Pops Auto Electric & AC

professional auto detailing by pops auto electric of Orlando Florida

February 18 2017

How does Auto Restoration Work?

TR Auto Restoration, Uncategorized apolstry restoration, Auto AC System Orlando Florida, auto electric relay repair, auto headlight restoration, Auto Repair, auto repair in orlando florida, auto restoration, Full Service, Headlight Restoration, Orlando Auto Repair, orlando florida auto repair, Paint Restoration, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida

Pops Auto Electric Restores Cars;

the Real Deal on Detailing!

Ever wonder if that car you love to drive every day, could ever look and drive like the day you purchased it? Ever wonder why the cars on a good previously owned car lot look and smell so good, and yours – well it is just not up to par any more.

professional auto detailing by pops auto electric

The answer could be an auto restoration from a professional who knows what they are doing. Pops Auto Electric of Central Florida has been performing auto restoration for not only classic cars but cars as new as 2010, to make them look and feel like a new car.

With the prices of new cars today, and the increased frequency of lemons, see the GM recall of millions of cars as an example of why you may be better served restoring that reliable car you already own.

Let’s look at how the auto restoration process works and how far Pops Auto Electric of Orlando Florida can take that car you love, but just needs some TLC to be the car you want it to be. For those of us whose dream cars come from yesterday, we can’t just walk into a car dealership and buy one.

professional auto detailing by pops auto electric of Orlando Florida

At the same time, buying a used car that’s older can present a whole host of mechanical problems. Is the engine in good shape? How about the transmission and electrical systems? In addition, the upholstery inside and the paint outside may be in questionable condition.

Auto restoration fixes many of these problems, making a good car great. A car which has been in the owner’s possession for years and has been kept well, but has some of these problems is the best candidate for auto restoration. Cars aren’t built to last forever, but restoration can breathe new life into an older vehicle and make it look and run like new. This makes the car more valuable at a sale or auction, guaranteeing its collectable status.

professional auto detailing by pops auto electric of Orlando Florida

The auto restoration won’t be easy. The job — and its cost — will depend on what car you’ve selected and how much work needs to be done. But if it’s done correctly, auto restoration gives everyday drivers a chance to tool around in a classic automobile as if it had just come off the dealer’s lot the year it was made. Even if a car looks perfect on the outside, if you step inside and the upholstery is torn and the gauges are falling out of the dashboard, the auto restoration job can hardly be considered complete.

A complete interior auto restoration job usually involves completely vacuuming out the car, removing the floor panels and inner door panels, thoroughly cleaning the inside with a solvent or other cleansing solution, taking out the old seats and re-installing the new parts which may have broken piece by piece. A top auto restoration should also carefully clean and restore smaller parts like the glove compartment and sun visors that may be broken or missing.

professional auto detailing by pops auto electric of Orlando Florida

Luckily, auto restoration doesn’t have to break the bank — that is, if you’re smart about it. Pops Auto Electric of Orlando Florida knows that door panels sometimes can be saved and restored if the vinyl is undamaged. Chrome spray paint can touch up the chrome trim inside the car. Also, every part doesn’t necessarily need to be ordered brand new.

In fact, many parts in a scrap yard or outsourced to many manufacturers known only to top professionals in the restoration industry. They say first impressions last forever. On any car, the first thing we notice is the way it looks on the outside. If you’re going to go through an auto restoration, with the intent to show it off or just to sell it at an auction or other event, it had better have a top-notch exterior or it won’t get noticed.

professional auto detailing by pops auto electric of Orlando Florida

Pops Auto Electric of Orlando is shipped cars from around the country because they know all the latest methods of auto restoration are used to make that car look perfect, attract the eyes and have that showroom fresh feel. Think about all of the parts that comprise the outside of a car — door handles, mirrors, the windshield, the gas cap, headlights, taillights, bumpers, hood latches and more. All of these things need to be examined and repaired or replaced as necessary in the auto restoration process.

professional auto detailing by pops auto electric of Orlando Florida

One of Pops Auto Electric’s specialties is making those dull and yellowed headlight covers, and all the plastic parts on the exterior, look like the day they were manufactured. This is your chance to get a beloved car looking, feeling and driving like the day you brought it home.

auto electric

Whether you are asking Pops Auto Electric of Orlando to do an auto restoration a 1995 Corvette LT1 to showroom condition, or just wanting auto restoration to make that 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee look as good as it still drives, Pops Auto Electric can handle it. From 2005 Mercedes 550 to 1968 Mustangs, from 2001 Hondas to 1978 Porsche 911, Pops Auto Electric has you covered with the most innovative and complete auto restoration in Florida!

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

Pop's Auto Electric explains headlight restoration

January 29 2017

Automotive Headlights; Are Yours a Danger to Others?

TR Auto Restoration, Uncategorized auto headlight restoration, auto repair in orlando florida, automotive headlights, Full Service, Headlight Restoration, Orlando Auto Repair, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric and AC Explains Why automotive headlights turn yellow and foggy, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida

Automotive Headlights; Are Yours a Danger to Others?

