Manuals and tips on repair and maintenance for Electrics

Electrical equipment includes exterior and interior lighting elements, as well as all electrically powered devices of the car. Among them are: the on-board computer, anti-theft alarm, electrically adjustable seats, power windows, heated steering wheel and seats, parking sensors, and the navigation system. Connecting them requires wires, switches, relays and fuses. The power source is the car battery. While you are driving, it is charged by the alternator. It has an in-built voltage regulator. To start the engine, the starter is used.

Battery overcharging may be caused by a faulty voltage regulator or diode bridge of the alternator. If dirt gets on the alternator winding, it can cause a short circuit, while worn-out brushes and slip rings can disrupt the battery charging process. The latter also takes place when the drive belt is loosened or broken. Current-consuming devices may burn out due to high voltage, short circuit, corroded or heat-damaged terminals.

The problem may occur due to a faulty relay or diode bridge of the alternator which fails to maintain the required voltage level. Installing a device that consumes too much power or using a worn-out car battery also reduces the voltage. Unsuitable wires, relays and fuses are another possible reason.