Electrical
Gaithersburg
Electrical System Repair
Modern cars have a variety of electrical components from power locks and windows to radio and even rear-view cameras. When one of them stops working, there could be multiple reasons, but electrical issues are on top of the list. And General Automotive Servicenter is the place where these mysteries get solved.
Just like with your home’s electrical system, your car is prone to both local and widespread “power outages.” But because your car isn’t connected to any outside power grids, at least we know where to look for the source.
Electrical issue troubleshooting typically starts with the battery and continues to the wiring, switches and other small components. However, what seems like an electrical problem (think a pinched nerve), may turn out to be a computer issue (think brain sending wrong signals). As cars get smarter and smarter with a variety of on-board computing devices, diagnostics becomes more and more complicated.
Below are some common issues that can often be traced back to the electrical system:
- Malfunctioning turn lights, brake lights, hazard lights and headlights
- Malfunctioning dashboard gauges and indicators
- Malfunctioning power locks, windows, mirrors and trunk opener
- Problems with interior lighting
- Faulty internal temperature gauges and pressure indicators
- Malfunctioning windshield wipers and windshield washer
Some of the Electrical System Repair Services We Provide Include:
Battery Repair/Replacement
Your car’s battery supplies electricity to power all of your car’s electrical components. Car batteries are not designed to last forever and will eventually start deteriorating and losing charge due to age and corrosion. One day your car may refuse to start and turning the key half-way won’t engage the lights or the radio. This is a sure sign that either the battery or battery cables are damaged and need to be replaced or repaired, depending on the severity of the damage. Whether it’s battery charging, replacement, repair or recycling—you can rely on our mechanics to get you back on the road.
Starter Repair
A starter is a motor, typically electric one, that has a small but important job—it sets the engine in motion as you turn the key in the ignition. With a faulty starter you won’t be able to start your car. However, because the starter is powered by the battery, starter problems can be initially mistaken for a dead battery. Check other electrical components in your car, such as lights, turn signals and door locks—if they still work, then it’s possible that your starter needs repair or replacement, in which case you can rely on General Automotive Servicenter to do the job right.
Electrical Wiring Troubleshooting
When your window gets stuck mid-way or the trunk opener button refuses to work, there is likelihood of a power supply interruption somewhere between the battery and the faulty component. And sometimes this can be a big inconvenience, especially when a faulty brake light switch prevents you from shifting from park into drive due to the engaged shift interlock. No matter what kind of electrical issue you are experiencing, ASE certified mechanics at General Automotive Servicenter will use their expertise to track it down and fix it!
Computer Replacement
Back in the old days, cars were simpler, but as the manufacturing technology advanced, they have gotten smarter and smarter and now have on-board computers that control everything from fuel-to-air ratios to the amount of electricity fed to a car’s various parts. Like all computing devices, your vehicle’s computer relies on a circuit board. And like any other circuit board, it may fail, malfunction or blow when you are jump-starting your car. Vehicle computer replacement can be costly, so it’s worth having our mechanics investigate whether it will fix your issue before you spend hundreds of dollars.