Is your car living up to the standards of the road? It is a fact of automobile ownership that certain parts of the car will be taken for granted. These are what can be considered the old reliable. They don’t make any strange noises and the car doesn’t start behaving oddly when problems arise. This does not mean that they are without difficulties which can affect the performance of the vehicle.

Automotive headlights operate ordinarily without much problem, in the past, automotive headlights were made of glass and they either worked or they did not work. Today however, automotive headlights can turn yellow and foggy without you noticing the change.

When automotive headlights turn yellow or become fogged, they are a danger to other cars, pedestrians as well as your family and yourself. In many states, severely yellowed or impaired headlights may main a ticket of up to 250.00 and or license suspension. Automotive headlights are serious business and involve real safety issues in the maintenance of your car.

Why do automotive headlights turn yellow and foggy?

1) Oxidation: This happens due to the polycarbonate lens of modern automotive headlights are exposed to the air. Lenses develop microscopic cracks when exposed to UV radiation causing “cloudiness”.
2) Road Damage: While driving on damaged roads, the small rocks and debris pit the polycarbonate lens of modern automotive headlights. The gravel creates dents and pits on the lenses.
3) Dirt and Chemicals: If a car is on the road for a period of time, it develops a thin layer of dirt and chemicals over the lenses of automotive headlights. This layer is opaque (cloudy) and the affect is to dim the lights or make the automotive headlights hard to see on the road.
4) Water Vapor: Vapor is created inside the automotive headlight “box” due to high moisture content in the air which then gets trapped within the light box as the air outside the light box becomes drier. This water vapor scatters the light coming through the polycarbonate lens and creates patterns and diffusion of light on the road making it hard to see clearly.

Here are some fixes to clean your automotive headlights if they are not too far gone:

Remove the top layer of the automotive headlight lens and clean it with specially sand paper. (this seems easy with kits available in most auto supply stores, but be vary carful, if you do this procedure incorrectly, it can damage the headlights beyond repair)
Polish the headlight lens using headlight polish with a microfiber towel. (this is often presented as a cure all easy fix, but results are varied and temporary)

Time and the environment take their toll

The automotive headlights are external fixtures and this makes them susceptible to any environmental assault. The outside factors are more serious on cars today because the headlights are no longer made of glass. Instead, these fixtures are made of hard plastic that is covered with a clear coat to protect the porous surface.

The destructive elements can be road salt or pollution, but sooner or later the clear coat on the headings is going to start fading away. The summer time in particular can be rough because of the sunlight. Even if there is UV protection on the lenses of automotive headlights, it is good for only so long.

That clear coat finish installed over the lenses of new automotive headlight, also can be affected by the type of cleaning agents used. All of these factors result in the polycarbonate automotive headlight lens of modern cars eventually becoming oxidized and the lights take on a foggy appearance as a consequence. This adds up to a situation where automotive headlights can get worse for wear and need to have some maintenance done on them.

Why the concern?

You may think that this is not anything more than a cosmetic problem, and that conclusion would be more than simply wrong. People don’t seem to notice during the summer time because daylight hours are long, and the folks who live in dry climates may not immediately see a problem. When headlights become foggy yellow and oxidized it affects the light output.

The beam that should come from the automotive headlight is weakened and will not cover as much ground in front of the automobile. That gradually becomes an even more serious problem as the days grow shorter in wintertime. It also is true that in stormy or wintry weather, when vision is naturally reduced, the smaller lighted area is an invitation for accidents.

Preventive ways to avoid headlight problem

There are ways to prevent headlight problems, but you have to be cautious. Be careful about polishing the headlights because it can wear down that clear coat. There should be no grit at all in the polish and the soft polish medium can remove early signs of yellowing. If possible, the car should either be parked in a garage or having the headlights face away from the sun. This prevents the damage that can be caused by ultraviolet light.

If you wish to wash the headlights, it should be done with an automotive soap every quarter. This does have an advantage because the washing can prevent the buildup of acids and dirt that promote the yellowing. Should it appear that the yellowing is too advanced, the old clear coat is going to have to be removed with sandpaper or abrasive cleaner and a new coat of protective film applied.

Prefer a professional to do the work

That standing work ought to be done by a professional. The work can be done by buying a kit from a retail store, but an amateur might make a mistake in sanding the very sensitive and soft polycarbonate surface of automotive headlights. That generates extra cost, which ought to be avoided. The professional can also recommend the right type of clear coat to produce the best results. That professional is Pop’s Auto Electric and AC in Central Florida.

The very top of the automotive headlights turning yellow is not as serious an emergency as worn brake pads or pistons starting to malfunction. In fact, you can drive for weeks without noticing there may be a problem. Taking care of the automotive headlights is not something that should not be put off indefinitely.

Anyone who is driving in a winter storm or a summer thunder storm late at night is aware of the dangers and safety hazard of dim automotive headlights, whether on your car or the one coming at you. This is a time of the year when automotive headlights can be inspected and fixed if necessary.

Any lingering problems can also be corrected without the great sense of urgency. Procrastination does have its price and you have to be aware of it. Making sure that there is no hazy obstruction to the light is simple precaution and safety. It can save you from a nasty accident some dark stormy night. It also it the single most item that makes you car appear old and less valuable.

Finally, when you look at a car in a parking lot, it is has yellow faded automotive headlights, does it look as valuable as the exact same car next to it with bright clear automotive headlights, think about it.

