Frequently Asked Questions
Diagnostics & Repairs
While mechanics focus on your vehicle's engine, transmission, and general mechanical systems, auto electricians specialise in your vehicle's electrical and electronic systems—including diagnostics, repairs, upgrades, and installations.
You should see an auto electrician when you're experiencing issues with:
- ⚠️ Dashboard warning lights
- 🔋 Battery or charging system problems
- 💡 Headlights, tail lights, or signal lights
- 🔌 Faulty wiring or blown fuses
- 🧭 GPS, reverse cameras, sensors, or UHF radios
- 🧊 Vehicle air conditioning systems
- 🚦 Electric brake controllers or trailer plug issues
- 🔋 Dual battery systems or lithium upgrades
- ⚙️ Starter motors, alternators, or power sockets
- 💻 ECU-related faults or scan tool diagnostics
Auto electricians are trained to work with modern vehicle electronics, including CAN bus systems, diagnostic tools, and onboard computer modules, making them the best choice for any electrical-related issue or accessory installation.
If you're unsure, just give us a call—Apple City Auto Electrics can advise whether it's something we handle or if a mechanical service is more appropriate.
Modern vehicles rely heavily on complex electrical systems, and when something goes wrong, it can affect your car’s performance, safety, and reliability. Below are some of the most common auto electrical components that may cause issues:
- 🔋 Battery – A weak or failing battery can cause starting issues, electrical faults, and warning lights.
- 🧰 Wiring & Wiring Looms – Damaged or corroded wiring can lead to intermittent faults, short circuits, or complete electrical failures.
- ⚡ Relays & Fuses – These protect your vehicle’s electrical circuits. If a fuse blows or a relay fails, the associated component (lights, fans, etc.) may stop working.
- 💻 ECU (Engine Control Unit) – The vehicle’s computer. If it malfunctions, it can cause a range of warning lights and drivability issues.
- 🔄 Alternator – Charges your battery and powers the vehicle when running. A faulty alternator can cause battery drain and power loss.
- 🛻 Starter Motor – Responsible for cranking your engine. A worn or faulty starter motor can prevent your car from starting.
- ❄️ Cooling Fan – Electrical fans regulate engine temperature. Failure can lead to overheating and engine damage.
- 💡 Lights (Headlights, Brake Lights, Indicators, Interior) – Faulty bulbs, wiring, or switches can reduce visibility and safety.
- 📦 Control Modules (BCM, ABS, SRS, etc.) – These manage key systems like airbags, brakes, and body controls. Faults can trigger dashboard warnings or system failures.
If you're noticing electrical faults, starting problems, flickering lights, or warning lights on your dash, it’s best to have your vehicle assessed by a qualified auto electrician.
Apple City Auto Electrics can quickly diagnose and repair electrical issues using advanced scan tools and years of hands-on experience.
Both the starter motor and alternator are key components of your vehicle’s electrical system, but they perform very different functions—and show different symptoms when something goes wrong.
🔄 Alternator Issues
The alternator charges your battery and powers your vehicle’s electrical systems while the engine is running.
Common signs of alternator problems include:
- Battery warning light on the dashboard while driving
- Dimming or flickering headlights
- Electrical accessories (radio, windows, lights) losing power
- Flat battery after the vehicle has been running
- Strange noises like whining or grinding under the bonnet
If your battery keeps going flat, especially while driving, your alternator may not be charging it correctly.
🔧 Starter Motor Issues
The starter motor is responsible for cranking the engine when you turn the key or press the start button.
Common signs of starter motor problems include:
- Clicking sound when turning the key
- Engine won’t turn over or cranks slowly
- Intermittent starting issues
- Dashboard lights come on, but the engine doesn’t start
If your car struggles to start or doesn’t crank at all—especially with a fully charged battery—it could be the starter motor.
Yes! At Apple City Auto Electrics, we use the latest advanced diagnostic scan tools equipped with up-to-date software to communicate seamlessly with all vehicle makes and models. Our cutting-edge technology allows us to quickly identify electrical faults, read error codes, and perform accurate fault finding to get your vehicle back on the road faster.
Our diagnostic scan tool reads diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that your vehicle’s onboard computer records whenever it detects a fault.
These codes help us identify the general area or system where the problem exists—such as the engine, transmission, ABS, or air conditioning system.
However, the scan tool does not pinpoint the exact cause of the issue. It acts as a starting point for our technicians to narrow down the problem area.
