Tag Archives: electrics

How to Locate and Replace Your Car’s Fuse

Should your car’s electrical system experience an overload then the most probable result is a blown fuse. This is usually the result of issues within your car such as a short circuit where a worn cable could be touching the bodywork of the car. Blown fuses may be a little annoying, but they are actually a preventative measure that stops your car from further damage and potentially even catching fire.

How do you know when a fuse is blown? The most obvious sign will be the failure of your electrical appliances in the car, such as the windows ceasing to operate correctly, the car radio stopping or the dashboard lights no longer illuminating properly, without any previous signs of problems or fatigue. Continue reading →

Replacing Your Car Battery

The car battery gives your engine the vital kick of energy needed to get started and works in tandem with the electrics when out on the road. Like everything in life, this essential piece of auto equipment won’t last forever and when the death throes kick in, such as the engine not turning over or when the headlights start dimming, it’s time to start looking for a replacement.

Thankfully batteries are designed to be replaced. They are easy to access in 90% of cars and only slightly tricky in the remaining 10%, making this an ideal project for even the most novice mechanical minds out there. And to help make the task even easier, why not consult this simple 6-point guide?

Continue reading →

Replacing the Ignition Coil

The ignition coil is the part of your car’s systems that provides energy to fire up the spark plug. This is a vital process, allowing the fuel in the cylinders to ignite creating the motion that drives your vehicle. When it is not working correctly, this gives rise to changes in the drive quality.

Continue reading →

Replacing an indicator stalk

The indicator stalk is the part of the car’s control systems that is used to control your vehicles indication lights. It is usually mounted on the steering column, giving you easy access without having to remove your hands from the steering wheel. Most indicators have a mechanism in them that turns them off when the steering wheel is rotated in a contrary direction to the indicator light.

Continue reading →

How to Replace a Car’s Instrument Cluster

Your instrument cluster is the part of the dashboard that tells you what’s going on with your vehicle’s internal systems. It contains the speedometer, the rev counter and all the lights and status displays that warn you of problems such as low fuel and battery charge issues.

Every instrument cluster has a lifespan and will eventually wear out. It’s quite a simple problem to spot as the speedometer and other dials and gauges will stop moving and lights will not function, such as the full beam warning or the hazard indicator. Do of course bear in mind that if it’s only a bulb that’s blown, you may be able to replace certain bulbs in certain positions and then you won’t need to replace the whole cluster.

Continue reading →

Replacing a Power Window Switch

Everyone knows how an electric window switch works. You simply press the button and the window is either lowered or raised depending on which side you pressed. It’s therefore pretty easy to tell when this part is broken, as the mechanism will no longer function, locking the window in one position.

Continue reading →

How to Replace an Engine ECU

The engine control unit is one of the most important parts of your car’s on-board computer. It helps regulate the systems and sub-systems imperative to the operation of your vehicle, so when it goes wrong it can cause a host of problems. Some of the most common symptoms of a malfunctioning ECU include permanently lit engine check lights on the dashboard and irregular fuel consumption and it can even stop you from starting the car. This can be a very expensive part to replace, so you are often better off trying to purchase second hand rather than buying new from a dealer and fitting the part yourself.

Continue reading →

Replacing a Car’s Alternator

The alternator is used to convert rotational energy from the car’s engine into electrical power. This recharges the battery, ensuring that there is always enough current to run your vehicle’s electric circuits. Due to the large amounts of stress and friction on this part, it can go wrong or fail every 60,000 – 100,000 miles, requiring you to either visit a repair garage or replace the part yourself. This is one of the more simple tasks you can perform easily at your own property.

Continue reading →