When you buy a new car, it is normal to expect that the vehicle will be free from any major issues. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. There are many situations where even a brand-new car may start to experience electrical issues. Although the electrical systems found in modern cars provide a huge number of advantages, they also have their own drawbacks. They can experience a wide range of different problems.
When there is a problem with the electrical system, it means you need to have the issue diagnosed and repaired before traveling. For this reason, our Reno car experts will share some of the most common electrical problems with new cars, as well as what you can do about them.
Dead or Faulty Battery
Of all the possible electrical problems with new cars, having a dead or faulty battery is the most common. If your car has no power and won’t start, the very first thing you should check is the battery. An easy way to see whether the battery is the issue is to try turning the headlights on. If they don’t come on at all or are very dim, it is a sign that your battery is either dead or has little power. The issue will also be clear when you try to start the car. If nothing happens when you turn the key, it usually means the battery is dead. But, if you hear a slight click and the engine still won’t start, it might mean that your battery is faulty. It may also mean it isn’t receiving a proper charge from the alternator.
Damaged or Broken Alternator
The alternator functions to charge the battery when the car is running. It also helps to distribute power from the engine to the headlights and radio. If you notice that the lights on your dashboard flicker or dim while you’re driving, it could be a sign that your alternator isn’t recharging the battery. This issue could be related to a faulty or damaged alternator, or it could also be a problem with the alternator belt.
Problems with the Starter
The problems with the starter are one of the easiest to diagnose. As the starter handles starting the car, you won’t hear that click noise when you attempt to start the engine. When this happens, you will need to have the starter either repaired or replaced.
Loose Spark Plugs
If you notice your car starts to lose power or lurches forward after it shifts gears, it’s often a sign that there is an issue with the spark plugs. You might consider this to be a standard mechanical issue within the engine; but the fact is, the spark plug is an electrical issue. Loose, broken, or old spark plugs can cause issues with the engine not firing right. The plugs will usually need to be either tightened or replaced to correct the problem.
Blown Fuses or Loose Wires
Many electrical problems with new cars are also related to either the fuses or wires. If the starter, alternator, and battery aren’t the cause of the problem, the next step is to examine the fuse box for any blown fuses. At the same time, you might also want to check the battery cables to make sure they have a solid connection. Also make sure that there are no loose wires around the fuse box. It may be necessary to seek professional help if you do notice any loose wires. This is to ensure the problem is fixed the right way.
Electrical Short
An electrical short in your car can lead to many different issues. This includes your battery draining and leaving you with no power to continue your trip. Electrical shorts are one of the hardest electrical problems to diagnose. It will first be necessary to find the specific circuit that contains the short. Luckily, fixing the short once you have found the right circuit usually isn’t that difficult. It often only requires replacing part of the wire where the short is located.
Ignition Issues
If nothing happens when you turn the key, the problem could be within the vehicle’s ignition system. There is no easy way to find the source of the ignition issue without taking the car into a mechanic for a full diagnosis.
How Do You Know If Your Car Has Electrical Problems?
If your vehicle won’t start or the lights begin to dim or flicker, it is a good sign that your car has electrical problems. There are many different symptoms. Most of the possible issues will need to be diagnosed and repaired by a professional. So, if you do notice any potential signs of an electrical issue, contact us to see how our expert mechanics can help.
