Auto Electrical System Diagnostics and Repair in San Carlos, CA

Toole’s Garage in San Carlos offers complete auto electrical system diagnostics and repairs. It’s amazing to what extent modern vehicles rely on electricity. It’s not just the spark plugs, or the starter, lights, or the radio, but also power windows, dozens of sensors, ADAS system (adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, etc.), as well as all the entertainment systems, electronic displays, Bluetooth, and the GPS. When there is a fault with any electrical system, cars develop various issues. Getting to the root cause of electrical system problems requires state-of-the-art tools and extensive experience. Fortunately, our San Carlos auto repair facility employs technicians certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). They can find the root cause of any electrical system problem and can get your car repaired and make it roadworthy again.

When you bring your vehicle to our San Carlos auto repair shop for diagnostics and repairs, our friendly staff will go out of their way to make your visit pleasant and convenient, while our technicians diagnose and repair your vehicle. With all services and repairs we provide:

36 months / 36,000 miles nationwide warranty
Original Equipment equivalent or better quality parts
Free Digital Vehicle Inspection with service or repairs
Military and First Responder discounts
Free local Lyft
In most cases, same day service completion

Signs That Your Vehicle’s Electrical System Needs Repairs

Here are some common electrical issues and their symptoms:

1. Battery Problems

Your vehicle's battery powers the electrical system when the engine is off, and provides power to start the engine. Modern cars, full of electrical devices, put heavy demands on the battery. Car batteries tend to last for about five years, but if you notice that interior lights are not as bright as they used to be, or the car starts with difficulty, the car battery might have problem holding the charge. We can recharge and/or test the battery, and let you know if it needs to be replaced.

2. Poor Engine Cranking

The engine depends on a functional electrical system to start. The spark plugs, powered by the battery, ignite the air-fuel mixture. Usually, when the engine is not cranking properly, there is a high probability there's an electrical problem somewhere. The alternator, battery, or starter might be faulty, or it could be ignition coils or the spark plugs. Bring your vehicle to Toole’s Garage in San Carlos and have our professionals diagnose and fix the problem.

3. Your Vehicle's Lights Are Malfunctioning

Car lights - interior illumination lights, brake light, headlights - all depend on the electrical system to work. If any of these start dimming or stop working, that could signify that the electrical system is malfunctioning. Probably faults may include a loose cable connection, cable corrosion, weak battery, a bad alternator, among others.

4. Burning Plastic Smell

A burning plastic smell often indicates one or more electrical issues requiring urgent attention. If this happens while driving, stop as soon as it is safe to do so and turn off the engine. Get the car towed to a professional auto repair shop. Electrical fires are pretty rare, but your safety is paramount.

5. Rodent Damage

Rodents love the dry warmth of a parked vehicle. If the vehicle is not moved for a long time, as happened during COVID lockdowns, rodents move in. Post-lockdowns we saw plenty of cars with rodent wiring damage, including rodent nests inside vehicles. Some manufacturers use soy-based insulation for electrical wires that rodents find particularly tasty.

Your car relies heavily on the electrical system to work properly - the battery, alternator, and the wiring that conducts electricity to the engine, and to other devices and sensors throughout your vehicle. If you notice any electrical problems, it’s time to call Toole’s Garage in San Carlos and schedule electrical system diagnosis. Our nationally ASE certified technicians will find the root cause of the problem, get it fixed, and return the vehicle to you as good as new. We offer convenient online appointments on our website or simply call the shop to make an appointment that fits your schedule.