ELECTRIAL SYSTEM ANALYSIS
One of the most common probelms people have with their vehicles is when they won't start. You are rushing out of your house the one day you are late for work only to get in the car and turn the key and nothing happen. You beg and plead with it, hoping it will start but never does.
Most people assume battery is dead, but the starting and electrical system on today's modern car is so complex that a failure in any part of the system can lead to dead batteries and no-start conditions.
With our electrical system analysis, we can properly diagnosis and make the proper repairs the first time.
Why You Should Have An Electrical System Analysis?
A steady supply of current is critical to operating the highly sophisticated electronics in today’s vehicles.
Lack of current or fluctuations in the supply of current can:
- Cause the “Check Engine” light to come on
- Cause poor engine performance or stalling
- Result in malfunctions of the computers that operate your vehicle’s climate control, ride control and ABS brakes
To maintain a steady supply of voltage, the electrical system in your vehicle is comprised of two systems: a starting and a charging system.
The starting system, which gets your vehicle’s engine going, is comprised of a starter motor, starter relay, neutral safety switch and ignition switch.
The starter solenoids and relays can be part of the starter or mounted on it; some may be mounted in other locations, so, if your vehicle doesn’t “crank,” the problem may or may not be caused by the starter.
Diagnosing the starter system requires several different tests. A “starter draw test” determines if the starter is drawing more amperage than is needed to turn over the engine.
A “circuit test” determines if all the other components are working properly and if voltage is present when and where it is needed.
Your vehicles battery must maintain enough voltage to turn the starter and overcome the engine’s resistance. That’s where your vehicle’s charging system steps in.
The alternator, alternator drive belt and voltage regulator that makes up the charging system work together to supply enough voltage to run your vehicle’s accessories and continuously recharge your battery to keep it from going dead
A battery goes dead because of electrical drain caused by one of the following:
- A short circuit
- Under-charging due to a bad drive belt, alternator or voltage regulator
- Over-charging, which can cause serious and expensive damage to highly sensitive computer electronics and your battery
You need the right equipment and technician to make an accurate diagnosis of your electrical system, without causing possible further damage to sensitive electronic components.
A properly performed electrical system analysis can save you money and future headaches by diagnosing the problem right the first time.
Services Included
- Inspect battery connections
- Charge battery to full capacity
- Load test battery and record readings
- Inspect alternator belt and adjust, as required
- Perform alternator output test and record readings
- Perform starter draw test and record readings
- Perform test for draw on electrical system and record readings
- Replace battery, if required