Common Electrical System Diagnostic Costs
Battery and Starting System Diagnosis
Typical diagnostic time: 0.5-1 hour
Expected cost range: $62.50-$125
Includes testing of battery condition, starter draw test, and charging system analysis.
Check Engine Light Diagnosis
Typical diagnostic time: 1-2 hours
Expected cost range: $125-$250
Includes computer scan, system testing, and pinpointing the specific issue causing the warning light.
Power Window/Lock Issues
Typical diagnostic time: 1-1.5 hours
Expected cost range: $125-$187.50
Includes testing of switches, motors, and wiring circuits to identify the failure point.
Interior Lighting Problems
Typical diagnostic time: 0.5-1 hour
Expected cost range: $62.50-$125
Includes testing of fuses, bulbs, and wiring for dashboard, dome, and other interior lights.
Alternator/Charging System Diagnosis
Typical diagnostic time: 1 hour
Expected cost: $125
Includes full charging system analysis, voltage drop testing, and belt inspection.
Complex Electrical Issues
Typical diagnostic time: 2-3 hours
Expected cost range: $250-$375
Includes comprehensive system testing, wiring diagram analysis, and advanced diagnostic procedures.
Note: These are diagnostic costs only. Additional repairs and parts will be quoted separately after diagnosis is complete. Some vehicles may require additional diagnostic time depending on complexity and accessibility.
Common Electrical System Diagnostic Procedures
Battery Issues
Diagnostic Steps:
- Visual inspection of battery terminals for corrosion and secure connections
- Battery voltage test using multimeter (should read 12.6V when fully charged)
- Load testing to check battery's ability to hold charge
- Checking alternator output voltage (13.5-14.5V while running)
Typical Repair Procedure:
- Clean battery terminals and connections
- Tighten or replace terminal connectors if necessary
- Charge battery if depleted
- Replace battery if failed load test
Starter Motor Problems
Diagnostic Steps:
- Battery voltage verification
- Testing starter motor draw
- Checking starter solenoid function
- Inspecting starter motor mounting and connections
Typical Repair Procedure:
- Clean and tighten all electrical connections
- Replace starter solenoid if faulty
- Remove and rebuild/replace starter motor if necessary
- Verify proper mounting and alignment during reinstallation
Alternator Issues
Diagnostic Steps:
- Check battery condition first
- Measure alternator output voltage
- Test for AC voltage ripple
- Inspect belt condition and tension
Typical Repair Procedure:
- Replace serpentine/alternator belt if worn
- Clean all electrical connections
- Replace voltage regulator if faulty
- Remove and replace alternator if internal failure confirmed
Lighting System Problems
Diagnostic Steps:
- Visual inspection of all bulbs
- Check fuses and relays
- Test voltage at light fixtures
- Inspect wiring for damage
Typical Repair Procedure:
- Replace burnt-out bulbs
- Replace blown fuses
- Repair or replace damaged wiring
- Clean ground connections
Power Window Malfunctions
Diagnostic Steps:
- Test window switch functionality
- Check fuse condition
- Inspect motor operation
- Test power supply to motor
Typical Repair Procedure:
- Replace faulty switch if necessary
- Repair or replace window regulator
- Replace window motor if failed
- Lubricate window tracks and mechanisms
Electrical Short Circuits
Diagnostic Steps:
- Identify affected circuit
- Check fuse box for blown fuses
- Perform voltage drop tests
- Visual inspection of wiring harness
Typical Repair Procedure:
- Replace blown fuses
- Repair damaged wiring
- Replace faulty components
- Install protective covering on repaired wires
Note: These are general procedures and may vary depending on vehicle make, model, and year. Always consult vehicle-specific repair manuals for detailed instructions.
Understanding Electrical System Diagnosis
Battery Testing and Diagnosis
A comprehensive evaluation of your vehicle's battery health, including voltage testing, load testing, and checking for proper charging. This diagnosis helps identify weak batteries before they fail and ensures your vehicle's electrical system has the power it needs to operate efficiently.
