Free Automotive Repair Advice by Certified ASE Technicians
How Does it Work /
Electrical
How a Car Electrical System Works
The number of electrical components offered on today's vehicle is staggering.
The most important component of an electrical system is the
battery.
The electrical system starts and stops with the battery. From the battery the engine
utilizes electricity necessary to start the vehicle. While the vehicle is operating
the electrical system is energized and recharged by the
alternator
that is powered by the engine.
Delco Car Battery
There are dozens of electrical components related to the electrical system, some
include one or more of the following:
battery,
fuse,
switch,
relay, electronic
controller,
fusible link,
wire,
and
electrical connectors. Any combination of these components are necessary to
route power to the desired accessory. Each vehicle has several
fuses that
are necessary to safe guard electrical circuits. A fuse is designed to break stopping
the voltage flow in the event of a power overload or short circuit.
When trouble shooting an electrical problem start with the
battery.
By using a volt meter determine if your battery has enough voltage to operate the
electrical system.
Battery Voltage
The battery voltage should read between 12.6 and 12.4 volts, if not recharge
or replace the battery. Next check all system fuses to determine none of them have
blown. If a blown fuse is discovered replace the blown it with a new unit. Always
replace fuses with the manufactures recommended amperage. If the new fuse blows
immediately you have a shorted circuit somewhere in that wiring system. Consult
a
repair manual to locate the wiring schematic for your car. Then trouble shoot
to system by inspecting the wiring harness and accessories, repair as needed and
recheck system.
Wiring Harness Connector
Other complications can occur if there is a loose connection somewhere in the
system. While this condition is not a shorted circuit problem this condition simply
breaks the flow of electricity. To trouble shoot this problem consult a
repair manual to locate the wiring schematic for your car. Repair the broken
connection as needed and recheck system. Electrical problem are less complicated when the proper information is available.
If technical assistance is needed ask our team of certified technicians to ask a
repair question.
Maintenance
To keep your vehicle in top running condition perform a
battery check
as part of a regular maintenance program. Other electrical components should be
checked periodically to confirm proper operation. Battery terminals can develop
corrosion because of the flow of ions, because of this cleaning is necessary upon
condition. If this condition is left untreated it can hinder a full connection from
the battery to the cables. This can often result in the vehicle acting as if the
battery is dead, when in actuality it is unable to pull sufficient power from
the battery due a corroded connection.
How Does it Work
/ Electrical
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System Questions and Answers
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