Where is the grounding generally connected in a car?
2 Answers
Any wire connected to the metal body of the car can serve as a grounding point. Here are the relevant details: 1. The main grounding wire between the battery and the car body: One end of this wire is connected to the battery terminal, and the other end is connected to the car frame, sometimes through a master switch. Some cars do not have this master switch. Since battery terminals are prone to corrosion and sulfation, this grounding wire often has poor contact with the battery. Poor grounding is like adding a large resistor to the car's electrical circuit, causing issues ranging from difficulty starting the engine and dim lights to complete failure to start the engine, leaving the entire car without power. 2. The grounding wire between the engine and the car body or battery: The engine is not directly connected to the metal body of the car; it is mounted on the car body via rubber pads to reduce vibration. Poor engine grounding can prevent the starter from starting, the generator from generating electricity, or the generated electricity from being delivered. It can also cause sensors to fail to detect accurate signals, spark plugs to produce weak sparks, and directly affect the engine's performance.
As someone who frequently works on DIY car repairs, I find the grounding points on a vehicle quite crucial. They are typically connected to metal parts of the car body, such as engine mounts, chassis frames, or near the battery box, as these areas serve as conductive grounding bodies. I remember once when my old car wouldn't start, and upon inspection, I found that the negative battery ground cable had rusted and was loose at the frame connection point. After cleaning it, the car worked fine again. Every electrical component in the car, like headlights or the AC, might have a small grounding point, usually secured by welding or screws. After the rainy season, these grounding points are prone to corrosion, leading to circuit failures, burnt-out bulbs, or unstable voltage. I recommend regularly sanding the contact points and applying a bit of petroleum jelly to prevent rust. Neglecting this can pose significant safety hazards, especially at night when non-functional lights increase risks. Checking these during routine maintenance can save you from costly major repairs later.
