion engine vehicle’s electrical systems and circuits.
Your car’s electrical system consists of the battery, starter and alternator. The battery provides juice to the starter. Then, the alternator gives that battery the energy it needs to power your car. If one of these parts is not working properly, your car won’t start or run correctly. Our expert technicians can perform an electrical system check to ensure everything is working properly. It pinpoints any problems that may occur with your electrical system. If our technicians find a problem, they’ll let you know what they can do to fix it. We can curb any problem before it starts, so you won’t be left stranded with a non-starting vehicle.
Until your vehicle starts, your battery is providing the car’s entire electrical current. This includes the current to the ignition and fuel systems, which are responsible for creating the combustion necessary for your engine to function.
While the battery supplies the power to start your vehicle, the starter is really what gets the engine going. The battery supplies a small amount of power to the starter motor. The starter then rotates the flywheel, which turns the crankshaft and begins the movement of the engine’s pistons. This intricate process is why it’s key to make sure the starter works.
It’s difficult to determine when a starter will fail exactly, but an electrical system check at Firestone Complete Auto Care can help recognize the warning signs. We check if the starter is drawing the proper amount of current. An excessive current draw will indicate a worn starter, while a low current draw points to corroded cables or connections. Not to worry! This is a problem our expert technicians can fix.
When your engine is running, the alternator keeps the battery charged and the electrical system going. Your car can start with a faulty alternator, but it won’t be able to run for an extended period of time. If the alternator requires replacement, your vehicle’s electrical system will perform erratically, its battery will discharge, and eventually your engine will lose power. A complete electrical system check from Firestone Complete Auto Care will tell you whether the alternator is generating the proper amount of current and voltage. That way, you have a heads up before your alternator fails.
So you turn the key and your vehicle’s electrical system goes into action. The battery provides juice to the starter, the starter turns and the alternator gives the battery the energy it needs to power your lights, defroster, wipers and accessories. See how it works:
Your car’s electrical system is important. Really important. So is staying informed about its ability to perform. Left unchecked, a weak or dead battery can wreak havoc on other electrical system parts, like alternators and starters. If your electrical system is showing signs of acting up (see symptoms here), don’t delay. Bring your car to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care so they can assess the situation, make sure voltage is correct and prevent further potential damage. You don’t want failure to be an option, ever.