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Learn how we diagnose your electrical system.



Hello and welcome to Silicon Hill Mobile Mechanics Sales Blog. In this article, we will be discussing the steps to diagnose and repair issues related to a bad battery, alternator, starter motor, fuses, and wires.


  1. Diagnosing a bad battery: A battery can go bad due to various reasons like old age, corrosion, or a faulty charging system. To diagnose a bad battery, you can perform a voltage test using a voltmeter. Connect the positive and negative terminals of the voltmeter to the respective terminals of the battery. A fully charged battery should read between 12.4 and 12.7 volts. If the voltage reading is less than 12.4 volts, it may indicate a bad battery.

  2. Diagnosing a bad alternator: The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the engine is running. A bad alternator can cause the battery to drain quickly. To diagnose a bad alternator, start the engine and measure the voltage across the battery terminals using a voltmeter. A properly functioning alternator should produce a voltage between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. If the voltage reading is lower than 13.5 volts, it may indicate a bad alternator.

  3. Diagnosing a bad starter motor: A bad starter motor can cause the engine to fail to start or produce a grinding noise when attempting to start. To diagnose a bad starter motor, check for voltage at the starter motor terminals using a voltmeter. If there is no voltage present, it may indicate a faulty starter relay, ignition switch, or wiring. If voltage is present, but the starter motor still fails to engage, it may indicate a bad starter motor.

  4. Diagnosing blown fuses: Blown fuses can cause electrical components to fail or stop working. To diagnose a blown fuse, check the fuse box and locate the fuse that corresponds to the affected component. Remove the fuse and inspect it for signs of damage or a broken filament. If the fuse appears to be intact, use a multimeter to test the continuity across the fuse terminals.

  5. Diagnosing bad wires: Faulty wiring can cause intermittent electrical problems or a complete electrical failure. To diagnose bad wires, visually inspect the wiring harness for signs of damage or wear. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the wires and check for any shorts or breaks in the wiring.


Once the issue has been diagnosed, the repair process will depend on the specific problem. In some cases, the solution may be as simple as replacing a blown fuse or tightening a loose wire. In other cases, it may require the replacement of the battery, alternator, starter motor, or wiring. If you are unsure about any of the diagnosis or repair steps, it's always best to consult a professional mechanic for assistance.

We hope this guide has been helpful in understanding how to diagnose and repair issues related to a bad battery, alternator, starter motor, fuses, and wires. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to Silicon Hill Mobile Mechanics Sales.

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