After retrieving the codes, our experienced auto electricians conduct further thorough inspections and testing within the indicated system to diagnose and repair the specific fault accurately.
This combination of advanced technology and expert knowledge ensures your vehicle receives precise, reliable repairs.
Air Conditioning
Regular servicing of your vehicle’s air conditioning system is essential to maintain optimal performance and comfort. A professional service helps to:
- Detect and repair any leaks that can reduce cooling efficiency
- Ensure the compressor is functioning correctly and reliably
- Replace or clean filters to maintain clean airflow and prevent blockages
- Check refrigerant levels and top up as needed for maximum cooling power
- Extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system and avoid costly breakdowns
Your vehicle’s air conditioning consists of many intricate components that require expert care.
Having your system serviced by licensed technicians ensures it stays cool, efficient, and reliable—especially on those hot summer days when you need it most.
We recommend servicing your vehicle’s air conditioning system every 2 years to maintain peak performance and avoid costly repairs.
Over time, most vehicles experience a gradual loss of refrigerant gas due to small leaks. This causes your air conditioner to cool less effectively or eventually stop working altogether. Regular servicing helps to detect and fix leaks early, recharge refrigerant, replace filters, and keep your system running efficiently.
By following this maintenance schedule, you can enjoy reliable, cold air all year round and prevent expensive breakdowns.
It’s important to have your vehicle’s air conditioning system checked by a licensed technician if you notice any of the following signs:
- The air isn’t as cold as it used to be
- Unfamiliar or unusual noises when the system is running
- Unpleasant or strange smells coming from the vents
- Reduced airflow from the vents
These symptoms can indicate refrigerant leaks, clogged filters, or mechanical issues that require prompt attention to prevent further damage and ensure your comfort on the road.
Absolutely! Whether your vehicle’s air conditioning is not cooling due to low refrigerant levels, electrical faults, malfunctioning components, or blockages, our licensed technicians have the expertise and equipment to accurately diagnose the problem.
Using advanced diagnostic tools, we pinpoint the exact cause and provide reliable repairs to get your air conditioning system back to optimal performance quickly—so you can stay comfortable on the road.
Accessory Installations
Yes, we can install accessories you have purchased. However, for your safety and to ensure reliable performance, we reserve the right to decline fitting supplied parts that we consider unsuitable or of poor quality.
Our licensed technicians always recommend using high-quality products to guarantee proper installation and long-lasting results.
Yes, absolutely — we can supply all your auto electrical accessory needs.
At Apple City Auto Electrics, we work with a wide range of trusted suppliers and industry-leading brands to offer high-quality, reliable accessories for all types of vehicles, including 4WDs, caravans, trucks, trailers, and more.
Our experienced team is more than happy to consult with you to understand your needs and help you choose the right accessories to suit your vehicle, lifestyle, and budget.
Dual Battery Systems
A dual battery system is an electrical setup that adds a second (auxiliary) battery to your vehicle alongside the main starting battery.
The starting battery powers your engine and essential vehicle functions, while the secondary battery is dedicated to running auxiliary gear and accessories—such as fridges, lights, inverters, and 12V appliances—without draining the main battery.
This setup is ideal for 4WD touring, camping, caravanning, and off-grid travel, ensuring your accessories stay powered while your vehicle remains ready to start.
At Apple City Auto Electrics, we supply and install custom dual battery systems tailored to your vehicle, usage, and budget—using trusted brands like Redarc, Enerdrive, Invicta, Custom Lithium and Century.
A dual battery system is designed to power a wide range of 12V and 24V accessories without draining your vehicle’s starting battery. It’s the perfect solution for anyone who loves camping, touring, or working remotely.
You can use your dual battery system to run:
- Portable fridges and freezers
- LED camp/work lights and strip lighting
- UHF radios and communication devices
- Power inverters for 240V appliances
- Water pumps and air compressors
- GPS systems and tracking units
- Electric blankets or fans
- Battery chargers for drones or tools
- USB chargers for phones, tablets, iPads, and cameras
Whether you're off-grid camping, working from your ute, or touring the country, a well-designed dual battery system gives you reliable, independent power—wherever your adventure takes you.
The location of your dual battery system depends on the make and model of your vehicle, available space, and how you plan to use the system.
The most common installation options include:
- 🔧 Under Bonnet – Ideal for vehicles with space in the engine bay; keeps the setup neat and protected.
