Mobile Auto Electrical Repair in Columbia, SC

Why does my car battery keep dying?

There are three common reasons. The battery is old and can’t hold a charge, the alternator isn’t charging it, or something is draining it while the car is off. That last one is called a parasitic drain.

To find a drain, a mechanic hooks a meter in line with the battery and pulls fuses one at a time after the car’s computers go to sleep. When the reading drops, the circuit on that fuse is the likely cause. Common culprits are a stuck relay, a light that stays on, or a module that won’t shut off.

Not sure if it’s the battery or the alternator? Read alternator vs battery.

What does the ABS light mean?

The ABS light means your anti-lock brake system has found a fault and turned itself off. On most cars your normal brakes still work. The anti-lock part does not, so the wheels can lock and skid in a hard stop. Traction and stability control often shut off too, since they use the same sensors.

The most common cause is a wheel speed sensor or its wiring. Each wheel has a sensor that tells the computer how fast the wheel turns. Other causes are low brake fluid, a blown fuse or a bad connector. On some cars, a worn wheel bearing is the cause, since the sensor sits in the hub.

If the red brake warning light is on with the ABS light, stop driving and have the brakes checked. Leave extra room and avoid hard stops until an ABS fault is fixed.

Can you replace an ABS wheel speed sensor at my house?

Yes, on most cars and trucks. A bolt-in sensor is a driveway job. A mechanic reads the code first to see which wheel has the fault, then checks the wiring and connector before replacing anything. Sometimes the wire is the problem, not the sensor.

If the sensor is built into the wheel hub, the whole hub assembly is replaced. That can often be done on-site too. See suspension and steering repair for wheel bearing and hub work.

Can rats or squirrels chew through car wiring?

Yes. Rodents nest under the hood and chew wires and hoses. Signs include warning lights that come on all at once, a car that won’t start, or nesting material on top of the engine.

A mechanic can find the chewed spots and repair or replace short sections of wire. If the damage runs through a whole wiring harness, it may need a shop or dealer. Check your auto insurance, too. Comprehensive coverage often pays for rodent damage after your deductible, but policies vary.

What car electrical work needs a shop?

We’ll tell you honestly if a job is better done at a shop. That includes:

• Replacing a full wiring harness
• Some module replacements that need dealer software to program
• High-voltage parts on hybrids and electric cars (the orange cables)

Even then, finding the fault on-site first can save you a tow to the wrong place.

What does auto electrical repair cost in Columbia?

Electrical problems vary a lot, so we’ll quote after diagnosis. Finding a fault is the main job, and you get the price before any repair starts. Ask about any diagnostic or service-call fee when you call.

Typical installed prices (parts and labor) for common parts, in Columbia and nationally, are:

• Battery: $200 to $400
• Alternator: $450 to $900
• Starter: $400 to $800

Your price depends on the vehicle. See what a mobile mechanic costs in Columbia for more.

How does a mobile electrical diagnosis work?

• You call and describe what happens, and when.
• A mechanic comes to your driveway or work lot.
• They read any codes, then test the battery and charging system.
• They check fuses, relays, grounds and connectors, and trace the circuit with a meter.
• You get the cause and a price before any repair.
• After the fix, they retest the system and clear the codes.

A check engine light is a different job. See check engine light diagnosis.