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

oil change on honda civic from pops auto electric Orlando Florida

December 6 2016

How to do an Oil Change for Honda Civic

TR Auto Repair, Honda Repair, Uncategorized AC Repair, auto electric, Auto Repair, auto repair in orlando florida, Full Service, Headlight Restoration, Honda, Honda Civic, Oil Change, Orlando Auto Repair, Paint Restoration, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida

Pops Auto Electric & AC of Orlando Florida Explains Oil Change for Honda Civic

Filter access

First step when you want to do an oil change for Honda Civic with the D16 engine, the oil filter is located on the back side of the engine, beneath the intake manifold, making access difficult from above. The best method to remove the old filter is to use a “cup type” oil filter wrench. Once you have this wrench, it fits the flutes on the end of the filter, use an extension of appropriate length, and a ratchet handle; this assembly is wormed down through the very narrow space between intake manifold and firewall and onto the filter.

4 reasons uninstalling an oil filter for Honda Civic can become complicated:

1) An oil filter has previously been installed which has a different size than the stock Honda filter. Some of the national oil-change chains will often install what they have and make it fit.

2) The oil filter may refuse to be removed may be because of over tightening when installed

3) Too long a time lapse since the last installation of the filter

4) In some cases use of oil leak sealant additives, which can cause the rubber seal on the filter to adhere tightly to the block this is by design, to cause rubber gaskets to seal more tightly and stop an oil leak.

Any of the problems above may give you pause before attempting an oil change for Honda Civic. Many simply do not change the Oil Filter, a very big mistake. We at Pops Auto Electric can quickly, efficiently and at a price that will not break the bank, handle any of these problems. Pops Auto Electric is a full service shop, we are not a chain and we want to help you keep that Honda Civic on the road for many years. When it comes to customizing paint restoration even installing power windows, we will be here to help.

Let’s assume you got the oil filter off and have not stripped the engine attachment threads when doing an oil change for Honda Civic:

Oil Draining Plug

When doing an oil change for Honda Civic the oil drain plug can be a source of problems. The stock plug uses an aluminum crush washer to seal against leaks, which must be torqued fairly tightly (the same system is used on the manual transmission fill and drain plugs). Contrary to occasional practice, the washer should never be reused except as a temporary measure in an emergency, as it then requires even more torque to properly seal. Given the relatively high torque needed to properly seal the plug, it is not unusual for the plug to be over tightened and the threads stripped; luckily, it is usually the plug which is damaged and can be replaced, rather than the more complex process of fixing damaged threads in the oil pan. Some enterprising mechanics substitute a nylon washer, as is sometimes found on other cars, rather than the aluminum washer; the torque required for proper sealing is greatly lessened, but the nylon has a tendency to soften when hot and creep out from under the plug, so that leaks develop over time, particularly in warmer temperatures. One possible solution is to install one of the oil drain valves, available either from Fumoto or Fram. These take the place of the stock drain plug, by threading into the oil pan, and utilize a valve which is turned by hand to drain the engine oil. While tapping the drain hole and installing a larger plug, or installing a self-tapping plug are acceptable, they are not the recommended solution, as these types of plugs tend develop leaks over a short period of time. Also, the metal shavings created by the tap may become suspended in the remaining oil, causing premature engine wear. The proper repair, if the threads for the drain plug in the oil pan become stripped, is to replace the engine oil pan altogether. Simply stated, oil change for Honda Civic is no easy task, it can cause serious damage to the engine if preformed improperly and extra experience to repair the damage you have done. Complications can arise from oil changes preformed by a previous owner, in the best case situation; you need specialized tools and the knowledge that only comes from years of experience.

Call us; we are here to help you with oil change for Honda Civic, with a very special price.

Pops Auto Electric & AC, a full service auto repair shop

OUR PASSION IS CARS OUR OBSESSION IS SERVICE

Contact Info:

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

How Resistance Effects the Auto Electric System

October 27 2015

How Resistance Effects the Auto Electric System

TR Auto Electric, Auto Repair auto electric, auto electric relay repair, auto headlight restoration, auto repair in orlando, auto repair in orlando florida, Auto Repair Orlando Florida, Full Service, How Resistance Effects the Auto Electric System, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida, resistance

Pops Auto Electric Explains the Effects of Resistance in an Auto Electric System

Resistance (R) in the Ohm’s law equation is what the electricity works against in an electrical circuit. Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω). Resistance can come in many forms, some good, some not so good.

Every electrical circuit needs some form of resistance. If not, you have a short circuit, and we know what happens if we have one of those. Resistance can be as simple as a light bulb or as complex as a PCM. Both create a certain amount of resistance that is accounted for in its circuit.

A few key things can affect resistance:

One is heat; the higher the temperature, the higher the resistance. The reason for this is that a heated substance has a lot of molecular movement, which affects electron flow. The harder it is for electrons to flow, the more resistance you have. That’s the layman’s definition of resistance.

Distance can also affect resistance; the longer a wire is, the more resistance it has. Think back to our car with a tank of gas. We’re going to use more gas the farther we have to travel to get back to the negative battery post. The size or amount of conductive material that the electricity passes through can also affect resistance. A wide-open path with a very conductive material has little resistance. Conversely, a small wire with a not-so-conductive material has more resistance.

