Electrical problems in cars can be very difficult to locate and fix.  They can include things like dim or nonfunctioning lights, hard starting, surging acceleration, malfunctioning gauges, and check engine lights.  If the problem is intermittent, even dealer shops with specialized equipment can require the car for days to try to track the source, and will not always be successful.

Here are some steps to follow that should help with a solution.

1. Check the battery charge and charging system using a simple voltage meter.  A fully charged battery should read close to 12.6 volts for a 12 volt battery.  Anything under 12 volts indicates too low a charge. Even if the voltage is 12.6 volts there still may be a problem inside the battery. The way to test for internal battery problems is a load test.  Tools to perform a load test can typically be purchased for under $70.00.  These meters often have the ability to test the charging system as well.  A cheaper  alternative is to take the vehicle to a battery retailer as most battery shops will perform the load test for free. These shops will also often perform a charging system check for free to ensure the alternator and voltage regulator are functioning properly. If they are not willing, go to another shop that will. It is in the retailer’s best interest to perform the test as they often get a battery sale or repair job out of it.
2. Clean the battery terminals including the two battery posts and the battery cables. Coat them with a proper protectant. Vaseline was used for years but there are specialized products available.
3. Fuses need to be pulled and tested with a meter.  There should ne no resistance. Just visual inspection may easily not be enough. Replace blown fuses only with fuses of the correct rating, not a higher-rated fuse as this could create a fire hazard.
4. Check the connectors under the hood. Corrosion is more likely there as the connectors are more exposed to the elements. Sometimes just separating them and reseating them will reestablish a good connection but also look for corrosion. It often shows as a green coating or dull coloured metal contacts.
5. If the car often has a dead battery in the morning or after sitting for a while, check the door light switches. They can become sticky with dirt and age and therefore may cause interior lights to stay on. Vanity mirror lights are also often culprits. Make sure all these lights turn off consistently.
6. Last, the number ONE overlooked spot. If all the above steps have not cured the problem this easily may, especially if the car is 5 years old or older. It is the ground strap where it attaches from the battery to the car engine block and then to the chassis of the vehicle. There may easily be more than one or even two ground straps. Many times they are easy to spot because they are bare copper metal but may be insulated.  To find the end of the ground strap(s) start at the negative terminal of the battery and follow it/them until it/they attach to the engine or chassis. Put a wrench on the bolt and loosen it. If possible clean the connection area with a wire brush. If it is hard to reach you may be able to reestablish a good connection just by loosening and tightening the bolt. Do this with all the ground straps from the battery.

Fixing your own car is often easier than you think. The knowledge gained by attempting to diagnose and trying to fix it can also save you money when a shop suggests unnecessary repairs.

Best of luck. (more…)