Auto Repair Advice by Professional Automotive Experts
How Does it Work /
Wiring
How Car Wiring Works
The wiring system in a vehicle has developed into an elaborate system of wires
and wiring harnesses. The key to understanding and diagnosing electrical
problems
is to study a wiring schematic. Think of wiring as a little highway that
delivers
electricity to a particular component. Use a wiring diagram to follow the flow by
using a test light. Intermittent failures can be difficult to diagnose, but with
a little persistence the problem can be detected and repaired. A car wiring system
is made up of many smaller systems that can communicate with each other when needed.
Car Wiring Harness
One of the most important components 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. 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.
The primary purpose of an electrical
fuse is to help protect a
circuit from damage in the event of a short. A fuse is designed to break, stopping
the voltage flow in the event of a power overload or short circuit. Each vehicle
has several fuses
that are necessary to safe guard electrical circuits.
Additionally it is very important to note that many electrical problems can cause
a fuse under the dashboard to blow which will require the fuses to be replaced in
order to actually fully repair the electrical problem. Without replacing the electrical
fuses, you are not going to be able to determine fully if the electrical problem
is corrected. Often if the problem is corrected it will not blow any additional
fuses, however if the electrical problem is not fully solved it is highly likely
to still blow several more fuses in the process.
The most common cause of a short tends to be when a piece of wire has a small
exposed area that is bare. This piece of bare wire can often rub against metal and
create issues for the electrical system because of the sudden surge in electrical
current. While there can be numerous causes for a blown fuse, the majority of the
causes of a blown fuse tend to be quite simple to repair. Once the failed wire is
located the solution usually takes only a few moments to correct. Usually something
as simple as repairing a bare wire.
Looking under the hood on occasions for bare wires can also help. Anything that
looks bare, or appears to be losing its insulated coating should be thoroughly taped
with electrical tape to help ensure that the wire does not start causing problems
with your fuse system or other electrical components. Avoiding proper maintenance
on your car, no matter how simple can result in costly repairs.
How Does it Work
/ Wiring
Check Manufacturer Specific Wiring
Questions and Answers
Related Subjects
Got a Car Repair Question
we will answer it for FREE!
GET A
REPAIR MANUAL
FOR YOUR CAR. Get instant access to your vehicles drive belt routing, wiring
diagrams, trouble code information and other available updates and factory bulletins.
| 
