Trystan Casey
When getting a used car checked, it is important to understand what is meant by electrical system checked. This is because the electrical system of a car is essential to get the engine running and to power the car and its electronic accessories. A standard check of the electrical system includes an inspection of the headlights, directionals, and brake lights. It also includes an inspection of the car battery, alternator, drive belt, voltage regulator, starter, ignition switch, neutral safety switch, and battery cables and terminals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Every 10,000 miles |
| Parts Checked | Alternator, drive belt, voltage regulator, starter, ignition switch, neutral safety switch, battery cables and terminals, headlights, directionals, brake lights |
| Impact of Failure | Inconvenience, difficulty or inability to start the car, loss of power while driving |
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$14.85
What You'll Learn
Car battery
A car's electrical system is a bit like the body's circulatory system, with the battery as its heart. The battery stores the electricity generated by the car's alternator and distributes it around the car to the vehicle's ancillary circuits, which include the lights. The electricity flows along wires (or the blood vessels of this system) to the parts that require it, before returning to the battery. The current flows out of the battery in one direction via its positive terminal and back to it via its negative one, also called its earth terminal. The negative terminal is earthed to the car's body, so it cannot electrocute you.
The battery provides the power to start your vehicle, but it is the starter that gets the engine going. The battery supplies a small amount of power to the starter motor, which then rotates the flywheel, turning the crankshaft and beginning the movement of the engine's pistons. The starter motor has its own heavy cable, direct from the battery, and the ignition circuit furnishes the high-tension impulses to the spark plugs. The charging system includes the generator, which recharges the battery.
The amount of electrical power in the battery is influenced by the outside temperature. At around 0°C, the battery has around 50% less power than usual and may struggle to provide sufficient power to the starter motor. As modern cars become more sophisticated and demand more electrical power, their electrical systems will have to move from the existing 12 volts to a more powerful 48 volts.
If your car battery is not working properly, your car won't start or run correctly. A weak or dead battery can also wreak havoc on other electrical system parts, like alternators and starters. A complete electrical system check will help recognise the warning signs and ensure everything is working properly.
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Alternator
An alternator is a critical part of a vehicle's electrical system. It generates electricity by converting mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy, which is then used to power the vehicle's electrical systems and charge the battery. The alternator is connected to the engine's crankshaft via a drive or serpentine belt, which spins a pulley on the exterior of the alternator. This motion powers the alternator and turns a rotor inside, which creates alternating current (AC). The AC is then converted into direct current (DC) to be compatible with the car battery and power the electrical systems.
The rotor is a cylindrical piece located inside the alternator, surrounded by magnets. It spins at high speed within the stator, which holds a fixed set of conductive copper wiring. The movement of the magnets over the wiring creates electricity. The stator is attached to the alternator's shell and remains stationary. It consists of the outer frame, stator core, and stator winding, and is highly insulated due to the high voltage it creates. The voltage regulator monitors the output voltage and delivers power to the rest of the vehicle.
The drive belt connecting the alternator to the engine is essential for its function. A worn, loose, or damaged belt can cause the alternator to work harder and fail prematurely. Regular inspections and maintenance of the drive belt are necessary to ensure proper alignment and function. In addition to the drive belt, other components such as the battery terminals and alternator connections should be inspected and cleaned to maintain a strong electrical flow.
A failing alternator can lead to difficulties in starting the vehicle and keeping the battery charged. Signs of a faulty alternator may include issues with the vehicle's electrical components, such as power windows and the radio. However, these symptoms can also indicate potential problems with other parts of the electrical system. Regular maintenance and good habits, such as reducing electrical strain by turning off heated seats when not in use, can help maximize the lifespan of the alternator and prevent costly breakdowns.
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Starter
The starter is an essential part of a car's electrical system. It is responsible for starting the engine and distributing electrical power. The starter motor can typically be found on the passenger side of the engine, below the exhaust manifold in RWD cars, or on the driver's side above the transmission or under the exhaust manifold in FWD cars. Some vehicles may also have the starter located under the intake manifold.