The takeaway here is that resistance can be good or bad depending on where you find it. You need the resistance of the load of an electric circuit in order for the circuit to function, but if you have unwanted resistance, the circuit will not function as intended.

Testing Resistance

Checking a circuit’s resistance over a voltage drop test can be risky for an amateur. The main reason is because when you’re doing a voltage drop test, you get to see what’s happening on a live circuit. Resistance checks are done on open circuits that are isolated from the rest of the circuit.

When doing resistance checks, you must remove what you’re checking from the circuit first in order to do your resistance check; otherwise, you might damage the circuit or your meter. It’s for that reason that resistance tests are found to be inconclusive sometimes. Sure, there are times when testing resistance is the only way to test a circuit within the auto electric system, but when diagnosing a problem in a circuit, a voltage drop test is best for the amateur.

Case in point: ignition coil testing. Manufacturers list the resistance that should be seen at the primary and secondary windings of an ignition coil. It is difficult at best to find a bad ignition coil this way.

Electrical engineers have found a coil can have good resistance readings and still be bad. The reason for this is that the windings inside the coil are made of very thin wire. You can have a small break in this wire and the resistance will still indicate everything is fine, but the minute the coil is under load, it fails because of the open or short in the windings.

On the other hand, if checking a coolant temp sensor, resistance testing is the way to go. Be sure to use resistance checks wisely when trying to find the effects of resistance in an auto electric system. Why not call Pop’s Auto Electric and solve auto electric system problem with the industry experts. There is a reason that other shops send electrical problems to Pop’s Auto Electric.

This works for every electrical circuit according to Ohm’s law. Once you know the circuit, you know where the gas (voltage) is going and you can measure it at different points in the circuit to get a good idea of how the circuit is operating.

One last example that might give you some practical insight: Say you have an electrical connector with some corrosion in it. You can’t see the corrosion, but you suspect it’s there. You can take a voltage reading before and after the connector to check the voltage drop across the connector. You should see close to zero volts. If you see a higher voltage than expected, you’ve found increased resistance in the circuit.

Voltage drop testing is your best friend when it comes to diagnosing automotive electric circuits. At Pop’s Auto Electric, we are experts in all forms of voltage testing. In fact local shops call us to trace, diagnose and fix difficult automotive electrical problems. Call Pop’s Auto Electric today for a free estimate.

Call Pops Auto Electric today for any repair work, but call right now if you experience any of the automotive electric system repair signs listed above, save your families life, fix those problems now!

Contact Info

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

Simply mention the coupon when calling from the website

October 27 2015

Automotive Electrical Problems; How do Amperes Work

TR Auto Electric, Auto Repair, Uncategorized AC Repair, amps, amps and autos, Auto AC System Orlando Florida, auto electric, auto electric relay repair, Auto Repair, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida, Relay

Pops Auto Electric, Explains the Ups and Downs of Amperes

Amperes

Amperes, amps, or current is the measure of the flow of electricity through a given circuit, and vital in diagnosing automotive electrical problems. It’s the (I) in the Ohm’s law equation above. Amps are different than voltage in that amps are the same throughout the entire circuit, unlike voltage, which starts out high then drops to zero when it reaches the negative battery post. Amps are the same at the beginning and the end of a circuit. If you have five amps at the beginning of the circuit, you’ll have five amps at the end of the circuit.

To continue with our automotive analogy, we’ll equate amps to speed. The higher the amps, the faster the speed. The number of amps a circuit uses is dictated by the load and the resistance in the circuit. The bigger the load, the more amps a circuit will use. A starter motor will use a lot more amps than a window motor because the window motor will not need as many amps to run as a starter motor would. This next fact about amps gets a little weird. The lower the resistance in a circuit, the higher the amp flow.

Sticking with our speed analogy, the more amps you have in a circuit, the faster things flow. Remember in the first blog we stated that if you had a short circuit you’d blow fuses and possibly burn things up? That was talking about amps.

If you have unrestricted electron flow with no load, amps get out of control. It’s like a speeding locomotive that goes off the track. Something is going to break. With automotive electrical problems, it’s usually the weakest link, which should be the fuse. Ever notice how fuses are rated in amps, not voltage? Now you know why.

One last little factoid about amps: You can have high voltage in a circuit and it won’t be that harmful to you. It’ll wake you up for sure, but it won’t kill you. However, if you have just a few amps to go with that high voltage, watch out. As little as 0.2 amps mixed with the right amount of voltage can kill you.

In fact, it might even be less than that depending on the circumstances. It’s not the voltage that hurts you; it’s the amps. It doesn’t take too many amps to knock you on your butt, so be extra careful when dealing with amps. This is why, if you don’t fully understand automotive electric problems, leave it to the professionals, call Pops Auto Electric now. To use another common analogy, if volts are pressure, amps are intensity or volume. You can have lots of pressure, but when you add intensity, things can get lively.

Ampere Testing

Professionals don’t often do amp testing when dealing with automotive circuits, other than when performing a parasitic draw test. There are two ways you can test amps in an automotive circuit when diagnosing automotive electrical problems. The first is with an inductive amp meter.

