Electrical System Repair in Phoenix AZ

You go out in the morning or at the end of the work day and try to start your vehicle. It won’t turn over – the battery is dead. Now you have to ask someone for a jump start or call a battery service to get your vehicle going again. This is such a hassle, especially if you have to be somewhere else by a certain time. Could this have been avoided? Most likely… That is, if you have made a commitment to regular maintenance and had your battery replaced before it could no longer start your vehicle.

How does the electrical system work in your vehicle?

It’s not just about the battery. A car battery is part of an electrical system that is responsible for providing power to not only the engine, but to the windows, door locks, defroster, headlights, radio, interior lights, heating and air conditioning system and more. If the electrical system isn’t operating properly, it can place a strain on the car battery.

Your car battery is one that is rechargeable and is responsible for providing the electrical current that feeds the starter and fuel system. The starter uses the current from the battery to rotate the flywheel that turns the crankshaft. Once the vehicle is running, the alternator takes over to recharge the battery and supply the power for you car’s electrical systems. If the battery doesn’t have enough charge, it can’t provide the current to the starter. If the starter isn’t working, it can’t turn the crankshaft and the vehicle won’t start. If the alternator is faulty, it can’t recharge the battery.

Common Signs Electrical System Repair is Needed

1. Your car won’t start.
2. Your interior and/or dashboard lights seem dimmer than normal or do not light up properly.
3. You car’s headlights dim while you’re driving at low speeds or the car is idling.

How to Care for Your Car Battery

• Once a month, inspect and clean the battery/cables. As your vehicle battery ages, corrosion will build up on the posts and cables. A once-a-month inspection and cleaning will keep the battery posts and cables free from excess corrosion. If you are one to do-it-yourself, you can easily inspect and clean the battery cables and posts on your own. Otherwise, we can take care of it for you when you bring your vehicle in for service or repair.
• Inspect the drive belt (or serpentine belt) once a month. The drive belt or serpentine belt is made of rubber and it “drives” the accessories in the engine, like the alternator. To inspect this important belt, open the hood and look for cracks, dryness and/or glazing along the belt’s surface. If you don’t feel comfortable inspecting the belt, don’t worry. We always perform a courtesy inspection on your vehicle when you bring it in for service. This is one of those areas we inspect so you can replace the belt before it breaks (something that you want to avoid).
• If your car battery is nearing 4 to 5 years of age, replace it – If you don’t, one morning you will try to start your vehicle and it won’t crank the engine. If you’re not sure your battery should be replaced, let us know. We can test it for you.

If you find yourself in need of battery or battery-related maintenance, bring your vehicle to Cactus Bimmers in Phoenix AZ. Our ASE-certified technicians will be able to diagnose the electrical system problem and get you and your vehicle back on the road. Our battery services include:

• Battery/Starter/Alternator Testing and Diagnostics
• Battery Recharging
• Battery Replacement
• Battery Maintenance (e.g. cleaning corrosion)
• Alternator/Starter Replacement
• Alternator Belt Problems
• Ignition Switch Issues

If you are in need of a new battery or suspect there is a problem with your vehicle’s electrical system, call us at (480) 674-0018 or click here to schedule on-line now.