Over time, the starter can be subject to issues such as blown fuses, short circuits, and worn-out or damaged parts. Oil leaks, common in older vehicles, can also cause the starter to malfunction if oil leaks onto its components. A faulty starter can result in a car not starting, or the engine continuing to crank after start-up.
To check for issues with the starter, one can perform a visual inspection by popping the hood and locating the starter motor, which typically looks like a large metal cylinder with a smaller cylinder on top. It is important to exercise caution when inspecting the starter motor, as some parts of the exhaust may be extremely hot, and the electrical terminals may be directly attached to the battery.
One common test for the starter is to use a circuit tester, test lamp, or voltmeter to check for electrical current reaching the solenoid. This can be done by connecting the test lamp between the solenoid output terminal and earth, with one lead connected to the feed terminal and the other lead earthed to the bare metal on the bodywork. If the lamp lights up, the issue lies in the solenoid or the starter itself. If the lamp does not light, the connections between the battery and solenoid may be faulty.
Another test involves listening for a clicking sound from the solenoid as the contacts close. If no sound is heard, the issue may lie in the ignition switch, its terminals, the wiring, or the solenoid itself.
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Headlights
Modern cars have computers that control and monitor performance, including the electrical system. When a problem is detected, a warning light illuminates on the dashboard, alerting the driver to an issue. In some cases, this could be related to the headlights. For example, if the headlights are not functioning correctly, it may trigger a warning light, indicating an electrical problem. This could be due to a faulty bulb, wiring issue, or a problem with the headlight assembly.
In some vehicles, the computer system may provide more specific information, such as a text message or a code that can be read with a diagnostic tool. This can help identify the exact nature of the electrical problem, whether it is related to the headlights or another component.
It is important to address issues with the electrical system, including the headlights, as soon as possible. While a faulty headlight bulb may be a simple fix, other problems could be more serious and impact the overall performance and safety of the vehicle. In some cases, a malfunctioning electrical system can lead to a dead battery, as the headlights may remain on and drain the battery, or there could be an issue with the battery or alternator.
Therefore, when the electrical system warning light illuminates, it is advisable to have the car checked by a mechanic to diagnose and address any issues, ensuring the headlights and other electrical components are functioning correctly and safely.
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Drive belt
A car's electrical system is essential to keep the vehicle running. An electrical system service appointment involves a mechanic checking the key parts of the electrical system, including the drive belt.
The drive belt, also known as a serpentine belt, is a single, continuous belt that drives multiple peripheral devices in an automotive engine. It is an essential component of a car's electrical system. The drive belt is typically made of rubber and is designed to last a long time, with a lifespan of 40,000-70,000 miles or 60,000-100,000 miles. However, it is important to replace the drive belt as part of the vehicle's scheduled maintenance to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
The drive belt powers accessory components such as the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. It may also drive some accessories on the back (smooth side) of the belt, such as the engine's cooling fan. The use of a single serpentine belt instead of multiple V-belts is more efficient and reliable, as it reduces the risk of belt slippage and allows for higher tension.
Over time, heat and friction will wear down the drive belt, and if it breaks, multiple critical functions will be lost. For example, the water pump, power steering, and alternator will cease to function, leading to a loss of power steering, air conditioning, and engine cooling. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly inspect and replace the drive belt to avoid breakdowns and costly repairs.
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Frequently asked questions
"Electrical system checked" means that a mechanic has inspected the electrical components of a vehicle to ensure they are in good working condition. This includes checking the battery, alternator, drive belt, voltage regulator, starter, ignition switch, and other key parts.
It is recommended to have your car's electrical system checked regularly, especially if you notice any problems. Some manufacturers recommend checking the electrical system every 10,000 miles or so, while others suggest replacing certain components, like the drive belt, every 40,000-70,000 miles.
Neglecting the electrical system of a vehicle can lead to various issues. A failing electrical system can impact more than just the radio or power windows. It may make it difficult to start the car, and in some cases, it can even leave you stranded. Additionally, a failing charging system can cause the battery to die, resulting in a loss of power to electronic accessories and potentially stranding you without a functioning vehicle.
