A car’s electrical system is often the toughest system to troubleshoot—there are numerous things that can go wrong, and it’s hard to test some components without special equipment. If your car has a serious electrical problem, it’s important to take it to a repair shop that specializes in electrical systems. However, there are still preventive steps you can take to ensure you know exactly what type of problem you’re dealing with. Consider the following scenarios and corresponding tips:
When I try to start my car, I hear a click but the engine won’t turn.
• First, check all battery cables for corrosion (it prevents power from flowing freely to the starting system). If the cables are dirty, clean them with a wire brush and reattach them. Apply a light coat of grease to the top of the terminals to prevent further corrosion.
• The battery could be drained and have insufficient power to spin the engine. This can be caused by a bad battery cell or alternator. If you can get the car to a mechanic, have him test the battery and charging system. This test will also determine if the alternator is working to its full potential.
• If all the battery cables are OK and you still can’t jump the car, the starter or solenoid could be bad.
My car won’t start and I don’t hear anything.
• Check the battery cables as above.
• Have the battery tested—a bad cell could be causing a short. You can try jump-starting the car, but there’s no guarantee it will stay running.
My car won’t start and I hear a horrible grinding noise.
• A grinding noise is an indication that the starter isn’t properly meshing with the flywheel. This can be caused by a bad solenoid or spot on the flywheel. Take the car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
My car starts but my headlights are dim at low engine speeds.
• Check for loose wires going to the alternator. Also, look for corrosion—it’ll inhibit the alternator from charging properly.
• Check the tension on the alternator belt. If it’s too loose, the belt may slip and not drive the alternator properly.
• Take the car to a mechanic and have the alternator checked for proper operation.
To prevent problems with your electrical system:
• Replace your battery every four years as a general safety measure.
• If your battery isn’t a sealed unit, check the fluid levels in each cell. Only use distilled water to fill the cells, and be careful around the acid.
• Check your alternator belt frequently for cracks and tension. Replace per the car manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Clean your battery connections at least once a year. Once you reattach the terminals, coat with a layer of heavy grease. This layer will block the air from reacting with the connectors and creating corrosion.