- 🚙 Behind the Seat – Suitable for utes and single-cab vehicles where space is limited elsewhere.
- 🔋 Portable Battery Box – A flexible option that’s easy to remove, great for campers or occasional use.
- 🛻 Custom Canopy Fit-Outs – Perfect for touring, tradies, and off-grid setups with fridges, lights, and inverters.
At Apple City Auto Electrics, we’ll assess your vehicle and recommend the best dual battery system layout based on your needs, budget, and lifestyle. We use high-quality components from brands you can trust, like Redarc, Enerdrive, Invicta, Custom Lithium and Century.
While you technically can run a fridge or power devices from your starting battery, it’s not recommended—and here’s why:
- 🔋 Risk of a Flat Battery: Starting batteries are designed to deliver a quick burst of power to start your engine—not to run accessories over long periods. Using them this way can quickly drain the battery and leave you stranded.
- 🔄 Not Built for Deep Discharge: Starting batteries aren't made to be deeply discharged. Drawing power slowly over time (like with a fridge or lights) can significantly reduce battery life and performance.
- ⛔ Premature Battery Failure: Even if you don’t fully flatten the battery, regular accessory use can shorten its lifespan, meaning you’ll need to replace it sooner.
For powering fridges, inverters, lighting, and charging devices, a dual battery system with a deep cycle or lithium battery is the safest and most reliable option.
At Apple City Auto Electrics, we design custom dual battery systems to keep your gear running while ensuring your vehicle always starts—no matter where your adventures take you.
Off-Gird Caravan Systems
Using solar power to run your caravan, camper, or 4WD setup comes with a range of practical and environmental benefits, especially for those who love to travel off-grid.
🌞 Key Benefits of Solar Power:
- Free Energy – Once installed, your solar panels generate power from the sun at no ongoing cost.
- Environmentally Friendly – Solar power reduces your reliance on generators or idling your engine, helping to lower your carbon footprint.
- Off-Grid Freedom – Stay in remote locations for longer without needing to plug into mains power—ideal for free camping and extended adventures.
- Battery Support – Keeps your batteries charged and appliances like fridges, lights, and inverters running efficiently.
- Quiet & Low Maintenance – Solar systems operate silently and require very little upkeep compared to fuel-powered alternatives.
At Apple City Auto Electrics, we design and install custom off-grid solar setups using trusted brands to match your power needs, travel style, and budget.
A solar panel is a device made up of multiple solar cells that convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
When exposed to the sun, these cells generate power that can be used to charge batteries and run 12V or 24V systems in caravans, campers, boats, and off-grid vehicles.
Solar panels are an essential part of any off-grid power system, helping to keep your batteries charged and your accessories running—without needing to plug into mains power or start your engine.
At Apple City Auto Electrics, we supply and install high-quality solar panels as part of complete off-grid and dual battery systems, tailored to your energy needs and travel style.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to solar.
The size of your off-grid solar system depends entirely on your power requirements, lifestyle, available space, and budget.
At Apple City Auto Electrics, we take the time to assess:
- ⚡ What appliances and accessories you want to run (fridge, lights, inverter, etc.)
- 🕒 How long you plan to stay off-grid
- 🚙 The type of vehicle or setup (caravan, camper, canopy, etc.)
- 💰 Your budget and future upgrade plans
- ☀️ Space available for solar panel installation
We then design a custom solar system to ensure your batteries stay charged and your gear runs efficiently—whether you’re free camping for a weekend or touring Australia full-time.
Batteries
No — simply going for a drive will not fully recharge a flat battery.
Modern vehicle alternators are designed to maintain a battery’s charge, not to restore a deeply discharged or flat battery. While a short drive may provide a temporary surface charge, it’s not enough to properly recharge the battery or restore its full capacity.
In fact, attempting to rely on your vehicle’s charging system could leave you stranded again.
The correct way to recharge a flat battery is with a quality multi-stage battery charger, which delivers the right voltage and current over a full charge cycle—often taking up to 24 hours depending on the battery condition.
At Apple City Auto Electrics, we can test, recharge, or replace your battery using trusted brands like Century and Besco, and ensure your vehicle is charging as it should.
Batteries naturally lose charge over time—especially when they’re not being used regularly.
Lead acid batteries, which are common in most vehicles, gradually self-discharge even when disconnected.
