
The Importance of Your Vehicle’s Electric System
Many automotive systems, such as the headlights, starter, safety features, electronic control unit, and sound system, run on electricity. In most cars, the metal body of the car itself forms part of the circuit, grounding the systems and connecting each component to the negative side of the battery. Without a functioning battery and electrical system, a car cannot start or function.
All electrical equipment and components in a car are powered by the battery. Car batteries are 12V, as automotive electrical systems run at 12V DC. The battery is charged by an alternator, which generates electricity by putting electromagnetic friction on the engine while it runs.
The heart of an automotive electrical system is the fuse box or power center, the central point from which every electric circuit connects. Fuses protect each electrical circuit from damage, by burning or blowing out in case of overcurrent. Each piece of electrical equipment is connected to the fuse box and the battery by a system of wires and connections, generally going through relays, switches, and other components.
Finding problems in these circuits, such as corroded connections, blown fuses, broken wires, faulty switches, or broken components, is the basic process of diagnosing automotive electrical problems.
Our auto repair shop in Kennewick, WA has experience in diagnosing and troubleshooting auto electrical problems of all kinds.