If your power windows have slowed down, your vehicle has an electrical problem. You may also notice that the power seats are slow and your electrical components are malfunctioning. For example, your navigation system or entertainment system may turn off by itself. These are signs that these components are not getting enough power from the electrical system. Here are other indications that your SUV, car, or truck needs to have a repair done in the electrical system.
Blown Fuses
The alternator is the electrical system part that generates voltage. Specifically, it should never generate more than 14.5 volts. If it does, the electrical system will start to overheat. To protect your vehicle from an electrical fire, the fuses in the fuse box will blow out to cut the electricity.
Burning Electricity
In addition to the blown fuses, you may also smell burning electricity coming from the engine or inside the vehicle. This will smell like burning wires. It may also smell like burning rubber if the wires are melting the rubber insulation. Pull over and stop driving your automobile if you smell burning odors.
Dashboard Light
The battery light may turn on and remain on until the electrical system problem is resolved. This is the only way the engine control unit can let you know you’ve got an electrical system problem. As an aside, the battery light will also turn on if the battery is dying or the alternator is going bad.
Dead Battery
Speaking of a dying battery, it relies on the electrical system to keep it charged. Specifically, the alternator sends any unused voltage to the battery to ensure it doesn’t discharge completely. If you have had to jump-start the battery frequently lately, it may not be getting voltage from the alternator.
Difficult Starts
Of course, a dead battery makes getting your car started very difficult. The same is true if the alternator is not producing enough electricity. In fact, if the electrical system is not powering the starter, you will be able to get the engine started no matter how hard you try. The starter will not operate.
If you suspect that your automobile’s electrical system needs to be repaired, call us right away to schedule an appointment. Our certified technicians are experts in electrical systems. We will find the problem and give you a detailed estimate to fix it. Once you approve the repairs, we will get them done right away to get you back out on the road as quickly as possible.