​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Electrical problems can be a bane for any driver. They seem to appear out of nowhere and cause situations from minor inconveniences to major issues. Most problems in the electrical system can usually be traced to worn-out parts. Identifying and replacing worn parts before they fail can be easily accomplished by regular servicing by your Chrysler dealer. We want to tell you more about some of the problems that we can fix for you
Solving Electrical Problems at Your Chrysler Dealer
Weak Battery
Top of the list is a worn battery. This is one of the most common electrical issues, as a battery has a relatively short lifespan. Under normal conditions, your battery will work perfectly for three to five years and then need replacement. Their short lifespan can be further reduced by other problems in the electrical system, like a worn alternator.
If your battery is failing, the battery warning light will illuminate. You can also get a good indication of your battery’s potential remaining life by visiting your Chrysler dealership for a battery test. We connect a computerized battery tester to your battery, and this tester subjects the battery to a series of load tests. If your battery fails, we can install a replacement for you. If your battery passes, we recommend testing it again in a year.
Worn Alternator
The MVP of the electrical system is the alternator. Its job is to spin at high speed and produce magnetic energy, which is then converted by its internal components into DC for your car’s systems. Under normal conditions, your alternator will produce more power than your car’s systems demand. Unfortunately, even an alternator will wear out, and when it does, it affects the entire electrical system.
A worn alternator slows down and produces less electricity than it once did. This drop in power production is irreversible, and eventually, the alternator won’t generate enough electricity to supply all the necessary systems. When this happens, you’ll experience a variety of electrical problems like dim headlights, slow accessories, and even stalling. We’ll test your alternator and replace it if it’s failing to solve this issue.
Blown Fuses
Fuses are just as important to your car’s electrical system as they are in your home. Every electrical device or system has a fuse connected to it. These fuses serve to protect their connected component against damage from electrical shorts or rogue charges. If an electrical short hits a fuse, the fuse will automatically blow out. This protects the connected component from damage but shuts it down until the fuse is replaced.
If a single system, for example, the radio, suddenly won’t work, a blown fuse could be the issue. If you have multiple systems that have failed, the fuse box itself could be the source of trouble. A water leak into the fuse box, for example, can cause several fuses to blow. Damaged wiring in the fuse box can also cause this problem. Our technicians will examine the fusebox and test each fuse. Once we find the cause of these electrical problems, we’ll repair them.
Damaged Spark Plugs
A spark plug is screwed into each engine cylinder, and it provides the ignition source for the fuel-air mixture. Air enters through the engine air filter, and fuel is pumped in via the fuel injectors. The fuel and air mix in the intake manifold, and once the mixture reaches a 14:1 ratio of air to fuel, it’s drawn into the cylinders. The piston in the cylinder then rises at speed to compress the mixture. At the height of compression, the spark plug ignites the mixture to produce combustion.
Spark plugs gradually wear out and need replacement. They can also be damaged by other issues, like a fuel-rich engine. An engine becomes fuel-rich when the fuel-air mixture contains more fuel than air. This usually occurs when the engine air filter is blocked and restricts airflow into the engine. A fuel-rich environment damages the plugs and will cause misfiring or stalling. We can quickly replace any worn or damaged plugs to fix this problem.
Dim Headlights
The most common reason for dim headlights is they’re wearing out and are going to blow. They can also be caused by a problem with the battery or the alternator. When your engine is switched off, the battery supplies power to the lights, alarm, and other electrical systems. When your engine is running, the alternator takes over and generates all the power for your vehicle.
You can perform a quick test to determine whether the battery or the alternator is at fault. Switch on the lights when the engine is off and observe their luminescence, then switch on the engine and check the lights again. If the lights are brighter when the engine is running, your battery is wearing out, and it’s time to visit your Chrysler dealer for a replacement. If the headlights are equally bright, your alternator could be wearing out.
Burning Insulation
If you smell the stench of burning plastic when you’re driving, the wiring insulation could be burning. Your Chrysler has over a mile of wires and cables inside it that transmit power to every system. Wiring is delicate, so all your wiring is protected by thick plastic insulation. The insulation reduces the amount of electricity lost in transmission and protects the wires against water, dirt, and heat.
As the wiring gets older, it becomes more fragile and can break. Electricity is still supplied to the broken wire but won’t go any further. The constant supply of electricity into the damaged wire will cause it to heat up, and the insulation can catch fire. When you visit your Chrysler dealer, we’ll examine the wiring and replace any damaged sections we find.
These are only a sample of the types of electrical problems we can fix. If you experience these or any other electrical issues, contact our service department right away at Auffenberg Chrysler of Herrin in Herrin, IL. Our Chrysler-trained technicians can diagnose and repair any possible problem quickly and efficiently, and you’ll be on the road again in no time.
