Car Electrical System Repairs - By: Tauqeer Hassan

A car produces and consumes power. A pert of engine power is for producing electrical power which is consumed by the electronics, lights, spark plugs, radio and others. The battery is a type of power storage room. The charging system of a car includes voltage regulator, alternator, wires, cables, battery and fuses. If most components in the charging and electrical system of the car need repairing or replacement, then this can be done in DIY style.

When the Automotive Power Goes Out
Here are some helpful tips for troubleshooting charging and electrical systems:
- If the battery is working fine but doesn’t charge, the alternator drive-belt should be checked if it is adjusted tight.
- If the turn signals work only on one side, then the bulb, wirings and the fuse on the side have to be checked.
- If the car battery is weak, turn off the engine and turn on the headlights for a moment. If they are bright then the battery and voltage regulator are working. In case they are dim, the battery is not good.

Energizing the Battery
A car battery receives electricity from the alternator/ regulator and passes it on to other electrical components. When the battery’s electricity is used up, it needs to be replaced. Problems arise when the battery gets weak.
For replacing a battery, follow this guide:
First, locate the battery, then disconnect the cable from the negative side of the battery and then the positive side. Remove the hold-down clamp or frame. Grasp the bolts as the nuts are loosen making sure that the released bolts don’t fall out of reach. Use a battery strap to lift the battery and put it aside. The battery tray should be inspected for any damage or corrosion and replace it if damaged. Use protective gloves to clean the battery with baking soda and water to remove battery acids. Test the battery to make sure it will hold a charge. If it holds, recharge the battery. Reinstall the battery, hold-down clamp, positive cable and then negative cable.

Battery on Cable
Battery cables play vital role in delivering electricity to and from the car’s battery. Battery cables are simply heavy-duty coated wires with terminals on the ends. They can become corroded by electrochemical process inside the battery. The ends can also be damaged by mishandling or can become fragile with time.
For replacing battery cables, follow this guide:
First, locate the battery under the hood, there are two cables attached to it, one is black and the other is red. Disconnect the cables from the negative side and then the positive side. Disconnect the cables at the other end. Inspect the cable wire and ends for any damage. Battery cables are not very expensive so replace them every few years even if there is no damage seen. Take the old cables to the auto dealer and buy the new ones that exactly match the old ones. Reinstall the ends of the cables to the ground and the starter solenoid. Apply corrosion inhibitor to the positive battery terminal and then the negative battery terminal, then reinstall the positive (red) cable and then the negative terminal on the battery.

Other Auto Electrical Devices to Check
Many electrical devices in a car develop fault with time. They can be radio, wiring, lights, instruments and clock. A volt-ohmmeter (VOM) can measure either the voltage in a live circuit or the resistance in a dead circuit, it can also measure how much resistance the signal faced trying to get to the exit.

About the Author

Learn in details the methods of electrical system repairs and also brake system repairs.

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