Most of your Toyota’s systems depend on electricity to function. As time passes, wires can fray or break, or an electrical component can fail, which results in electrical problems. Fortunately, your reliable Toyota dealer can fix these issues for you! These are a few examples of some possible electrical system problems that we can solve for you.
Worn Alternator
The alternator generates all of the electrical power for your car. It produces this electricity by converting mechanical energy generated by the turning of the crankshaft into DC for your car’s systems. On average, an alternator will work quietly and efficiently for up to eight years. An aging alternator will gradually slow down and this reduces its electricity generation.
When electricity production slows down, your car will start to develop issues like increasingly random electrical failures, dim lights, and even starting problems. These problems may also be accompanied by grinding, whining, or other strange sounds. If you experience any of these problems, our technicians will test your alternator, and we can install a new one if necessary.
Damaged Wiring
Wiring is essential for transmitting electricity from the alternator to the systems that require it. Unfortunately, wiring is fragile and can become worn or damaged over time. The wiring in your car is protected by plastic insulation, but the wires are still subject to strain due to the heat and constant passage of electricity through them.
Older wiring can break due to fatigue, and this will cut off power to one or more systems. Without power, the affected systems will shut down. The check battery light on your dash will illuminate to warn of the problem. Our Toyota-trained technicians can expertly trace the failed wiring and replace it to fix this problem.
ECU Problems
Your car’s computer, also known as the engine control unit (ECU), controls most of your car’s functions. It’s served by sensors that constantly relay information to it. The information it receives is used to manage your car’s essential functions, like the correct fuel-air mix, engine timing, and others. ECUs have been a part of all cars since the 1980s, and your car requires a healthy ECU to work.
An ECU problem is usually caused by a fault in the electrical supply, not a failure of the ECU itself. Corroded electrical connections, electrical shorts, and other issues can cause the ECU to fail. Without this vital component, your engine won’t start, and none of your car’s systems will work. We’ll examine the ECU and its connections and either replace it if it’s damaged or fix the issue that’s caused it to shut down.
If you suspect an electrical problem, call us right away at Priority Toyota of Chesapeake. Our expert technicians will diagnose and repair the problem in no time, getting you back on the road and headed towards your next adventure quickly!
Connect with us
