The Cable Guy (Battery Cables and Maintenance)
August 11, 2025
If you've ever noticed your vehicle's lights are dim or not working at all, the problem could be many things. But one possibility is your battery cables aren't doing their job. A power outage in your vehicle is similar to one in your house and needs to be repaired to get things back to normal.
Battery cables connect your vehicle's battery to the vehicle itself. There is a positive cable when provides the power and a negative cable that connects to the vehicle chassis and provides a ground for electrical components.
A failing battery cable may cause your vehicle not to start. Your starter may turn over very slowly. Or you may just hear a series of clicks. One other clue is on your dash—the battery warning light.
There are many things that can cause power issues in a vehicle, but it's important to keep battery cables clean and maintained. Salt and corrosion are enemies to any power system. A technician can keep things in top shape, disconnecting the cables, inspecting them and cleaning their ends and the battery terminals. Cables, by the way, are often made up of smaller strands of wire. If they are frayed, some of those smaller wires can touch metal parts of the vehicles that they shouldn't. The result? Electrical system malfunctions.
So if you see any of these signs that something is not quite right with the power in your vehicle, consult your service advisor and get it checked out. Feel the power!
Ryan?s Auto Repair of Plymouth
41990 Joy Rd
Plymouth, MI 48170
734-454-0979
http://www.ryansautorepairplymouth.com
Need Service?
More articles from Ryan's Auto Repair of Plymouth

No Fountain of Youth (Aging Tires)
August 18, 2025
Can you think of anyone who enjoys aging? Wrinkles where you don't want them, gray hair, eyes that won't focus any more, no stamina. Believe it or not, your tires age, too, and they don't get better the older they get. And here's the important thing to know, even if they can still pass a tread... More

PCV Valve: What Is It?
August 4, 2025
Most Plymouth drivers know something about preventive maintenance on a vehicle. We know we should routinely replace the oil and wiper blades and other fluids. But have you heard of a PCV valve ? This little car part needs to be replaced regularly or it can cause some serious problems in your vehi... More

Don't Be Fuelish
July 28, 2025
If you smell gasoline in your vehicle, pay attention to your nose. That's because it has an important message for you. Newer vehicles should never have a gasoline smell inside. One of the most dangerous conditions can come when your fuel line system has a leak or multiple leaks. Vehicles with fue... More