Jun 2, 2023
Undercarriage of a vehicle in a service bay with fluid draining into a pan

It might be gas that keeps your engine going, but your car also relies on its electrical systems to get it going, keep it going, and make your drive comfortable and safe. It’s therefore worth staying vigilant to the signs of electrical problems, so that you know when to contact your GMC dealer without delay.

5 Electrical Problems You Should Always Fix at Your GMC Dealer

1. An Engine That Won’t Crank

When you turn the key or press the ignition, the chirping noise that your engine makes before it roars into life shows that it’s cranking. But this needs a charge to make it happen, so if your car is struggling to crank it could be a sign of electrical faults. A clicking or grinding noise can suggest that there’s a problem in your starting motor.

If there’s no response when you try the ignition, check to see if the lights are working. If they are, you may have alternator problems; if they aren’t then it could be that your battery is flat. And any of these problems require an appointment for an electrical diagnostic right away.

2. Individual Fuses That Keep Blowing

If a single electrical component, such as a brake light, stops working when everything else is fine then it’s usually the sign of a blown fuse. This is a relatively simple fix, and it happens from time to time. But if you notice that the same fuse keeps blowing, there’s likely an electrical fault behind it.

3. A Battery That’s Damaged or Leaky

Batteries have a lifetime of between three and five years, so it’s important to make sure that they’re still operating at optimum capacity. Make a quick visual check every time you pop the hood, and look for stains or buildup around the terminal. Remember that the contents are corrosive and can cause injury if there’s a leak, so exercise caution when checking and be proactive about getting a worn battery replaced.

4. Electrical Components That Fail

Your car’s electrics keep multiple systems running, so if they start failing then it can be a sign that something is amiss. This can include sluggish electric windows, a failing entertainment system, or dim and flickering lights.

5. A Smell of Burning Plastic

The plastic insulation around the wires can burn or melt if there’s an electrical fault, so this odor can be a tell-tale sign of trouble. If you smell burning plastic, take your car off the road and seek advice immediately.
Electrical faults might mean small malfunctions and gradual brownout, or the sudden dramatic failure of your car’s components, so it’s important to pay attention to your car’s charge. If you think there might be a problem, contact us at Crain Buick GMC so that our factory-trained technicians and state-of-the-art technology can get your car back in the best shape.