FIG. 02.3Electrical & A/C

Electrical and A/C problems, traced to the source.

Batteries that keep dying, lights that flicker, accessories that quit or A/C that blows warm: each system is tested first, then you get a price for the repair it actually needs.

Hands holding a battery terminal and its wiring

02.3Electrical & A/C

FIG. 02.3.1Two systems

When to book.

Electrical repair

  1. 01Battery keeps dying
  2. 02Lights flicker or dim
  3. 03Windows, locks or accessories stop working
  4. 04Warning lights or gauges acting up
  5. 05Burning smell (stop and call)
A dashboard air-conditioning vent

A/C repair

  1. 01Blows warm air
  2. 02Weak airflow
  3. 03Cools, then warms up
  4. 04Musty or strange smell
  5. 05Noise when the A/C is on

FIG. 02.3.2Your appointment

What happens at your appointment.

  1. 01

    Call or request

    Call (805) 814-0323 or send a request with your vehicle and concern.

  2. 02

    We confirm the details

    We call you back to set the day, time and place. Nothing is booked until then.

  3. 03

    Diagnosis and estimate

    A $180 diagnostic evaluation finds the cause. You approve the estimate before any repair.

  4. 04

    Repair with a warranty

    The repair is done and explained in English or Spanish, with a one-year warranty.

FIG. 02.3.3Good to Know

Good to know before you book.

General notes, not a diagnosis. For your vehicle, start the Pre-Diagnostic Check.

Why electrical problems can take time to trace

Modern vehicles run on networks of modules, sensors and wiring. A battery that keeps dying might be a weak battery, a charging problem, or something drawing power while the vehicle is off. Corroded grounds and connectors can cause faults that come and go. Tracing them takes testing, so write down when the problem happens.

Warm air can come from low refrigerant caused by a leak, a compressor or clutch problem, a blend door or control fault, a blocked condenser or an electrical issue. Adding refrigerant without finding a leak usually doesn’t last. The system is checked first, then you get a price for the repair it actually needs.

Intermittent no-starts are hard to catch because the problem may not show up at the appointment. Note what happens: a click, a slow crank, a normal crank that doesn’t catch, or nothing at all. Note the conditions: hot or cold, after a short trip or after sitting overnight, and whether the dash lights dim. A short phone video of an attempt helps a lot.

FIG. 02.3.4Questions

Common questions.

The diagnostic evaluation is $180. It covers the time to test your vehicle and find the cause of the problem. If you go ahead with a qualifying repair, part of the diagnostic fee may be credited toward it. We’ll tell you how much applies when we go over your estimate.

Yes. After the diagnosis you get an estimate for the repair, and no repair work starts until you approve it.

Yes. Repairs come with a one-year warranty. Ask for the full warranty details when you review and approve your estimate.

Book with a Master Technician.

By appointment: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and Saturdays by appointment. In English or Spanish.

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