This is a tool that measures the magnetic field around a wire. The circuit has to be live for this to work. Say you’re looking to test the amps going to the starter via the positive battery cable. Place your amp meter around the positive battery cable and engage the starter to take your reading. You won’t get a reading if you’re not cranking the starter.

The other way to measure amps is by tying into the circuit directly, or tying in ‘series’. This means you open the circuit somewhere and insert your amp meter. All the amps in the circuit need to flow through your meter in order to test this way.

This can be tricky, and many a DVOM has suffered from improper amp testing. Don’t worry; most of them are fused, so if you mess up, hopefully you’ll be able to replace a fuse and be back in business. So to be safe when checking high amp circuits, use an inductive lead instead of connecting in series, or simply make an appointment with Pops Auto Electric and avoid problems. Remember, be careful when dealing with amps.

This works for every electrical circuit according to Ohm’s law. Once you know the circuit, you know where the gas (voltage) is going and you can measure it at different points in the circuit to get a good idea of how the circuit is operating.

One last example that might give you some practical insight: Say you have an electrical connector with some corrosion in it. You can’t see the corrosion, but you suspect it’s there. You can take a voltage reading before and after the connector to check the voltage drop across the connector. You should see close to zero volts. If you see a higher voltage than expected, you’ve found increased resistance in the circuit.

Voltage drop testing is your best friend when it comes to diagnosing automotive electric circuits. At Pop’s Auto Electric, we are experts in all forms of voltage testing. In fact local shops call us to trace, diagnose and fix difficult automotive electrical problems. Call Pop’s Auto Electric today for a free estimate.

Call Pops Auto Electric today for any repair work, but call right now if you experience any of the automotive electric system repair signs listed above, save your families life, fix those problems now!

Contact Info

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

Simply mention the coupon when calling from the website

September 23 2015

Automotive Electric Basics: Voltage and Ohm’s Law

TR Auto Electric, Uncategorized auto electric, automotive electric, Ohm's Law, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida, Relay

Voltage, Amps, Resistance, and Ohm’s Law from the Automotive Electric Masters; Pop’s Auto Electric

Knowing how to measure electric is key to understanding how automotive electric works. Electricity is not something we can necessarily see and put our hands on. Because of that, there are standard ways of measuring and using electricity. Georg Ohm was one of the people who developed the standards we use today. He came up with what is now called Ohm’s law. Ohm’s law is written like this:

IVR

I = Current Flow or Amps

V = Voltage

R = Resistance

What Ohm gave us this formula which says; amps, voltage, and resistance are interrelated. If you know two of the three in the equation, you can figure out the value of the missing one. If you know the volts and the resistance, you can divide the volts by the resistance and find out how many amps are flowing through the circuit. It’s a handy formula that can give a better understanding of how electricity really works.

Voltage

Voltage (V) is the potential energy of electricity. Voltage can be present even if there is no current flow. For example, your battery can have 12 volts in it even if it’s not being used. That 12 volts is still there, waiting to be used, and is the battery’s potential. Think of battery voltage like you think of a full tank of gas; it can get you somewhere, but not until you start the engine and begin to use it.

One really interesting thing about voltage is that in an electrical circuit, all of the voltage the electrical circuit started with is used up when traveling through the circuit. For example, if you start with 12 volts at the battery positive and you run it through a circuit, by the time it goes through the load and reaches the negative battery post to complete the circuit, it’s down to zero volts.

Why is this useful? Because it allows us to do one of the best tests in automotive electric diagnostics: the voltage drop.

Voltage Drop Testing

Voltage drop testing is probably the best way to find an electrical fault. Because the voltage drops as it travels through the circuit, we can tell where it’s being used simply by measuring the voltage at different points in the circuit.

Think of a car that leaves the positive battery post with just enough gas to work the load and get to the negative battery post. By the time the car reaches the negative battery post, it runs out of gas and that’s it. That’s how voltage works; it starts at its highest level at the positive battery terminal and ends up at zero when it reaches the negative battery terminal.

Now, what if somewhere in the circuit, our car take a detour and goes down a different road and the car decides not to take the road (circuit) all the way back to battery negative. We call this a short circuit. When this happens, we often blow fuses and sometimes melt or burn up parts. This is because of the unrestricted amp flow that occurs during a short circuit.

What if our car encounters an obstruction in the road (circuit) and we use more gas getting through the obstruction on our way back to battery negative. The theoretical car still make it back to battery negative, but since we used so much fuel (voltage) getting through the resistance and the load, there’s hardly any fuel left to do any work.

This is what happens when we have increased resistance in an automotive electric circuit. If that’s the case with, say, a window motor, the window motor will still work; it will just work very slowly. Why? Because of the increased resistance we had to go through to get back to battery negative. We ended up using almost all our fuel (voltage) overcoming the resistance in the circuit. Less fuel (voltage) means there isn’t enough to run the window motor at full capacity.

If we did a voltage drop test following the path of the automotive electric circuit, we could see where the fuel (voltage) was being used. We should see the biggest drop across the load of the circuit, which, in the case of a window motor, is the window motor.

