Dr Auto-Electric

Help and auto-electrical advice Let Dr Auto-Electric answer your questions on caring for your vehicle's electrical systems and solving electrical problems, safely. E-mail: John@monteltham.com.au

"My Car won't start and when I turn the key, nothing happens...."
Firstly, check that your battery terminals are clean and tight- You will need to use a small shifting spanner and perhaps some steel wool for cleaning. Try tightening the connections. Then, if still not starting, loosen and carefully remove the connections. Clean both the battery terminal and connections with a cloth and steel wool. Be careful of getting battery acid on your hand- lUse gloves or else wash hands immediately- ALWAYS AVOID SKIN AND EYE CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID. (If this occurs, flush heavily with water). Be sure to reconnect each terminal correctly- positive to positive and negative to negative. (Positive is red +). If the car is still not starting, seek further assistance- you may need a new battery or other electrical repairs.

 

"How do I correctly jump start my car, safely and without damaging the car or battery?"
Please download the full instructions: "how to jump start a car"
Batteries contain sulphuric acid, avoid eye or skin contact or smoking whilst jump-starting. Most of the problems we see in the workshop are from people either connecting the terminals round the wrong way (It must be positive to positive) or not 'tap-testing' the terminals first, before clamping the lead onto the terminal. Additionally, with modern vehicles, the main cause of computer failure is not on connection to the vehicle but on disconnection- If the battery is very flat, initially it will need to be removed from the vehicle and charged.

 

"I've just bought a new battery for my car, how do I look after it to make sure it lasts, and the car always starts!?"
Batterys supplied from Mont Eltham Auto-Electrics come with a 2 year warranty and are maintenance free. All batteries need to be topped up with distilled water, especially in the summer months, ensuring long battery life.

 

"I got pulled over the other night because my indicators are not working, how can I fix this?"
Check the fuses first, otherwise consult your qualified auto electrician. Our friendly team will be happy to help you.

 

"I've just bought a hot new car and don't want to see it stolen, I also need to keep the insurance guys happy, what's the best options for security systems?"
We have a range of systems- from $199 to top of the line models $385- All models are on display, come in and discuss your needs and options with us. We are registered installers of 'Carsafe', an insurance backed program to reduce car theft.

 

"I have been back and forth to the mechanics over the last few weeks, my car is continually breaking down at the lights and on long trips... It just stops and I can't start it.. #!!."
This is beginning to sound like an electrical problem, not mechanical. A good mechanic should refer you to an auto-electrician, as they are the specialists. Mechanics are a bit like a medical GP (general practitioner), whilst an auto-electrician is a specialist in the electrical systems of your vehicle. Our team would be happy to assess the problem.