We diagnose and repair electrical faults at the Ariol Auto workshop in Tallinn: starting and charging, parasitic drain, wiring, lighting, sensors and control units. We look for the cause with checks and measurements, and only start the repair once you have approved the estimate.
Priisle tee 18, Tallinn
Mon–Fri: 09:00–18:00
Cars and minibuses of all makes
What we repair in your car’s electrics
An auto electrics fault is rarely visible from the outside: the same failure can be caused by a sensor, the wiring, a connector or a control unit. That is why we look for the cause first and only then carry out the repair.
Starter motor and alternator
We check starting and charging: the starter motor, alternator, drive belt, power cables and earth connections. We repair or replace the faulty unit once you agree. If the battery itself is faulty, we carry out a car battery replacement.
Parasitic drain
If the battery goes flat while the car is parked, we measure the quiescent current and work through the circuits to find the consumer that does not switch off: a control unit, a relay, additional equipment or damaged wiring.
Wiring loom and connectors
We look for open circuits, short circuits, corroded contacts and poor earths. We repair damaged wires and connectors, and check fuses and relays.
Lighting
Headlights, side lights, indicators, brake lights and illumination: we check the bulbs, power supply, earth, connectors and lighting controls, and look into why a light does not come on, flickers or dims.
Sensors and ECUs
We check sensor power, earth and signals, and communication between control units over the CAN bus. If the car requires it after a control unit or part has been replaced, we carry out programming and coding. Fault codes are read during car diagnostics.
Interior electrics
Electric windows, central locking, the heater blower, heated windows and seats, wipers: we look for what has failed — the motor, the switch, the wiring or the control unit.
Electrical fault warning signs
Book a check if you notice any of the signs below. Electrical faults rarely go away on their own: over time a poor contact corrodes and heats up more and more.
The starter does not turn or only clicks. The car will not start even though the battery is charged.
The charging warning light is on. The alternator is not charging the battery, and the car is running on the battery’s reserve.
The battery goes flat while parked. In the morning the car will not start, although everything worked the day before.
Lights flicker or dim. The headlights, dashboard or interior lighting change brightness, or individual bulbs fail.
Fuses keep blowing. A new fuse blows again — this means there is a short circuit.
Electric windows, central locking or the blower do not work. One consumer fails, or several at once.
Many warning lights come on at once. ABS, ESP, Check Engine and others at the same time — this is often a problem with the power supply, earth or communication between control units.
There is a smell of burning insulation. Stop, switch off the ignition and do not drive on: overheated wiring can catch fire.
How a car electrical repair works
First we clarify what happens and when, then we look for the cause by measurement, and only then do we agree the repair.
Symptoms
We ask when the fault appeared, under what conditions it shows up and what was done to the car shortly before.
Fault codes and measurements
We read the control unit fault codes and measure voltage, current and resistance in the circuits.
Finding the cause
We check the wiring, connectors, fuses and the unit itself to locate the fault.
Estimate and repair
We explain what we found, agree the cost with you, carry out the repair and check the system after the repair.
Why the battery goes flat while the car is parked
Even with the ignition off, a car draws a little current: the clock, the alarm and the control unit memory keep working. Once the car is locked, the control units gradually go to sleep — this takes anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. After that, the quiescent current of a healthy car is usually a few tens of milliamps.
If a consumer fails to switch off, the battery goes flat within a few days or even overnight. Common causes:
- a control unit that does not go to sleep or keeps waking up;
- a stuck relay or a faulty switch;
- a boot or glovebox light that stays on;
- incorrectly connected additional equipment: an alarm, a dashcam or a car radio;
- moisture in the connectors or damaged wiring insulation;
- a faulty alternator diode bridge.
When to stop driving
Stop in a safe place and do not continue your journey if:
- you smell burning insulation or see smoke — switch off the ignition;
- along with the charging warning light, the engine temperature rises or the steering becomes heavy: the auxiliary drive belt may have snapped;
- your headlights fail in the dark or the brake lights do not work.
If only the charging warning light is on and the temperature is normal, the car is running on the battery’s reserve, which will not last long. Switch off any non-essential consumers and head straight to a workshop: the engine may cut out on the way.
What to tell us when booking
An intermittent fault is hard to catch: it may appear only in frost, after rain or while driving. When booking, please include:
- when the fault appeared and how often it recurs;
- under what conditions it appears: from cold, after a car wash or rain, on rough roads, when a particular consumer is switched on;
- which warning lights are lit on the dashboard — it helps to take a photo of them;
- what was done to the car shortly before: a repair, a battery replacement, fitting of additional equipment, an accident;
- if the battery goes flat while parked — after how long.
Write this in the “Message” field of the booking form or tell us over the phone. If the fault appears rarely, finding it may take longer.
Frequently asked questions about car electrical repair
How much does car electrical repair cost?
The cost depends on the fault: how long it takes to find the cause and what repair is needed. Finding the fault is charged at the “Electrical work / diagnostics” hourly rate; current prices are on the Prices page. We agree the cost of the repair with you before any work begins.
How long does it take to find the fault?
It depends on the fault. Tracking down a parasitic drain or an intermittent fault takes the longest: the control units need to go to sleep, and the fault needs to show itself.
Can I drive with the charging warning light on?
Not for long: the car is running on the battery’s reserve, and the engine may cut out on the way. If the engine temperature is also rising or the steering is getting heavy, stop: the auxiliary drive belt may have snapped. Switch off any non-essential consumers and head straight to a workshop.
Why does the battery go flat overnight?
Usually it is one of three things: the battery has reached the end of its life, a consumer does not switch off while the car is parked, or the alternator undercharges the battery while you drive.
Can I just replace the sensor named by the fault code?
Not always. The code shows in which circuit the control unit detected a deviation, but the cause may be in the wiring, a connector or the sensor’s power supply. That is why replacing a part based on the fault code alone may not help.
How do I book a car electrical repair?
Fill in the form on this page or call +372 5552 7985. Give your registration number or VIN and describe what is happening and under what conditions.
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