Tips to Identify Audi Electrical Problems From Experienced Mechanics in Thousand Oaks

Let’s address the elephant in the room: No car is perfect, and in the case of Audi, drivers are more likely to experience electrical problems than drivers of other car brands. On the up side, once you are armed with this knowledge, you can take positive action. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at how to identify electrical problems in some key parts of your Audi and discussing where to go for repairs.

The Battery

Your Audi’s battery is needed to power the electrical components in your car. Most car batteries have a total of 6 cells which are suspended in a mixture of sulfuric acid and water. However, some modern cars opt to replace this dangerous mixture with gel.

The first way that you can tell if your battery is causing electrical problems in your Audi is to pay attention to how your car starts. If there is a struggle to start your Audi, then investigating the battery should always be your first move.

To test the health of your battery, you need to use a battery charger, a Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM), and your owner’s manual. Your manual will tell you the color that will indicate a healthy battery. If the DVOM indicates your battery needs replacing, then it’s best to let the Audi professionals take over from this point onwards. If it indicates it needs a charge, then simply charge it up and you should be good to go.

The Alternator

The alternator is used to run the accessories in your vehicle, like the engine control system and the ignition. To do this, it creates electricity that is needed to maintain the storage charge of your battery. The alternator should last your Audi around three or four years. This is because the plethora of accessory systems in modern vehicles takes more of a toll on the part than it did in the years prior.

To identify issues with your alternator, all you need to do is pay attention to your Audi’s engine management lights (EML) as well as any issues with the accessory systems. Keeping on top of your servicing schedule is also essential.

The Starter Motor

The starter motor, often just referred to as the starter, is a direct current motor which is in charge of turning the engine’s crankshaft through the flywheel. This starts the combustion process, as it allows compression to be created within the engine’s cylinders. The starter motor receives its power straight from the battery. It is controlled by as solenoid as well as a relay that is found in the key switch in your Audi. While design and type can vary between make and model of car, the purpose of the starter motor always remains the same.

If your Audi is a vintage model, you’ll likely know your starter motor is struggling when the engine is slow to crank. However, on recent car models, a bad starter is typically caused by poor battery voltage or bad electrical connections. Unlike the alternator, starters tend to have a long life span and will commonly outlast the warranty of a new vehicle.

Maintaining your Audi’s Electrical System

You should respond to the early signs of electrical failure as soon as you notice them. It is a good rule of thumb to have your Audi’s electrical system checked out at least once every two years. In modern motors, the most common reason behind electrical issues is poor voltage supply or voltage fluctuations. Your mechanic will probably work to rule out this as the cause of your issues before moving onto more uncommon causes.

One thing that is very important to mention is that you should never work on a car’s electrical systems if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you don’t take the correct precautions, you could put yourself at increased risk of electrical shock and injury. Also, many of the electronic systems in your car are very delicate, so you may end up doing more harm than good.

Let Us Tackle the Tricky Stuff

At Bavarian Performance Specialist, we’re excited to become your trusted Audi service center. We will diagnose and repair your Audi’s electrical problems quickly and efficiently. We are easily accessible for drivers in the communities of Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Westlake, Malibu, and Newbury Park, CA areas. Stop by or call us today to speak with one of our expert technicians.