Starter System Diagnosis
An examination of your vehicle's starting system components, including the starter motor, solenoid, and related circuits. This diagnosis identifies issues that could prevent your vehicle from starting properly and helps prevent unexpected starting failures.
Alternator Testing
A detailed analysis of your vehicle's charging system, focusing on the alternator's output and efficiency. This diagnosis ensures your vehicle is properly charging the battery while running and that all electrical components receive adequate power during operation.
Electrical Circuit Testing
A methodical investigation of your vehicle's electrical circuits using specialized diagnostic equipment. This process identifies shorts, opens, and high-resistance problems that can cause various electrical components to malfunction or fail.
Computer System Diagnosis
An advanced diagnostic scan of your vehicle's computer systems and control modules. This diagnosis identifies error codes, monitors system performance, and helps pinpoint electronic control issues affecting your vehicle's operation.
Lighting System Diagnosis
A complete inspection of all vehicle lighting circuits and components, including headlights, tail lights, turn signals, and interior lighting. This diagnosis ensures all lighting systems are functioning correctly for safe vehicle operation.
Sensor and Actuator Testing
Detailed testing of various sensors and actuators throughout your vehicle's systems. This diagnosis verifies proper operation of components that control engine management, emissions, safety systems, and other critical functions.
Wiring Harness Inspection
A thorough examination of your vehicle's wiring harnesses and connections. This diagnosis identifies damaged wiring, corroded connections, and other issues that can cause intermittent electrical problems or system failures.
Power Accessory Testing
Comprehensive testing of power windows, locks, seats, mirrors, and other electrical accessories. This diagnosis ensures all power accessories are functioning correctly and identifies any issues requiring repair.
Battery Management System Analysis
For modern vehicles, especially hybrids and electric vehicles, this diagnosis evaluates the sophisticated battery management systems that monitor and control battery performance, charging, and overall system health.
Common Electrical System Failure Symptoms and Warning Signs
Common Electrical System Issues & Maintenance Guide
Battery System
Signs of Failure:
- Slow engine cranking
- Dimming headlights while idling
- Battery warning light illuminated
- Corroded battery terminals
- Swollen battery case
Service Schedule: Battery inspection every 6 months; replacement typically needed every 3-5 years
Alternator
Signs of Failure:
- Battery warning light flickering or staying on
- Electrical systems working inconsistently
- Strange noises (whining or grinding)
- Burning rubber smell
- Dead battery despite recent replacement
Service Schedule: Typically lasts 7-10 years or 80,000-150,000 miles. No regular maintenance required but should be tested during routine service.
Starter Motor
Signs of Failure:
- Clicking sound when turning key
- Grinding noise during starting
- Engine won't crank despite good battery
- Starter continues running after engine starts
- Smoke coming from starter area
Service Schedule: No regular maintenance required. Typically lasts life of vehicle unless failure occurs.
Fuses and Relays
Signs of Failure:
- Specific electrical component stops working
- Multiple systems fail simultaneously
- Burning smell from fuse box
- Visible damage or melting
Service Schedule: Inspect when electrical issues occur. Replace as needed.
Wiring Harness
Signs of Failure:
- Intermittent electrical failures
- Multiple system malfunctions
- Check Engine light with electrical codes
- Visible wire damage or exposed conductors
- Electrical shorts
Service Schedule: Visual inspection during routine maintenance. Repair or replace if damage is found.
Electronic Control Modules (ECM/PCM)
Signs of Failure:
- Check Engine light on
- Engine performance issues
- Failed emissions test
- Poor fuel economy
- Starting problems
Service Schedule: No regular maintenance required. Diagnostic testing when problems occur.
Note: These are general guidelines. Specific maintenance schedules may vary by vehicle make, model, and operating conditions. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for manufacturer-recommended maintenance intervals.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
