Most drivers are worried about the quality of fuel they use in their cars because they think that it’s the only thing needed to run a vehicle. However, a larger part of every vehicle is powered by electricity.
The modern cars come with amenities like android screens, heated seats, sunroof, power windows, electric seat adjustments, and much more. All these amenities are directly powered by electricity.
Moreover, your engine needs electricity to start and maintain its optimal running. When something is wrong with your electrical system, then the engine fails to start or run efficiently.
Here, we will discuss some of the common electrical problems in your car that affect the quality of your drive.
1) Dead Battery
Every battery has a lifespan after which it stops to store electrical current. The older your battery is, the more likely it is to malfunction and leave you without power.
Due to the constant contact of metal terminals on your battery, they will oxidize and corrode after some time, which causes the battery to lose its power.
Sometimes, the battery might be new but still won’t function because it’s drained overnight due to reasons like leaving the lights on when the engine is off or leaving the stereo system playing at night.
Some of the common symptoms you might notice if your battery is dying includes:
- Engine not starting immediately.
- Interior lights are dimmed.
- Battery warning signs show up on clusterboard while driving.
- Loss of power when accelerating.
2) Alternator Has Stopped Working
The alternator is similar to a generator, it uses mechanical energy from the engine to run and generate electricity. This electricity is used to charge the battery when the vehicle is running.
As the alternator ages, it loses its efficiency and is unable to deliver the amount of current required to charge the battery. You can visit any auto repair shop to get the alternator voltages checked. It should be above 12 amperes.
If there is no insulation in any part of the alternator then it may create a short circuit due to which it can stop working.
Leaking of engine oil inside your car can also lead to alternator failure, if water makes its way inside the alternator then it can also cause it to malfunction.
If you keep your at idling for long periods and electrical accessories are running then it can eventually wear the alternator.
3) Starter Motor is Not Working
The starter motor is an electrically powered motor that turns on the internal combustion engine when you turn the key. When the starter motor is not working then then your engine can’t start.
If you are hearing a clicking noise everytime you turn your key then the starter motor is dead. Stater issues are generally caused by faulty wiring and the breakdown of mechanical parts inside the motor.
To prevent a starter motor from premature wear, you need to replace the corroded batteries as corrosion can spread to the starter and impact its function.
4) Problem With Spark Plugs
The number of spark plugs in your vehicle are generally dependent on the number of cylinders in your engine. The spark plugs give your vehicle the power it needs to run by igniting the mixture of fuel and air.
If your spark plugs are not working properly then you may experience trouble with the engine including rough idling and vibrations.
5) Malfunctioning of Ignition Coils
Spark plugs need electrical power for ignition and that power comes from ignition coils. If the ignition coils are not functional then they affect normal working of spark plugs and can also damage the catalytic converter.
If your engine is overheated or vibrates excessively then it can cause the ignition coils to break down after some time. If the spark plugs are malfunctioned then it can also lead to the engine getting some extra or less amount of fuel, which can damage the ignition coils in the long run.
6) Problem with Wiring
Like every electrical system, your car also relies on wires to get electricity. If something is wrong with your wiring then the car won’t run efficiently. Moreover, diagnosing what is the problem with wiring can be very difficult.
Some of the symptoms of bad wiring include flickering of lights, smell of burning plastic, and the fuses are blown frequently.
7) Problems With Sensors
Modern cars come with a number of sensors that assist in optimal driving and maintain safety while driving. Some of these sensors include oxygen sensor, coolant sensor, mass air flow sensor, and many others.
If any one of these sensors are not functional then it can lead to sabotaging the overall driving experience.
8) Blown Fuse
This is one of the most common issues when there is an underlying problem with the wiring of your car. The fuse is blown due to circuit overload which can melt the ribbon and stop the power at fuse point.
The fuse should not be blown frequently. If you have to replace your fuse again and again then there might be a problem with your wiring, and you should get it checked.
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