Auto Electrical Troubleshooting & Repair

Name: Best Choice Automotive Ltd.
Address: 9928 35 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6E 6B2
Telephone: 780-466-8244

South Edmonton – Best Choice Automative

We’ve been diagnosing auto electrical problems in Edmonton for over 16 years… when it comes to your car’s electrical system, be it troubleshooting or repair, you can be assured your vehicle is in good hands at Best Choice Automotive.

780-466-8244
AMA Approved Auto Repair Facility
South Edmonton Auto Electrical Repair
Edmonton Auto Electric Troubleshooting Experts – 9 automotive service bays
We Service starters, alternators, batteries, and more…

auto-electrical-repair-edmonton Today’s cars are very voltage sensitive.

They require a base that starts with a properly charged battery, and a charging system that will keep the battery and cars electrical requirements kept up to manufactures specification when under load and running.

The minimum system voltage to keep your car running efficiently is 12.4 volts. Once battery voltage drops below this threshold, sensors, relays, switches, electronic modules and computers begin to fall out of their performance and operating parameters.

A vehicle’s charging system must provide the computer with a constant 12.4 volts regardless of engine speed or load. The computer then modulates this voltage down to a 5 volt reference signal for every switch and sensor in your car. This 5 volt signal is then returned to the computer after having been altered by a temperature or ground signal. The difference in this signal back to the computer is your car’s communication system, and what allows your car to operate. Any variance in input or output voltage caused by a poor battery, malfunctioning alternator, dirty battery, or electrical connections, will cause your car to operate erratically… or not at all. A voltage spike or surge by improper boosting, or a failing charging system, will cause these components to become inoperative.

Harsh Weather Conditions In Edmonton = Auto Electrical Problems

edmonton-auto-electrical-shop-alternator Depending on vehicle age, engine wear, oil viscosity and temperature, the average 4, 6, or 8 cylinder engine will draw approximately between 110 and 225 amps upon each engine start. Typical diesels will double those numbers. One of the leading factors to the state of your battery’s health is temperature. A battery that is too hot or cold will self-discharge and accelerate its aging. At colder temperatures, a battery’s reserve capacity may drop so rapidly it may not start your car. Small parasite drains will also diminish your battery’s capacity to perform as required. These may come from such items as aftermarket installed accessories, or a switch or light staying on due to part failure. Headlights or ignition systems left on are another factor in a discharged battery. edmonton-auto-electrical-service-starter Driving habits such as short drives with a lot of starting do not allow the charging system to bring the state of battery charge up to full. An alternator that may be older and not charging to its rated capacity will also cause low battery voltage. A loose belt or worn belt tensioner may also not allow the alternator to perform its job. A discharged battery in cold weather may cause it to freeze. Once a battery has been frozen it will require replacement. A starter due to worn brushes, bearings or bushing may also contribute to a high starter draw and battery load.

A proper charging system test performed by Best Choice Automotive includes a visual inspection of your battery’s terminal connections, belt and belt tension. We would then attach the AVR machine and perform a charging system test that would include a battery load test, starter draw, alternator output at idle, and alternator amperage output at full load.

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