Automotive electrical issues can be very serious, as you need electricity to start your car and run several of its components, including the car's computer. If the electrical system goes down, your car may not start and the computer may not be able to communicate with the transmission, brakes, and other major systems. While some electrical issues can be caused by faulty wiring or an electrical component breaking down, sometimes it can be much simpler. Note two common but simple causes of electrical issues in cars.

1. Fuses

Your car's electrical system has a fuse box that protects it from an overload of electricity. When a fuse is blown, this will stop the flow of electricity to many different parts of the car.

To check if a fuse is blown, first find the fuse box of your car. You can reference the owner's manual if needed. Open the front of the panel and then use a fuse puller to remove each fuse and check it. If you don't have an actual fuse puller, use a pair of tweezers; this will give you precise control over the fuse more so than trying to pull out each one with your bare hands.

Hold the fuse up to a light and look in the plastic casing in the back of the fuse. There will be a wire running through that plastic casing and if the wire is broken, the fuse needs to be replaced. When replacing the fuse, be sure you choose one with an identical amp rating. Most car fuses are color-coded to signify the amps, so you can take the broken fuse to an auto supply store and find what you need somewhat easily.

2. Battery terminals and water

A battery can still have life in it but if the terminals are corroded or not tightened properly, the battery cannot send electricity to the car. Remember to disconnect the terminals from the battery completely before cleaning them. Clean the top of the battery as well. Use a paste of baking soda and water if the corrosion is difficult to remove. Reconnect the terminals and make sure they're tightened so they're actually getting juice.

If your battery says it's "maintenance free" then it's not designed to be opened and refilled with water. For other batteries, you should remove it from the car and note fluid level indicators on one side; there should be lines and markings that say "upper level" and "lower level" or something similar. If the water is near the lower level, open the cap that is marked for water and add more. Replace the cap and put the battery back in the car and try it again.

If you still cannot find the source of the problem, take your car into an auto shop that focuses on electric repairs, like Drive-in Auto Electrics.

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