While the circuit is operational, we can check the voltage before and after the motor. Voltage drops need to be done on a live circuit; if they’re not active, you won’t get any readings. Remember that voltage is electricity’s potential energy; if it’s not being used, it’s just potential.

Before the motor, we should see something close to the 12V we started with. We won’t see the full 12V because we had to use some of the gas (voltage) to get through the wires, and probably switches, going to the motor itself. These things give us a little resistance that we need to account for when checking the automotive electric voltage before the motor. After the motor, however, we should see some pretty low voltage, because we used all our gas (voltage) to run the motor.

This works for every electrical circuit according to Ohm’s law. Once you know the circuit, you know where the gas (voltage) is going and you can measure it at different points in the circuit to get a good idea of how the circuit is operating.

One last example that might give you some practical insight: Say you have an electrical connector with some corrosion in it. You can’t see the corrosion, but you suspect it’s there. You can take a voltage reading before and after the connector to check the voltage drop across the connector. You should see close to zero volts. If you see a higher voltage than expected, you’ve found increased resistance in the circuit.

Voltage drop testing is your best friend when it comes to diagnosing automotive electric circuits. At Pop’s Auto Electric, we are experts in all forms of voltage testing. In fact local shops call us to trace, diagnose and fix difficult automotive electrical problems. Call Pop’s Auto Electric today for a free estimate.

Call Pops Auto Electric today for any repair work, but call right now if you experience any of the automotive electric system repair signs listed above, save your families life, fix those problems now!

Contact Info

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

Simply mention the coupon when calling from the website

auto electric

September 23 2015

Automotive Electrical Issues Explained; Pop’s Auto Electric Shares the Secrets

TR Auto Electric, Uncategorized auto electric, auto electric central florida, auto electric orlando, automotive trouble lights, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida

The Secrets of Auto Electric Explained by the Experts

Electrical issues are a mystery to many auto owners; it is even perplexing to many auto mechanics. At Pop’s Auto Electric in Orlando Florida, we think it’s because you really can’t see or touch electricity in the same way you can with other working components on your vehicle.

It is true that we can see the effects of electricity, or the lack of effect in the case of a failure, but we can’t necessarily put our hands on it like we can with other vehicle components that might fail. For that reason, we need to have a basic understanding of electricity, auto electric and how it works in automotive systems.

The Basics of Auto Electricity
Electricity is the flow of electrons within a conductor. You can get these moving electrons to do things for you in automotive systems, such as starting your engine, charging your phone, controlling vehicle emissions, and opening your windows.

Electrical systems are everywhere in modern automobiles. Having a basic understanding of how electricity works can go a long way toward helping you understand what repairs need to be made within your automotive electrical systems.

The first thing we will explain is the flow of electricity. For the purposes of this blog, we’re going to say that electricity flows from positive to negative. Yes, there are other theories on electron flow, but to keep things simple we’re going to stick with electrons flowing from positive to negative.

To get this electricity to flow and go where we want it to flow, automotive manufacturers use conductors. Conductors are materials that allow electrons to flow freely. Resistors are materials that inhibit electron flow.

We use resistors to insulate our conductors so we keep the electricity flowing where we want it to go. Electricity is funny like that; if you let it, it will find the shortest route to ground, which might happen before you want it to. Professional installers like Pop’s Auto Electric of Central Florida keep this from happening.

Then there are semiconductors: transistors, resistors, and diodes, just to name a few. We use these to help control things in automotive electrical systems. Semiconductors can allow electron flow sometimes but not others. They can block electron flow in one direction, but allow it to flow in the other direction.

They can also be used to change the resistance of a circuit based on temperature. Semiconductors are used extensively in computers and control systems. As a result, you run into a lot of semiconductors in automotive applications.

Another big component of an electrical circuit is the load. The load is what does the work in an electrical circuit. The load can be a lot of things. It can be a motor, a heating element, a bulb, or any number of other electrical components that do work. The load and the resistance in the circuit dictate the amount of current flow in the circuit.

Aside from the wires that carry electricity and the wiring insulation that keeps the electricity on the path we want it to take, we also need the ability to control a circuit. We often do this with switches. Switches come in all shapes and sizes. They can be switches that we activate, or they can be activated automatically when certain conditions are met; they can also turn things off at a given time.

This is a very basic overview of what you’ll find in automotive electrical systems. If any one of the thousands of components and wires has a fault, the automobile may simply stop, malfunction or worse become a danger to the driver and passenger.

At Pop’s Auto Electric in Orlando Florida, we are known as experts in the field of auto electric. In fact many shops in the area send their auto electric problems to us for diagnosis and repair. You don’t want to fiddle around with auto electric, take the problem to the acknowledged experts in the field, trust you auto electric problems to no other than Pop’s Auto Electric of Central Florida!

Call Pops Auto Electric today for any repair work, but call right now if you experience any of the brake system repair signs listed above, save your families life, fix those brakes!

