Until relatively recently car electrical systems used to be relatively simple, confined to the ignition and starter system and the lights. But today’s cars – and even some modern classics – are increasingly complex machines, with more electrical systems, on-board computers and accessories than ever before. This means factories are having to work differently and install more storage systems and get better systems in place like using Adjustable Pallet Racking which is very handy for placing products on. Businesses have to be a bit more savvy and controlled these days so why not contact a rackzone pallet racking company to get some ideas.
This can make cars daunting when it comes to diagnosing faults, because unlike mechanical problems, faults in automotive wiring looms can’t usually be seen.
Methodical Approach
As with any form of fault finding, tracing car electrical problems requires a methodical approach. It’s always worth starting with the obvious as this is at the root of many problems. If a light is out for example, it’s worth checking the bulb and the connections on the back of the lamp. If more than one is not working then you should turn your attention to the fuse.
In some cars of course this is easier said than done as manufacturers don’t always make things easy for the amateur mechanic. You often need to remove large chunks of the car to get to the headlights for example.
For tracing faults in automotive wiring looms it’s useful to have a multimeter. This allows you to measure voltages at various points and determine the source of a short circuit. Electricity is logical in that it always needs a complete circuit, but also because if only one light or accessory isn’t working you can eliminate parts of the wiring that feed other things as well.
Testing Tips
When using a meter to test car electrics it’s always a good idea to use your probe to test from the back of the connector where there’s less risk of damaging or dislodging wires. A useful tip for fused circuits: the blade type of fuse used in many cars has test points on the top so they can be checked without removing them.
If the worst comes to the worst you may have to look at a complete wiring loom replacement or someone who supplies looms for many makes and models.
If your car regularly blows fuses on a particular circuit then it’s usually a symptom of a problem elsewhere, a problem window motor, for example or water getting into connections. Check your handbook to see which circuits are on that fuse and start your diagnostics from there.
