Electrical System Service & Repair
Your car’s electrical system controls some of the most important functions of normal operation. From powering your windows, lights, instrument panel, and radio to even supplying power to your anti-lock brakes, your vehicle relies on a complex network of electronics to run properly. In fact, every wire, circuit, charging, and starting system functions because of your car’s electrical system!
Because there are so many parts dependent upon one another in your car’s electrical system, there are many telltale signs and symptoms of electrical issues—and they often signify a myriad of other problems going on behind the scenes. These issues could include:
- Car is not cranking or has difficulty turning over
- Headlights are dim while you’re driving at slower speeds
- Melting plastic smell
- You have blown fuses
If you’re experiencing any of these electrical system problems, it’s time to stop into your local Kennedy shop to get a professional diagnosis.
Car Electrical System Services
No matter what’s malfunctioning in your car’s electrical system, Kennedy Transmission can help. Common electrical components we can diagnose and repair include:
- Brake lamps
- Cigarette lighter
- Cruise control
- Door locks
- Electrical shorts
- Engine temperature gauge
- Flashers
- Fuel gauge repair
- Fuse replacement
- Headlamps
- Horn repair
- Ignition switch
- Ignition switch repair
- Interior lighting
- Oil pressure indicator
- Powered mirrors
- Powered seating
- Powered windows
- Stoplight switch
- Turn signal repair
- Warning chime
- Window defogger switch
- Windshield wiper motor
- Windshield wiper washer
How Car Electrical Systems Work
In its simplest form, your car’s electrical system is comprised of the battery, starter, and alternator. These three mechanisms are considered to be the backbone of the electrical system in your ride, as they work harmoniously together to provide an electrical current to all other components during vehicle operation. And, to ensure all components of your electrical system receive the correct amount of electricity, your car is also equipped with a wide variety of electrical fuses.
Battery
Before your engine is running, the battery supplies the electrical current to your car on its own. From your starter to your fuel system, the battery is the first stop on your vehicle’s journey to internal combustion and a running engine.
Starter
As your battery supplies the first bit of energy needed to get your car started, your starter is the mechanism that handles all the leg work. As you turn your key over in the ignition, your battery will supply power to the starter motor, which then begins to turn your flywheel. Your flywheel then transfers power to your crankshaft, which supplies energy to your engine’s pistons. Without the starter, your car wouldn’t generate enough power to get the engine running!
Alternator
After the teamwork of your battery and starter get your engine up and running, the alternator is what keeps the show going. This mechanism keeps your battery charged and an electric current flowing through all parts of your car’s electrical system. In short, the alternator gives your battery the power to supply electrical energy to things like your headlights, wipers, radio, instrument panel, and accessories.
Fuses
Within your car’s electrical system, fuses are used to limit the electrical current flowing through wires to protect important components. Located in protected fuse boxes, fuses can come in a rectangular or tube-like shape and are housed in a plastic or glass shell. If any electrical component in your system receives an overloaded current, that corresponding fuse will blow to prevent a surplus of energy from causing damage or fire—thus resulting in faulty systems.
Let Kennedy Diagnose and Repair Your Car’s Electrical System
Every year, technological advancements in automobile electrical systems become increasingly more complicated. Fortunately, Kennedy Transmission and our team of certified mechanics stay up-to-date on the newest technology so you never have to worry. Plus, our automotive shops use advanced electrical diagnostic equipment to locate and fix your car’s electrical system problem and get you back on the road safely.
No matter if you have an issue with your battery, starter, alternator, fuses, or any component of your electrical system, Kennedy Transmission can help. Use our shop locator to visit a location near you or give us a call today!