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An electrical system inspection is a planned check of your car's battery, charging, starting, lighting, wiring and grounds when nothing is wrong yet. Route 66 Auto Repair in Upland does it before a long drive over the Cajon Pass, on a car you just bought, or on an older car that sits a lot. Our ASE-certified technicians give you a written list of what passed, what is worn, and what can wait.
When is an electrical inspection worth doing?
- Before a road trip through the desert or up the Cajon Pass
- After buying a used car with an unknown history
- On a car that sits for weeks between drives
- When the battery has already seen several Inland Empire summers
- After rodent activity or a leak under the hood
What does the inspection cover?
We test the battery, alternator output and starter draw. We check every exterior light, the dash warning lamps and the horn. Under the hood we look at terminals, main cables, fuse box condition, visible wiring, loom and ground straps. We scan the modules for stored codes, which often reveal a fault the driver has not noticed yet.
This is a condition check, not a repair. If you already have a symptom, electrical system diagnostics is the better starting point. Buying a car? Our pre-purchase inspection covers far more than electrical.
Our inspection process
Step 1: Test the core
Battery, charging and starting are tested and recorded.
Step 2: Walk the lights
All exterior lamps, dash lamps and the horn are checked.
Step 3: Look under the hood
Terminals, cables, fuses, relays, visible wiring, loom and grounds are inspected.
Step 4: Scan the modules
Stored codes are read and noted, even without a warning light.
Step 5: Write it up
Each finding gets a pass, worn or fail note and a need-now or need-later label.
What's included in an electrical system inspection
Included on the work order
- 01Battery load and charge test
- 02Alternator output and starter draw check
- 03Exterior and dash lighting check
- 04Terminal, cable, fuse box and ground inspection
- 05Visible wiring and loom condition check
- 06Module code scan and written report
How are inspection findings labeled?
Need now: call
- A battery that fails its load test
- Loose or corroded main cables
- A headlight or brake light that is out
Need later: book
- A battery that passes but is aging
- Brittle loom that still protects its wires
- A stored code with no current symptom
How pricing and timing work
The inspection is a set check, and the service writer tells you the price at the counter before we begin. Any repair we find is quoted separately in writing, and nothing is done without your approval. AAA members get 10% off parts and labor, up to $75, when they show the card. The inspection usually fits in a single visit when the board allows, and you can wait or drop off.
After the inspection
Declined items stay on the repair order, so next time we start from the list. If you are heading out of town, fix the need-now items first. Terminal buildup is a quick fix with battery terminal cleaning. Call (909) 608-7699 with questions.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from the inspection report on your diagnostics pages?
This check is part of our electrical services and focuses on keeping the system healthy. The electrical inspection report under diagnostics covers the written report format in more detail.
Will you fix things during the inspection?
No. We inspect and report first. You choose what to fix, and each item is on a written estimate.
How often should I have the electrical system inspected?
Once a year is a sensible habit in our heat, and before any long trip. Cars that sit a lot benefit from a battery check more often.