Car electrical check
Tools and Equipment:
* Multimeter
* Voltmeter
* Check light
*Ammeter optional
Battery check:
* Check the terminals for corrosion or damage. Clean or replace as necessary.
*Measure the battery voltage with a multimeter using the DC voltmeter setting. A fully charged battery should show a voltage of more than 12.6 V.
* Perform a load test to check the battery capacity. Connect the voltmeter terminal to the positive terminal of the battery. Connect the other terminal of the voltmeter to the negative auxiliary cable. Apply a load to the battery by turning on headlights and other electrical devices. The voltage should remain above 10.5 V for several minutes.
Checking the charging system:
* Start the engine.
* Measure the voltage at the battery terminals with a multimeter. The voltage should be above 13.5 V when the engine is running.
* Increase engine speed. The voltage should increase to 14.5-15 V.
*Check the alternator fuse or relay.
* Check the generator wiring for breaks or short circuits.
Starter check:
* Check the starter terminals for corrosion or damage. Clean or replace as necessary.
* Measure the voltage at the battery terminals with a multimeter. The voltage should be above 12V when the starter starts.
*Check the starter fuse or relay.
* Check the starter wiring for opens or shorts.
Checking the ignition system:
* Check spark plugs for cleanliness and distance between electrodes. Clean or replace as necessary.
* Check the spark plug wires for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary.
* Check the ignition coils using a multimeter. The resistance must be within the manufacturer’s specifications.
Checking the lighting system:
* Check all lights, lights and signals for proper operation.
* Check the fuses and relays of the lighting system.
* Check wiring for breaks or short circuits.
Checking the wiper system:
* Check the wiper blades for wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
* Check the windshield wiper fuse or relay.
* Check the windshield wiper system wiring for opens or short circuits.