Common Vehicle Electrical Problems to Watch For

Despite the vast amount of mechanical components in your vehicle, the electrical system within is just as crucial. It’s composed of necessities like the battery, the battery cables, the alternator, the starter, and the computer system. If any one of these components fails, you’ll soon be stuck in a driveway, parking lot, or even the side of the road.

Electrical problems in a vehicle are no fun. If you believe your car may have been sold to you with electrical defects, reach out to us at 833.422.7529 for a free consultation and we will investigate the problem.

Common Electrical Problems

Because your electrical system is so extensive, the best prevention is regular maintenance. However, that isn’t always enough. Here’s what you should watch for:

Car Won’t Start

If your vehicle won’t turn over, it may be an issue with the battery, the alternator, or the starter. The easiest check for the battery is to see if your lights turn on inside the cabin. If not, your battery is likely dead or doesn’t have enough power to start the engine.

Battery is Leaking

Pop your hood every now and then and inspect the battery. Look for any kind of corrosion or buildup around the terminals, which are signs that the battery may be leaking, reaching the end of its life, or experiencing some other issue. You can also pop the top off the battery and check the water level inside. If that’s low, you may need to add a small amount of water. Keep in mind most experts recommend replacing your battery every three to seven years, though some recommend waiting only four years so that your battery is always optimizing at its peak.

Lights Dim While Driving

If your lights dim while idling or driving at a low speed, you may have a problem with the alternator, voltage meter, or the battery. The alternator may be your first suspect – it creates electricity for many components by converting the energy generated by the engine. You may also have an issue with the alternator belt. Once those suspects are eliminated, check your battery and voltage meter. If both of those are in good working order, it may be a wiring problem.

Blown Fuses

When an electrical device like your lights or power windows draw too much current, a fuse may blow, disrupting power to that device altogether. Replacing the fuse isn’t always enough. Instead, a technician should isolate exactly what the problem is so that it doesn’t happen again.

Strange Smells

You’ve likely smelled melting plastic or burning electrical insulation in your house before. It’s bad at home, and it’s bad in your car as well. This kind of burning could also lead to smoke – which is another bad presence. Smoke could mean a flame, which is dangerous, and burning plastic can release harmful fumes and potential carcinogens.

If you experience any sort of electrical issues, get to your dealer as soon as possible. An electric window that won’t go down might not seem like a big deal, but it could be indicative of other issues in the car. It’s always better to have the problem checked out now rather than let it go for enough time when another component could break down.

Seek Legal Assistance for Your Check Engine Issues

If you experience electrical issues frequently, despite your dealer’s best efforts, you may have been sold a lemon. Robison Lemon Law Group can help you navigate both the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and lemon laws to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.

Scroll to Top