About the main electric systems of the car. Consider a different tag for radios and other such systems.

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8
votes
3answers
6k views

Battery drains by itself when vehicle is parked (parasitic draw)

A 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee has gone through 3 batteries in the last 3 months. While they have all been replaced by warranties, it'd be nice to get the problem solved permanently. I've tested the ...
6
votes
4answers
1k views

How to assess battery charge level and alternator performance?

What diagnostics can be done to to assess battery charge level? I'm interested both in one-off tests like can be done in car service and also continuous monitoring during normal use. Car panels ...
4
votes
1answer
400 views

Upgrade to HID lights in a Jeep Wrangler

I would like to upgrade to HID lights in my 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The stock lights aren't bright at all. My question is, since this would be an aftermarket upgrade, what am I looking at here? Is it ...
2
votes
3answers
233 views

Is my mechanic ripping me off?

My 2002 ford focus (built after may 23) died and the AAA and tow guy both said that it needs a new fuel pump. Anyway I went to the mechanic and he said it'll be 350 for the pump and 200 for labor. I ...
2
votes
2answers
950 views

2006 Kia Sedona intermittently not starting

What could be causing my (non-)starting issues? Occasionally (once every two weeks or so) when the keys are inserted and turned to the start position, nothing happens. No noise, no dome lights dimming ...
5
votes
2answers
631 views

Manual horn switch

what are the pitfalls or things to look out for when manually wiring a switch from the battery to the horn? Some background: I just moved to texas where they require vehicle inspections. My horn ...
2
votes
3answers
366 views

Charger doesn't stay put in cigarette lighter outlet

The cigarette lighter outlet was never designed to be an electrical outlet the way it's commonly used today. Even so, I've yet to find a plug for charging USB devices that fits and doesn't fall out. ...