Electrical Systems
Electrical System Analysis Services Include:
- 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.
Why should I have an Electrical System Analysis?
A steady supply of current is crucial 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 system and a charging system. The starting system, which gets your vehicle’s engine going, is comprised of a starter motor, starter solenoid, 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 your 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 vehicle’s battery must maintain enough voltage to turn the starter and overcome the engine’s resistance. That is where your vehicle’s charging system steps in. The alternator, alternator drive belt and voltage regulator that make 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. At Tire Factory we will perform an electrical system analysis that can save you money and future headaches by diagnosing the problem right the first time!
Additional Information
Outine of the Electrical System
At Tire Factory our technicians are able to diagnose and repair any problems you may be having with your electrical system. There are some preventative measures you may take to help keep your electrical system in proper working order. Here are some descriptions and tips on the components of your electrical system:
Alternator
The alternator is what provides recharge power to the battery and provides energy for all the other electrical functions of the vehicle. The components that belong to the alternator including a rotor, a stator, rectifier bridge assembly, fan, bearings, brushes for electrical contact with rotor, and a pulley are housed inside the alternator. The alternator’s output level is directly affected by the drive belt connected to it. A loose or incorrectly grooved belt can greatly reduce the electrical energy output of the alternator and decrease battery life. This belt should be checked at every oil change.
We also recommend annually having our certified Tire Factory technicians perform a charging system test which will cover the alternator output. An indicator light for your alternator is generally wired into your instrument panel to alert you if your alternator is experiencing any malfunctions. Problems with your alternator can create poor electrical performance of damage to the vehicle’s electrical system. If the indicator light appears on the instrument panel or if you believe you are having poor electrical response in your vehicle, please allow our certified Tire Factory technicians to have a look.
Cables
The cables in your vehicle are specially designed to carry the large amounts of electrical energy needed to operate your vehicle. To capitalize on the electrical energy your vehicle needs it is important that all connections are tightly secured and kept clean from build-up and corrosion. If they are not, you can encounter many problems, some of which are a dead battery, your vehicle not starting, and many other electrical problems. You can clean your cables yourself and check their connections or simply bring your vehicle by and discuss with one of our Tire Factory staff the options available for an Electrical System analysis and maintenance.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The purpose of fuses in your vehicle is simply for protection. They shield circuits in case your electrical system experiences an overload. The blade style of fuses has almost been universally accepted due to the fact that it is easy to tell if the fuse has been blown. There are 3 types of blade fuses: the mini fuse, the standard auto fuse, and maxi fuses. If a fuse blows it must be replaced because the operation that it is designated for, such as head lights, power windows, or others will temporarily be disabled until the fuse is changed.
Starter Motor
The starter motor is the device in your engine that is intended to crank your engine. The components that make up the starter motor are the Pinion Gear and Bushing, Armature, Solenoid, Brush, and Field Coil.
3 Possible causes of Starter Motor Failure:
- Wear on or broken mechanical components
- Bad cable connection
- Insufficient battery power
In the event you are experiencing problems starting your vehicle and your battery seems to be charged correctly, stop by and have one of our technicians examine your starter motor and perform the required work to fix it.
Battery
No matter the season of the year, the battery of your vehicle always requires specialized attention. A poorly maintained battery can cause very inconvenient problems at very inconvenient times; possibly leaving you stranded some place in hopes of finding someone to help you jump start your vehicle. The battery in your vehicle has two very important functions. First, it provides the energy needed to crank the engine for ignition and secondly, it supplies additional energy to assist the alternator in powering the electric functions and electronic circuits associated with your vehicle. Checking the condition of your battery is a crucial step during any starting system maintenance. It is always important to make sure the battery connections are tight and free from debris or corrosion. Our Tire Factory technicians will perform any form of battery work you need done on your vehicle. It is important to have your battery changed every 3 to 4 years. Come to Tire Factory and we will help you select the correct battery for your vehicle and perform the work necessary to make sure it is installed properly and the charging and starting systems are working.
