Modern vehicles contain miles of wiring and dozens of computers controlling everything from engine timing to power windows. When electrical gremlins strike, diagnosis and repair can be expensive. Tresl makes these essential repairs affordable.
Get Financing NowYour vehicle's electrical system is divided into several interconnected subsystems, each requiring specialized diagnosis and repair.
Battery, alternator, and voltage regulator work together to power electronics and recharge the battery. Problems cause dead batteries, dim lights, or warning lights.
Starter motor, solenoid, ignition switch, and related wiring. Issues result in no-start conditions, clicking sounds, or intermittent starting problems.
Headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lights, and their switches and relays. Modern LED and HID systems add complexity and cost.
ECU/PCM, sensors, and actuators controlling fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions. Check engine lights often indicate issues here.
Power windows, locks, mirrors, seats, and convenience features controlled by body control module (BCM). Water intrusion is a common cause of failure.
CAN bus, LIN bus, and other networks connecting modules. Communication faults cause multiple warning lights and erratic behavior across systems.
Electrical issues often have symptoms that seem unrelated to the actual problem. Here are common complaints and their typical causes.
Lights dim at idle, flicker randomly, or are consistently dim. Often mistaken for bulb problems but usually indicates charging system issues.
Turn the key and nothing happens, or just hear clicking. Could be electrical or mechanical—proper diagnosis is essential.
Several dashboard lights illuminate simultaneously, often ABS, traction control, and check engine together. Usually indicates communication problem.
Battery dies after sitting overnight or a few days. Something is drawing power when the car is off (parasitic drain).
Windows, locks, or other accessories stop working—either one specific item or multiple related items together.
Electrical burning smell, visible smoke, or melted components. This is serious and requires immediate attention.
If you smell burning electrical components or see smoke, stop driving immediately and disconnect the battery if safe to do so. Electrical fires can spread quickly. Have the vehicle towed for professional diagnosis rather than risking further damage or safety hazards.
Electrical diagnosis requires specialized equipment and expertise. Here's how technicians track down problems.
Read diagnostic trouble codes from all modules to identify systems with faults and narrow down the problem area.
Check for obvious damage: burned wires, corrosion, loose connections, water damage, or rodent chewing.
Use multimeters, oscilloscopes, and specialized testers to measure voltage, resistance, and signal quality.
Fix the identified problem, clear codes, and verify the repair with road testing and follow-up scans.
Electrical repairs vary widely based on complexity and parts required.
| Service | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic (1 hour) | — | $100-$150 | $100-$150 |
| Fuse/Relay Replacement | $5-$50 | $50-$100 | $55-$150 |
| Sensor Replacement | $30-$300 | $50-$200 | $80-$500 |
| Wiring Repair (minor) | $20-$50 | $100-$300 | $120-$350 |
| Wiring Harness Repair | $100-$500 | $200-$600 | $300-$1,100 |
| Switch/Motor Replacement | $50-$250 | $100-$300 | $150-$550 |
| ECU/PCM Replacement | $300-$1,200 | $100-$300 | $400-$1,500 |
| Body Control Module | $200-$800 | $150-$400 | $350-$1,200 |
Electrical problems are often complex, requiring hours of diagnostic time plus expensive components. A "simple" electrical issue can quickly exceed $500-$1,000. Financing spreads this unexpected expense over manageable payments.
| Amount | 12 Mo | 24 Mo |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $45/mo | $24/mo |
| $1,000 | $89/mo | $47/mo |
| $1,500 | $134/mo | $71/mo |
| $2,000 | $179/mo | $95/mo |
*Estimated at 12.99% APR
Don't let electrical gremlins strand you. Get approved for financing in minutes.