Contact Info

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

Pops Auto Electric and AC explains brake system repair

May 4 2015

Brake System Repair Process Explained by Pop’s Auto, Orlando, Fl

TR Auto Repair, brakes, Uncategorized auto repair in orlando florida, brake fluid, brake repair, brake rotors, brake service, brake service and repair, Orlando Auto Repair, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida

Brake System Repair & Maintenance; What is the Process

Simply put, brakes are what make your car stop and. More importantly, your brakes help keep you, your family, and everyone around you safe. Proper brake system repair and maintenance of your automotive braking system will help you avoid accidents as well as costly repairs. Additionally, you should have your brake system checked every time you have your tires rotated and brake system repair handled by certified professionals when needed.

Here are some warning signs that you need to have your brakes serviced:

A high pitched squealing sound.

This is a safety feature on modern brakes to let you know the pads are wearing thin and need to be replaced. A sure sign that you need brake system repair work before things get worse.

Sounds of grinding metal.

This means that the pads have been completely worn out and need to be replaced immediately to avoid damage to other parts of the brake system. This is a sign that you need brake system repair, and you need attention quickly or you will destroy your rotors, a much more expensive brake system repair process.

Lowered responsiveness and fading.

Air in the brakes lines or leaking fluid will cause the brakes to “catch” with the pedal closer to the floorboard.

Vibration and pulsations when braking.

This can be caused by warped rotors or the tires being out of balance. When rotors are warped, the brake pads cannot fully grip and braking will not be as effective. Brake system repair or maintenance is recommended as soon as possible.

Pulling to one side.

This can be caused by the brakes on one side not gripping as firmly as the other or from debris in the brake lines.

Parking brake sticks.

This is an indication the brakes are not fully disengaging and can cause extra wear on your rear brakes. Brake system repair is recommended before the situation worsens, brakes are one thing on your car you can not ignore.

Pop’s Auto Electric and AC technicians are trained and certified in brake system repair, service, inspection and maintenance of the following:

All hydraulic components including lines, hoses, cylinders and calipers

Brake fluid checked for age and containments

Rotors and drums inspected for thickness and damage

Power brake boosters

Emergency / parking brake

Anti lock, disc and drum brakes

Call Pops Auto Electric today for any repair work, but call right now if you experience any of the brake system repair signs listed above, save your families life, fix those brakes!

Contact Info

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

January 14 2015

Automotive Trouble Lights; Help from Pops Auto Electric

TR Auto Electric, Auto Repair, Uncategorized AC Repair, auto AC repair in Orlando, auto electric relay repair, auto trouble lights, automotive trouble lights, automotive warning lights, car warning lights, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida, warning lights, when and how to replace the serpentine belt from Pops Auto Electric Central Florida

Pops Auto Electric & AC Make Sense Out of Automotive Trouble Lights

Automotive trouble lights or dash lights have been around for many years, but the messages are different colors shapes, sizes – just what do they mean? The following list of warning lights (automotive trouble lights) are the most common lights used by auto manufacturers. Not all automotive trouble lights are universal. Always refer to your owner’s manual when you’re not 100% sure what the light indicates.

Many automotive trouble lights indicate that a fault has occurred inside the vehicle’s system, but it doesn’t pinpoint the item or system that has failed. In these cases, a code reader or scan tool can help determine the part that needs to be replaced. If an automotive trouble light on your dash is on, visit Pops Auto Electric & AC to get the best information to help keep your vehicle running in top condition.

Check Engine or Malfunction automotive trouble light (MIL):

Indicates the engine computer has set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). Usually requires diagnosis with a professional scan tool. Learn the top five reasons why your check engine light is illuminated.

Battery/Charging Alert:

Indicates voltage level is below normal level and the vehicle’s charging system is not functioning properly. Check battery terminals, alternator belt, and battery condition.

Coolant Temp Warning:

This automotive trouble light indicates temperature has exceeded normal limits. Check coolant level, fan operation, radiator cap, coolant leaks.

Transmission Temperature:

Transmission is operating at higher than optimum temperature as transmission fluid is hotter than normal. Check transmission fluid level and engine coolant level.

Oil Pressure Warning:

If this automotive trouble light stays lit, it indicates loss of oil pressure. Immediately check oil level and pressure.

Oil Change Reminder:

Indicates that oil life has expired. This is monitored by the ECM; the interval can be mileage or a combination of readings taken by the ECM. The reset procedure is listed in the owner’s manual. Some vehicles require the use of special tools to reset the automotive trouble light.

Service Vehicle Soon:

Typically indicates a lighting or other electrical problem that is controlled by the BCM (body control module). Check all lights (head lights, turn signals, brake lights, and hazard lights). This symbol may also be used to warn driver of a traction control problem, or a communication problem between modules.

TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System):

If your car is equipped with tire sensors this automotive trouble light indicates the tire pressure monitoring system has found a tire with low air pressure or there may be a sensor malfunction. Check tire pressure. Some vehicles will allow manual reset of TPMS warning light and others will require professional diagnosis. Refer to owner’s manual.

Brake System Automotive Trouble Light:

Indicates one of three possible conditions: parking brake is on; problem with the braking system/brake fluid is low, or ABS problem. Check brake fluid and make sure the parking brake is fully released. If the problem is in the ABS system, it may need a professional diagnosis.

Reduced Power Warning:

Indicates Engine Computer has limited engine power output. The ECM has many levels of reduced power depending on what component has failed in its control system. Usually requires diagnosis with a professional scan tool.

