Cars have extensive electrical systems that make driving safer and easier. Electrical can, unfortunately, develop problems over time due to worn wiring, blown fuses, and other issues. As your Ford dealer, we can trace and repair any electrical problems for you. These are some signs your car could have an electrical issue.
3 Electrical Problems You Should Always Fix at Your Ford Dealer
Blown Fuses
Fuses are vital for all electrical systems, as they protect the system they're connected to from damage. Fuses are designed to absorb any electrical shorts or other rogue charges and then blow out. When a fuse blows, it prevents the current from flowing through it to damage the electrical system. A blown fuse, however, prevents the system it's attached to from working until the fuse is replaced.
A blown fuse might not be noticed immediately, depending on the component that's affected. If the fuse for the sunroof, for example, blows during an Ohio winter, the problem is unlikely to be noticed until spring arrives. A blown alternator fuse, in contrast, will trigger the battery warning light as the alternator will stop supplying power to your car's systems. Our technicians will test the fuses and replace any blown ones.
Dead Battery
The battery supplies the power needed to start your engine. On average, the service life of a battery is between three and five years before it needs replacement. A battery can also fail due to a damaged voltage regulator, a worn alternator, or loose battery connectors. A battery that's losing power will always show signs it's struggling, like dim lights or starting problems.
One of the alternator's jobs is to replace the power used to start your engine and maintain the battery at full capacity. It does this by starting the recharging process as soon as your engine is running. A worn alternator generates less power than it should, and this reduces the recharging rate of the battery. We'll examine your battery and the electrical charging system to identify the problem, then we'll repair it.
Damaged Wiring
Wiring connects the alternator that supplies electricity to all the systems and devices that require power. A car's engine is a very hot environment for wiring, and all the wires and cables are protected against heat with thick rubber and plastic insulation. Despite the best protection, wiring can wear out due to age and the constant flow of electricity.
Worn wiring becomes brittle and can break. A broken wire cuts off the electrical supply to the component or components it's connected to. If one of your car's electrical systems suddenly fails, damaged wiring could be the culprit. We'll trace and test the wiring and replace any damaged sections we find.
Problems with the electrical system can grow worse over time. If you experience a problem, call our service department at Ken Ganley Ford.