What does a car’s electrical system do?
A vehicle’s electrical system is responsible for powering the vehicle and the various systems within it. The three main electrical components in every car are the battery, starter, and alternator. The battery is responsible for sending power to the starter, and the alternator is responsible for charging the battery and powering the vehicle. Most vehicles today have very complex electrical systems, all managed by an onboard computer (OBC) called the ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The ECU interacts with sensors and relays and when something is performing out of parameter, it will likely trigger a Check Engine Light, Battery Light, or other warning indicators.
WARNING INDICATORS FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS
Often times if your vehicle’s onboard computer senses a problem within the electrical system, like a part performing out of acceptable range, the vehicle will log a failure code within the computer’s history logs. Although all vehicles are different, most vehicles will not trigger a dashboard warning indicator until the failure has occurred three or more times. If you receive a Check Engine Light, Battery Light, or Service Engine warning, it’s important to take your vehicle to a professional repair shop for diagnostics. New Dimensions Automotive offers diagnostics with state-of-the-art computer scanners equipped with the latest software needed to properly read your vehicle’s computer logs. Call (480) 218-0096 today and talk to an experienced service adviser about your vehicle’s warning lights.
STARTER
The starter has one job; to crank the engine to power the vehicle. A starter is made of a solenoid and a motor; the solenoid (relay) receives high power from the battery and sends it to the motor. Starters do not have a specific lifespan and can fail due to improper use, like turning the ignition key too long, or simply fail due to normal wear and tear. Signs that might indicate a faulty starter are:
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single starter “click” but the engine doesn’t crank
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no click, no sound when the ignition is turned
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loud grinding noise when turning the ignition
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engine slowly cranks
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the engine will not start at all
If your vehicle exhibits any of these behaviors, the starter may be on its way out. New Dimensions Automotive offers electrical diagnostics to include starter voltage testing. If the starter is bad, we offer OEM replacement parts backed by a nationwide guarantee. Call our Mesa repair shop for starter repairs at (480) 218-0096.
BATTERY
The main job of a battery is to send an electrical current to the starter to start the engine. Batteries typically require replacement every 2-5 years, but environmental conditions like Arizona’s extreme temperatures can impact the life of a battery. New Dimensions Automotive offers battery testing and replacement by certified professional technicians. Call (480) 218-0096 to discuss your car’s battery or check out our battery services to learn more.
The alternator is what powers all of your vehicle systems while the vehicle is running; from critical electronics like the Electronic Control Unit (computer) to accessories like your radio, a good running alternator is vital to keeping your vehicle functioning properly. Each alternator is made of a few standard components: the diode/bridge rectifier, rotor, stator, terminals, and voltage regulator. Alternators can last up to 100K miles, but it’s not uncommon to replace a failed alternator around 60-80K miles. Signs of a failing alternator include:
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Dim lights
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Warning indicators like “Service Engine”
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A weak or failing battery
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Grinding or whining noise
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Electrical issues with windows, radio, cluster, etc.
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Damaged belts, like burn marks or glazing
Some signs of a faulty alternator get misdiagnosed as a bad battery. Since the alternator is what re-charges a battery, replacing the battery will only result in a “new” dead battery. To properly diagnose electrical problems, it’s important to use both computer scanning tools as well as voltage meters to trace the issue to the correct culprit. New Dimensions Automotive is experienced in alternator diagnostic testing and replacement. Give us a call at (480) 218-0096 to discuss alternator repairs in Mesa, AZ.
Electrical and Electronics Repairs
New Dimensions Automotive is a full-service auto repair shop, located in Mesa, AZ 85215. We offer professional electrical diagnostics and repairs of the following components:
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Alternator
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Batteries
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Bulbs and Fuses
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Cruise Control
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Electrical Currents & Draws
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Electronics
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Fuse Box
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Headlights ad Brake Lights
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Ignition Assemblies, Keys, Switch, and Tumblers
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Instrument Clusters
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Lights: Interior and Exterior
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Motors and Regulators
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Power Windows and Door Locks
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Radios, Clocks, and other accessories
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Relays
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Starters
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Turn Signals
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Windshield Wipers
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Wiring and Wiring Harnesses
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AND so much more!
Call New Dimensions Automotive to get your vehicle’s electrical system fixed today.