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.
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 is 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.
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 that none of them have blown. If a blown fuse is discovered replace 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 the system by inspecting the wiring harness and accessories, repair as needed and recheck system.
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 problems 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.
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 due to the flow of ions, because of this cleaning is necessary to remedy this 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 to a corroded connection.
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