Electrical problems in your automobile are not only annoying but they can also be dangerous. As with any electrical system, a short or other problem could cause a fire. If you suspect that your car has an electrical problem, Demore’s Automotive recommends that you look for any of the following signs listed below. If you’re experiencing any of them, bring your vehicle to our shop.
Burning Odors
As we mentioned above, electrical problems can cause fire, but you may end up with a different clue before anything ignites. If your electrical system is getting too hot, the wire insulation will begin to melt. This smells like burning plastic or burning rubber. Anytime you smell anything hot coming from your automobile, you should pull over right away and call for a tow truck.
Dimming Lights
Another sign your automobile has an electrical problem is dimming lights. It’s much easier to notice that your headlights or dashboard light is much dimmer at night than it is to notice interior lights being too dim during the day. Things that can cause your lights to dim include a failing alternator, a dying battery, an electrical short, or another electrical system problem.
Failing Electronics
Your vehicle’s electrical system powers all of your electrical components. Oftentimes, a problem in the electrical system manifests itself in one of these components. For example, you may find that your GPS or stereo isn’t working, your power windows might open and close slowly, or you may have problems charging your electronic devices in the USB ports.
Battery Terminal Corrosion
The battery is part of your vehicle’s electrical system; in fact, it’s a primary part. Signs that your battery is dying include corrosion on the battery terminals. Corrosion is sulfuric acid leaking out of the battery, and this is an indication that your battery has reached the end of its life. Depending on how bad the corrosion is, you might also be able to smell the sulfuric acid, which smells like rotten eggs.
Turning Over Problems
Finally, if you are having problems getting your vehicle to turn over and start, you have an electrical system problem. Again, this could be an issue with the alternator or battery. However, if you hear clicking sounds, the issue is in the starter. It could be that the electrical system is no longer powering the starter and this is why you can’t get your engine to fire up.
As we said above, bring your vehicle to Demore’s Automotive in Palmer, MA, if you suspect it has an electrical system problem. We can find the issue and fix it.
