If your car’s electrical system is overheating, we recommend that you pull over, cut the engine, and call for a tow truck. The best way to determine that the system is overheating is to use your nose. If you smell hot electrical wires or burning rubber, this is a sign that the electrical system is too hot. The most common cause of this problem is an overworking alternator that produces too much power. This is just one sign that your automobile has an electrical problem. Here are other signs.
Hard Starts/Dead Battery
The electrical system can drain the charge out of the battery. This will leave you with a dead battery every time you try to start your automobile. In some cases, the drain may not be bad enough to deplete the battery, but it will make starting the automobile difficult. If you are having problems getting your vehicle started when you turn the ignition key or press the start button, bring the vehicle to our shop.
Dim Lights/Slow Accessories
A faulty electrical system will not be able to provide the power that your lights and accessories need to function properly. Consequently, you may be stuck with lights that are too dim. You may also end up with malfunctioning or slow accessories. One example is turning on your radio and having it turn off by itself. This is an indication that it does not have enough electricity to operate.
Tripped Fuses in the Fuse Box
Getting back to the electrical system overheating, when this happens, you may have electricity surging through the system. Consequently, this will trip the fuses in the fuse box to avoid an electrical fire. This does not protect your vehicle completely from an electrical fire, however. If the electrical system gets hot enough, it may start an electrical fire in the engine or elsewhere in the automobile.
Battery Warning Light
Finally, there is a battery light on the dashboard to let you know that there’s a problem with the battery or the electrical system. This light also turns on if the alternator is going bad. If you have an illuminated battery light on the dashboard, bring your vehicle to our shop so we can run a diagnostic test. This test will help us determine the precise electrical problem with your automobile.
We are a full-service auto shop in the best auto shop in town. If us a call today to set up a service visit if you are having electrical problems with your automobile.