However, when installed in a vehicle, the issue is often made worse by parasitic drain—the small but constant draw from electrical systems like clocks, alarms, ECUs, and remote locking, which continue to use power even when the vehicle is parked.
If a vehicle is left unused for an extended period, this slow discharge can cause the battery to go flat. Over time, repeated deep discharges can also shorten the battery’s lifespan.
To help prevent battery drain:
- 🔋 Use a maintenance charger or battery tender for parked vehicles
- 🚗 Drive your vehicle regularly
- ✅ Have your battery and charging system tested routinely
At Apple City Auto Electrics, we can test your battery, check for parasitic drains, and recommend reliable charging solutions to keep your battery healthy and long-lasting.
The typical lifespan of a lead acid battery is around 3 years, but this can vary widely depending on several important factors:
- Correct Installation: Improper installation can cause premature battery failure.
- Battery Selection: Using a battery not suited to your vehicle’s specifications can shorten its life.
- Climate: Extreme heat or cold can significantly affect battery performance and longevity.
- Battery Voltage Maintenance: Batteries that are consistently undercharged or overcharged will degrade faster.
- Parasitic Drain: Electrical components drawing power while the vehicle is off can slowly discharge the battery.
- Usage Patterns: Short trips and infrequent use can prevent the battery from fully recharging.
- Alternator Performance: A faulty alternator may not properly charge the battery, leading to early failure.
At Apple City Auto Electrics, our licensed technicians can test your battery and charging system to identify issues and recommend the best battery suited to your vehicle and lifestyle, helping you get the most life from your investment.
Lithium and Lithium Hybrid Starter Batteries
Lithium batteries offer a range of advantages over traditional lead acid batteries, making them an excellent choice for vehicles, caravans, campers, and off-grid systems:
- Lightweight: Significantly lighter than lead acid batteries, reducing overall vehicle weight and improving fuel efficiency.
- Space Saving: More compact design allows for easier installation in tight spaces.
- Faster Charging: Charges much quicker, minimizing downtime between uses.
- Longer Lifespan: Provides up to 3 times more charge cycles compared to lead acid batteries, delivering greater durability and value.
- Greater Warranty: Often backed by extended warranties, providing peace of mind.
- Extremely Low Self-Discharge Rate: Retains charge for longer periods when not in use, ideal for seasonal or intermittent use.
At Apple City Auto Electrics, we supply high-quality lithium batteries from trusted brands like Invicta, Enerdrive, Baintech, and Custom Lithium, ensuring reliable performance tailored to your needs.
The Invicta Hybrid Starter Battery is a cutting-edge dual-purpose lithium battery designed for drivers who need both high Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) for reliable starting power and deep cycle performance to keep auxiliary devices powered.
Unlike traditional dual battery systems, the Invicta Hybrid combines both functions into a single battery, eliminating the need for a separate secondary battery. This simplifies installation and is ideal for vehicles where space is limited.
Featuring built-in jump start technology and advanced battery management systems (BMS), the Invicta Hybrid Starter Battery ensures you won’t get stranded due to power loss.
This solution is perfect for vehicles such as the Ford Everest and other models where fitting a second battery is challenging, providing efficient power management without compromising starting reliability.
The Invicta Lithium Hybrid Starter Battery offers numerous advantages, making it an excellent upgrade for your vehicle’s starting and auxiliary power needs:
- 3-Year Full Replacement Warranty for peace of mind and reliability
- Bluetooth Monitoring allows you to track battery health and performance in real-time via your smartphone
- Drop-in Starter Battery Replacement fits standard automotive battery sizes for easy installation
- Lightweight LiFePO4 Chemistry reduces weight while delivering powerful performance
- Engineered Battery Management System (BMS) protects against overcharge, over-discharge, and temperature extremes
- Built-in Jump Start Feature ensures you’re never stranded with a dead battery
- Pouch Cell Design for enhanced safety and durability
- High Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) for reliable engine starts in all conditions
- Charges Directly from Alternator for efficient power replenishment during driving
- Standard Automotive Case Size fits most vehicles without modification
- IP56 Rated for dust and water resistance, suitable for tough environments
- IEC Certified ensuring compliance with rigorous international safety standards
Apple City can help you upgrade to an Invicta Lithium Hybrid Starter Battery for a lightweight, durable, and smart power solution tailored to modern vehicles.
Our Partners
Apple City Auto Electrics Pty Ltd
39 Leewood Drive, Orange New South Wales 2800, Australia
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