Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro Talks Electrical Repairs and Fuses

Sometimes what you think could be an automotive electrical problem is nothing more serious than a fuse. Our Columbia, SC Auto Repair Pro helps determine if you are in need of automotive electrical repair or just a simple fuse replacement.

Auto Fuse Basics: Different Types of Fuses

Auto fuses come in three basic types, but almost all vehicles require blade style fuses.  They are easy to work with since they just easily plug in to the fuse box, pretty much like a standard electrical plug. Unless the car is pre-1980, you will probably not be dealing with glass or plastic tube fuse or ceramic fuses. Both are shaped kind of like a torpedo and also simple to install. Determine what type of fuses your vehicle requires and keep a variety of spares in a kit for when they are needed. A perfect place to store them is in the basic auto kit that every driver should carry.

Finding the Fuse Box

Many autos have two fuse boxes. Whether you have one or two auto fuse boxes, one is under your dashboard. It is usually located on the lower left driver’s side of your dash about knee level or lower. The cover should be easily visible. Once it is opened, look at the inside of the cover for a diagram of what each fuse is for. There will be rows of different colors and sizes of fuses. There are usually some spare fuses or empty slots that are left for your spare fuses. There is usually a small, flat, tweezers type tool, or fuse puller. While it is not necessary, a fuse puller can make it a bit easier to get a hold on the fuses. All that is left is to locate the right fuse that needs replacing.

Finding a Second Fuse Box

If the diagram on the under dash fuse box does not display a fuse corresponding to the auto trouble area you are looking for, you probably have a second fuse box. This under hood fuse box is normally easy to find and reach. You will find something that looks pretty much like the other fuse box, but here you might also see larger fuses that do not look the same as the blade fuses. They are vital to the protection of your whole electrical system. It is not recommended that anyone other than a certified mechanic deal with these larger, very important fuses. Just use the diagram located on the fuse box cover to find the blade style fuse you need.

How to Check a Fuse

Once you have located the fuse or fuses you were looking for, it is time to pull and checking them. Have a look at one of your new fuses. Do you see that tiny bridge that is between the two blades? If a fuse is blown, that little bridge is burned up. If the fuse is blown, it will be easy to see. Be sure to check the amperage of the fuse you are removing and ONLY replace with the same amperage fuse.

Quick tip: Auto fuses are color coded by amperage. If you always replace with the same color, you will be in good shape.

What If the Fuses Are Good?

So your fuses looked fine. Now what do you do? Now is when you make the decision between either getting ready for some electrical system troubleshooting and analysis, or you can find a reputable mechanic or auto repair shop to take care of it for you. If you are in the greater Columbia, SC area, come to Sanford’s Automotive Service on Wilson Blvd. Let our ASE Certified Master Mechanic take care of all of you automotive electrical repairs today.

Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro on Bench Testing Your Ignition Coil

The best way to accurately test whether your ignition coil is really going bad is by using a multi-meter.  The Columbia, SC Auto Repair Pro directs you on how to test the ignition coil and offers more on why a multi-meter is the way to do it.

Why a Multi-Meter?

To understand, you have to learn a little bit about the ignition coil. Inside are two coils on top of one another. These are called windings.  There are both primary and secondary windings. Each of them has a specific function too.  Your primary winding builds up power to create the spark.  The secondary winding then sends that spark on to the distributor.  If either of the windings does not function correctly, it may cause the ignition coil to stop working correctly or at all.

If there is no spark at all, you know your ignition coil needs replacement.  In other cases though, it may be going bad but not actually dead yet.  In cases like this you may get a weak spark. Too weak a spark is inadequate, causing your auto to run very rough.  To take the speculation out of the ignition coil diagnosis, you should remove the coil. Using a multi-meter will provide actual data that will determine the coil’s condition.

How to Use a Multi-Meter to Test the Ignition Coil

First check your vehicle service manual for resistance specifications for your specific ignition coil.  You must have this information to proceed. If you cannot find your manual, an internet search on your make, model, year and the word manual will typically find it for you easily.

How to Test the Primary Winding

Your primary winding receives the battery voltage.  Using a multi-meter, you have to test the primary winding you find in the ignition coil.  If you have a traditional round coil, place the meter’s leads on the small outside poles.  With the newer type of enclosed ignition coil units, the leads need to be placed on the indicated poles.  Check your reading to establish whether it is within the specified range.  If so, you are fine. If the reading is even modestly out of spec, you want to go ahead and replace the coil.

How to Test the Secondary Winding

The secondary winding transfers the spark to the distributor. The distributor then sends it on to the spark plugs.  A secondary winding going bad can have no spark at all or it could be transferring only a weak spark.

Attach one of your multi-meter’s leads to the outer 12-volt pole.  The other will be at the center pole where the main wire is connecting to your distributor.  Use the meter to test your resistance. If it is within your owner manual’s specified range, great.   Even a minute irregularity points to needing the ignition coil replaced. 

If you would like for us test your ignition coil for you, contact our auto repair shop in Columbia, SC at 7917 Wilson Blvd. To get here, take Exit 71 off I-20.  Our ASE Certified Master Mechanic will take care of your every auto need. We offer top quality auto repairs on foreign and domestic autos as well as superior customer service.  Sanford’s Automotive Service has proudly served greater Columbia, SC and surrounding communities since 1989.  At Sanford’s Automotive Service, your auto repairs are always fixed right the first time!