Orlando Auto Electrical Repair Center
There is a difference between your car's electrical system and your auto electronics. The electrical system's primary function is to start your vehicle, keep the sparkplugs sparking, and power your headlights, windshield wipers, and more. The time we become most aware of our auto electrical system is when our car won't start, and there can be lots of reasons for that.
Why Won't My Car Start!
It might not be your electrical system at all
While electrical system failure is the most common reason for a car that won't start, it's not the only reason. Sometimes, the battery has a good charge, and the starter is cranking, but the car won't start. It could be that you need a fuel pump repair, a fuel sensor replacement, or a timing belt replacement.
Dead Battery
It takes a strong battery to start a car
If your battery charge is low, it may not have enough juice to turn over the engine. You'll hear a RRRRR sound as the starter struggles to engage. If you keep trying, you'll probably notice it getting weaker and weaker. The battery charge could be low if the battery connections are bad or corroded, or it could be an old battery, in which case you'll need a car battery replacement.
Bad Alternator
The alternator keeps your battery charged
The alternator and the car battery work together to make the electrical system work. The battery is like a reservoir, while the alternator is like the river that feeds the reservoir. If the alternator is not creating enough electricity, it won't be able to keep the battery at full charge. Also, when the engine is running, the alternator powers the electrical system in the car. If the alternator is not creating enough electricity, the car will draw from the car battery until the battery looses its charge. Your automotive repair technician will be able to check the battery charge and the alternator output to determine if your car electrical problem is the battery or the alternator. If you notice the intensity of your headlights wavering or if engaging your windshield wipers cause other electrical components in your car to stop working, you have a bad alternator and you'll need an alternator replacement.
Bad Starter
A horrible grinding noise points to a bad starter
When starters go bad, they may loose the ability to properly mesh with the flywheel, and the result will be a grinding noise when you try to start the car. Bad solenoids in your car starter are a common reason people need starter replacement.
Mike Says:
Make sure you have a strong battery
Maintaining a strong battery is the key to keeping your auto electrical system healthy. A battery with a low charge will put undue strain on your car's alternator and will cause the starter to struggle to turn over the engine.
In Orlando, with our hot Florida summers, the average life of a car battery is 34-40 months. If you have an old battery, you should test the charge regularly to make sure your not putting a strain on the alternator.
Also, never buy a battery smaller that what is recommended for your vehicle. The result will be similar to running on a low battery charge.
If you need an alternator repair, we'll need to make sure your battery has a full charge before we can repair your electrical system. Alternator installation on a car with a weak battery will void the alternator's warranty.
We proudly serve customers from all over Central Florida and the Greater Orlando Area including College Park, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Gotha, Orlando, Apopka, Maitland, Winter Park, and Altamonte Springs.