ABS Automotive Trouble Light:

Indicates that the Anti-lock Brake computer has set a code and needs professional diagnosis.

Gas Cap:

The check gas cap automotive trouble light indicates that the gas cap is not tightened properly. If not addressed, quite often the Check Engine Light will also illuminate.

Cruise Control:

Indicates that cruise control is set during driving.

ESP Fault:

Indicates that there is a problem with the vehicle’s traction control/anti-skid or electronic stability system.

Security Alert automotive trouble light warning system:

If the symbol lights momentarily it may mean that the ignition switch is locked and will need the proper transponder-equipped key to re-start. If the symbol is visible when the vehicle is on, then it typically indicates a malfunction in the security system.

Lamp Out:

Indicates that there is an exterior light on the vehicle that is not functioning properly.

Traction Control or ESP:

Illuminates when the vehicle’s traction control/anti-skid or electronic stability system is in use. This automotive trouble light is usually an indicator that conditions are slippery.

Door Ajar:

Indicates that a door (including hood and trunk) is not closed. Open and close all doors, including hood and trunk. If vehicle is left in this condition overnight it can drain the battery.

Overdrive Light:

This symbol indicates that the vehicle’s overdrive system has been manually turned off. Typically the overdrive system is controlled by an on/off switch.

Airbag Fault:

If this automotive trouble light stays illuminated after starting, it indicates that the vehicle has found a fault in the airbag system and the computer has set a code. Professional repair of the supplemental restraint system is highly recommended.

Washer Fluid Reminder:

Indicates washer fluid is low. Fill washer fluid reservoir. The cap has a symbol that looks like a windshield. Some vehicles have separate reservoirs for front and rear window washers.

Fog Lamp:

Indicates that the vehicle’s front fog lamps are illuminated.

One thing is for sure, if you have one of the automotive trouble lights shining, you are in danger of more serious damage to your car if you don’t get what every is indicated fixed. Contact a professional, contact Pops Auto Electric & AC now for assistance!

Pops-Deals!

December 3 2014

Car Heater Fixes for Florida Cars

TR Auto Repair, Uncategorized auto heater, auto heater repair, auto repair in orlando, automive heater, car heater, Full Service, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida

Car Heater Not Working?

Find What’s Wrong Now

Use caution when working around radiator & heater, hoses and coolant. They can be very hot. Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot, antifreeze / water can spray out. Use of safety goggles is suggested when trouble shooting car heater problems.

TIP: With a rag or glove to protect your hands from being burned, gently squeeze radiator hose to check for pressure before opening the radiator cap.

A few tips troubleshooting your car heater.

The most common problem is low engine coolant level and/or low engine temperature. Temperature from the car heater outlets should be 130 degrees or more with the fan on high after the car has warmed up.

In cars five years old or newer is the most common problem is a faulty engine thermostat.

The older the vehicle, the more likely problems are the car heater core and or multiple other problems.

A car heater core works like the car radiator. Coolant from the engine circulates through the core, air blows through the core and into the passenger compartment. Heater cores can become plugged, and may require flushing or replacement. Two hoses go from the the engine to the heater core, and can develop pin-hole leaks that only show up under pressure, as when the engine is hot.

Tracking it down:

If your vehicle has a temperature gauge, check it to see if it is in the normal range. To check the temperature yourself, you can use a metal case candy thermometer placed into the filler on the radiator when the engine is COLD. Start the car and let it warm up, the temperature in the radiator should be around 180 degrees on older cars, up to around 205 on newer ones. Be careful, the engine may start to boil over if you leave it running too long with the cap off.. Keep face and hands away from opening, and wear protection for eyes and hands.

If the engine temperature and fluid level are correct, the next most common problem is poor circulation through the car heater core. With the motor running and at full operating temperature, CAREFULLY feel the heater hoses. (Use of a rag may help protect hands) Both hoses should be similar in temperature. If one hose is considerably cooler then the car heater is restricted. Flushing the heater works sometimes but replacement is often necessary.

Depending on the vehicle, the temperature control lever may control a water valve in series with the car heater core, or an air door that mixes hot and cold air. The lever may operate via wire cable or vacuum controls. There can be problems in the control valve, cable, vacuum line, or vacuum diaphragm ( sometimes called a vacuum motor ) that controls air doors.

Water pumps can have insufficient flow. Restriction in heater hose connections at the intake or water pump will slow the flow through the car heater. The antifreeze – water mixture can effect heat transfer.

Remember for good heat you need hot water and air flow so start with the basics and you’ll most likely find the problem. Car heater cores on some cars can be difficult to replace, taking your vehicle to a good radiator repair shop may be in order. Pop’s Auto Electric and AC in Orlando Florida are experts in all types of automotive car heater repair. Call them now for a free estimate, always the best price and the best service.

Seem complicated, we can help. For many years Pops Auto Electric in Orlando has been the expert dealers bring their problem auto AC systems to fix. These dealers and shops know that Pops Auto Electric will not only fix the problem, but do it as efficiently and inexpensively as possible. Pops Auto Electric located at the corner of Orange and Holden have all the latest in auto AC repair equipment, you can’t find a more competent or honest shop.

Pops Auto Electric of Orlando Florida

407-857-8579