Sep 19, 2023
5 electrical problems you should fix at your subaru dealer in santa clara, ca

If your Subaru is having electrical problems, you should get them fixed immediately by your local San Jose Subaru dealer. Electrical issues can leave you stranded if they aren’t addressed quickly. Luckily, your dealer has advanced diagnostic equipment to pinpoint electrical issues for fast, accurate repairs.

1. Dead Battery

If your battery is old or hasn’t been maintained properly, its capacity for holding charge can drop dramatically. Symptoms of a dead battery include dim lights, the engine cranking slowly or failing to start, and a clicking sound when you start the vehicle.

Your dealer’s technicians will inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and loose connections. If the connections are okay, the technicians will test the battery and replace it to restore the vehicle’s performance.

2. Faulty Starter

The starter motor is responsible for cranking your engine to get it running. Over time, all those starts put wear and tear on the starter, causing it to fail. If you hear repeated clicking when you try to start your Subaru, your starter is failing. Your dealer’s technicians will test the starter and replace it, allowing the engine to start smoothly.

3. Weak Alternator

The alternator charges your Subaru’s battery while driving and powers all the electrical components. A failing alternator may fail to deliver full charging capacity to the engine. As a result, it will slowly drain your battery, causing it to fail.

If you notice dim headlights at idle, flickering dash lights, and malfunctioning electronics in the vehicle, you need a new starter. The battery light on the dash may also come on. Let your dealer test the output of your vehicle’s alternator and replace it before you get stranded on the road.

4. ECU Problems

The engine control unit (ECU) is your Subaru’s onboard computer that manages the engine systems. If it develops problems, you may experience stalling, rough running, the check engine light coming on, or the car not starting. ECU issues usually occur due to faulty ECU wiring, bad sensors, or a failing ECU chip.

It is difficult to diagnose this component without professional help. Your dealer has the right diagnostic tools to assess the ECU and pinpoint issues quickly. This eliminates guesswork during repairs and allows you to get back on the road quickly.

5. Bad Fuse Box

Your car’s fuse box is the central hub that distributes power to all the electronics and systems. Over time, corrosion, moisture, and vibrations can damage the fuse box or its connections. This leads to random electrical failures, recurring blown fuses, or failing electronics.

Since the fuse box interacts with the entire electrical system in the car, it’s critical to have it diagnosed by an expert. Dealers have advanced equipment to test the fuse box and carry out the necessary repairs.

Don’t allow electrical issues to stop you from enjoying your Subaru’s excellent performance and reliability. Your local dealer can fix these and other electrical issues and get you back on the road immediately. Contact Stevens Creek Subaru to schedule electrical repairs with our certified technicians.