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!

Troubleshooting Car Sounds with the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

All vehicles make noises and not all of them are unusual or problematic. Strange automotive sounds do not necessarily mean you need to prepare for pricey auto repairs. The sounds your car makes may help in diagnosing what your issue may be. These are some of the more common auto sounds that can aid in troubleshooting auto problems.

I hear a tick, tick, tick sound

If you have a sharp tick, ticking from under the hood and it continues ticking all the time, you should take a look at the oil level.  When oil levels are low it can cause a ticking type of noise within your engine.  Check to see that your oil is full.  If not, fill to the appropriate level and see if the ticking problem stops.  If this does not remedy the problem, or if the ticking would get louder, you should set an appointment with a trusted mechanic or auto repair shop to have your valves evaluated.

If the ticking sounds only happen when the car is first started, but stops shortly after, it is most likely completely normal and is just the oil taking a little time to circulate through the engine.

Another cause of a tick, tick or clacking sound from your engine could be faulty lifters.  If you think this is likely your issue, consult with an auto repair shop to determine your options.

I hear a rattle and tick sound

There are a couple of likely issues to look into when you hear rattling and ticking or clacking sounds.  You first need to determine what area of your engine the sounds are coming from.  Begin with checking if the sounds come from the front side of the engine or the side where your belts are located.  When sounds come from this area and also become either faster or louder as you rev the engine, you are likely looking at a loose timing belt.  While some cars do not have these anymore, many still do.  When discovered early, a loose timing chain can be fixed before creating bigger problems.  If you think there are problems with the timing chain I definitely recommend a trip to an auto repair shop to have it assessed by a mechanic.

I hear a grinding sound

Grinding noises as you press on the breaks needs to be addressed quickly.  You are most likely in need of a brake repair.  You never want to put it off dealing with brake problems.  Waiting can cause extensive and sometimes very costly damages.

If the grinding sound happens as you come to a stop, you need to find and fix it immediately.  By the time this type of noise begins you are already probably going to be replacing your brake discs.

In the Columbia, SC area you can schedule an auto repair appointment at Sanford’s Automotive Service.  We have been proudly serving Columbia, SC and surrounding communities with the best in foreign and domestic auto repairs since 1989.

Test Electrical Problems with the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

Electrical automotive problems and electrical repairs are always a pain to face.  The Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro explains how to troubleshoot common electrical problems with a test light.  Using a test light is easy and can rule out particular issues quicker than digital multi-meter.

The test light circuit test will help you determine if there is voltage.  Checking the fuse is always your first step, but once you know the fuse is good, a circuit tester can be utilized to trace an electrical wiring path to locate your problem. Automotive electrical repairs can be downright scary when you do not know how to safely handle them.  Be sure to follow all directions precisely and if any auto repair makes you feel uncomfortable, electrical or otherwise, never continue on with the repair.  You can always get your automobile to an auto repair shop or trusted mechanic to perform necessary auto repairs safely and with the appropriate knowledge to perform the repair completely and without further damages.

Mechanic Reminder: Always check your test light BEFORE beginning to troubleshoot automotive electrical repairs.  Here is a simple test –ground one end and use your battery to check the light.

A test light type of electrical circuit tester also helps with checking a ground circuit. Before starting I would like to be sure you know the leads for your test light ARE reversible.  This means it does not matter which side you end up attaching to your power source or your ground. 

Use a Test Light to Test for Voltage

You start with a positive power source, such as the battery, and you find a ground.  This ground could be any exposed metal that is bolted to the chassis.  Your test light goes between them and if the ends are properly attached, your light should come on.

To see if a wire has a positive voltage, just attach one end of your test light to a solid ground connection.  Then touch the other end to a wire that you want to test.  If your test light comes on, it is a good circuit. I told you it was simple!

How to Use your Test Light to Test a Ground Circuit

If you know a particular electrical component is receiving power on the positive side, you can also check for a good ground.  Since you already know there is a good positive connection, attach one end to it..  Then touch the other end of the tester to the component’s ground wire.  If the light comes one, you have a good ground.  If it does not come on, try cleaning the contact points. Then you should check the ground wire’s path.  Once you find the issue, ground connections are usually very easy to re-establish.

Automotive electrical repairs can be unnerving, but this tutorial on how to use a test light could help you find the problem.  If you need an honest, reputable mechanic, come to our auto repair shop in Columbia, SC.  Sanford’s Automotive Service offers full-service auto repairs including all types of automotive electrical repairs and all types of automotive repair and maintenance for both foreign and domestic autos.

Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro on Troubleshooting Auto Heating Problems

A vehicle that doesn’t have heat can be awful when temperatures drop.  You need to begin troubleshooting your heating system is to see if heat is even being produced.  The Columbia, SC Auto Repair Pro shows you how to troubleshoot your heating system issues.

A failing heater could be caused by many things.   First you need to diagnose whether engine heat makes its way to the heater core.  This is how your heating system works.

How Your Automotive Cooling and Heating System Works

Your engine uses a blend of fuel and air to create mini-explosions.  These explosions make a lot of heat in your engine.  This extreme heat build-up is handled by your cooling system.  Your cooling system needs a properly working water pump to circulate a 50/50 blend of coolant and water through the engine.  The radiator releases part of the engine’s heat. Your thermostat decides when the engine needs to be cooled, making it another very important component of your cooling system.  Add some high temp rubber hose and a heater core to that and you have a heating system.  A heater core is like a radiator.  The heater core moves engine heat into your car, keeping you warm.  A fan blows over the heater core fins, moving that heated air.  So that is basically the functions and purposes of the cooling and heating systems. Now the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro will do some troubleshooting to see why your heater isn’t working right.

Getting Heat?

Here is a simple test to see if your heater core is getting filled with the necessary heated coolant.  Drive at about 40 mph or so and turn on the heater.  Is there warmed air making it through?  Even a little will count.  A small amount of heat coming through indicates that the heater core is probably receiving hot coolant.

I Have Heat but It Won’t Blow

Now look at the heater fan.  Turn the switch on and check your vents.  Switch between the fan speeds and check the vents at each speed.  Sometimes a fan works only on some fan speeds.  If there is no heat blowing at all at any speed, I recommend checking your fuses.

No Heat at All

If no heat was detected during the heater core test, your heater core is not properly circulating.  Start with checking coolant levels.  If your coolant levels are good, you are probably looking at water pump issues or a defective thermostat. 

Have you been having recent issues with your car overheating? If not overheating, you need to check the thermostat.  A thermostat must open and close circuits within your cooling and heating systems.  When it gets stuck, either too much or too little coolant flows through the system.  Replacing a thermostat is pretty easy and considered a basic auto repair.

Click here for a detailed How To Replace Your Thermostat step by step tutorial.

If your thermostat is good, the issue is likely with the water pump.  Take a look at this piece by the

Columbia, SC Auto Repair Pro about When to Replace a Water Pump.

When you have problems with your auto’s heater and need a mechanic you can trust to look it over, come by our Columbia, SC auto repair shop.  We will fix your heater problems, cooling system trouble, or any other auto repair for all cars, foreign or domestic.  Our ASE Certified Master Mechanic will serve all of your automotive needs.  Contact us to set an auto repair appointment that fits your schedule.  Don’t get stuck in the cold!  Sanford’s Automotive Service provides the automotive cooling and heating system repairs you need now!