Automotive Electrical Connectors

Automotive electrical connectors are one of the most overlooked reasons for starting troubles associated with the electrical systems of cars and other vehicles.  The major components of a car's electrical system are the battery, alternator or generator, starter, solenoid, voltage regulator, fuses, and wiring and connectors--each of which perform very specific functions:

• The battery is the place where electrical energy is stored and will be used for starting the car and/or will be used when the engine is turned off.
• The alternator is what produces the energy while the engine is running--electrical energy which is stored by the battery.
• As the electrical power is being used it must be at the correct voltage and this is the job of the voltage regulator.
• The starter uses more electrical power than any other component in order to turn the engine over to get it started. Part of this starting system is the solenoid which has the job of relaying the electricity to the starter motor when the ignition switch is turned on.
• Fuses are an important component to protect the wiring in the vehicle in the case of an electrical overload.  If an overload or "short" takes place the fuse will "blow" instead of burning the wiring--something which would be extremely costly, and difficult, to replace.
• Finally, the entire electrical system is held all together by numerous automobile electrical connectors of all sizes, shapes, and descriptions.

While it is true that any component of the electrical system may break down, it shouldn't be overlooked that the failure can occur with one of the many electrical connectors.  A connector may break, work its way loose, or become too corroded to function properly.  Whatever the cause, make sure you check the connectors if you have determined that you have an electrical issue but you cannot pinpoint the component causing the trouble.

If you determine that your problem is definitely an electrical connector there are plenty of choices available for a replacement. Typically you can get a factory made connector or an "after-market" connector, which normally would be less costly.  Factory replacements can usually be ordered or bought from a local dealership while generic or, after-market, replacements are most easily found on the Internet.  However, whatever your choice for replacement, it is always in your best interest to buy the highest quality connector available to ensure longer life and less possibility of future problems.

So, next time you have trouble starting your car, truck, motorcycle, or boat, don't forget to inspect your electrical connectors to see if that is where the problem lies.