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ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTICS · PROGRAMMING · COLORADO SPRINGS

AUTO ELECTRICAL REPAIR IN COLORADO SPRINGS

Wiring faults, dead modules, parasitic draws, security no-starts and check engine lights on domestic, European and Asian vehicles, diesel trucks and fleets. Scan tools, wiring diagrams and step-by-step testing, with dealer-level module programming done in-house.

Diagnostic tablet connected to a car engine for repairs

★  4.9 stars · 247 Google reviews

✓  24-month / 24,000-mile warranty

✓  ASE-certified technicians

✓  Female-led, family-owned

What we do

ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIR

Modern vehicles run on dozens of modules and miles of wiring. Guessing gets expensive fast.

01

Diagnostics

We trace electrical problems to the source instead of replacing parts until something works.

✓  Shorts, opens and corrosion

 

✓  Fuses that keep blowing

 

✓  Intermittent faults that come and go

 

✓  Ground connection faults

02

Programming

Many repairs need a module programmed or set up after installation. We do it here.

✓  PCM and module programming

 

✓  J2534 pass-thru with factory software

 

✓  Module setup and resets after repairs

 

✓  Network faults and no-communication

03

Lighting and accessories

The everyday electrical items, plus the heavy-duty wiring on work trucks.

✓  Lights head, tail and turn

 

✓  Power windows locks and mirrors

 

✓  Climate control blower motors and controls

 

✓  Trailer wiring and brake controllers

CARS, SUVS & LIGHT TRUCKS

WHAT CAUSES ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IN NEWER VEHICLES?

Newer vehicles run on dozens of computer modules that talk to each other over a network. When one wire, ground or module goes bad, the symptoms can show up somewhere else entirely. We find the cause instead of guessing at parts.

NETWORK FAULTS

Why did a bunch of warning lights come on at once?

Usually because modules stopped hearing from each other. When the network loses a module, every system that depends on it can throw a warning.

 

WHAT'S BEHIND IT

  • Common causes: a weak battery or low voltage, a loose or corroded ground, a damaged network wire, or one failing module disrupting the others.

  • Communication codes: 'U' codes point to lost communication between modules. They tell you where to look, not what to replace.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

We scan every module, map which ones are and aren't talking, then test the network wiring, power and grounds to find the break.

RODENT DAMAGE

Can rodents really chew through my car's wiring?

Yes, and it's one of the more common causes of sudden electrical problems in cars that sit outside or in a garage for a while.

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

  • Signs: warning lights that appear out of nowhere, a no-start, nesting material under the hood or around the air filter.

  • Insurance: comprehensive coverage often pays for rodent damage. Check your policy.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

We trace every damaged circuit, repair or replace the harness sections, and seal and protect the repairs.

WATER LEAKS

Can a water leak cause electrical problems?

It can. Many vehicles mount modules and connectors under the seats, in the kick panels or near the cowl, right where leaking water collects.

 

WHAT TO KNOW

  • Common sources: clogged sunroof or cowl drains, bad door seals and windshield leaks.

  • What it looks like: intermittent problems after rain or a car wash, green corrosion on connectors, or a battery that drains overnight.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

We find and repair the leak along with the damaged module or wiring, so the problem doesn't come back after the next storm.

CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP & RAM

Is my TIPM causing my electrical problems?

On 2007–2016 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles it's a common suspect. The Totally Integrated Power Module is the under-hood fuse and relay box that feeds dozens of circuits.

 

GOOD TO KNOW

Recalls covered a fuel pump relay problem in the TIPM on about 527,000 2011–2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.

 

WHAT TO KNOW

  • Commonly reported symptoms: no-start or stalling, a fuel pump that won't run or won't shut off, horn or wipers acting on their own, and battery drain.

  • Not always the TIPM: some of these symptoms come from wiring, grounds or other modules. We test before we replace.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

We check recall status, test the circuits, and repair or replace the TIPM with factory-level programming when needed.

BODY CONTROL MODULES

What does a body control module do, and why does it fail?

The body control module (BCM) runs your lights, locks, windows, wipers, alarm and more. When it fails, those features act strangely or quit.

 

WHAT TO KNOW

  • Common causes: water intrusion, low or spiking voltage, and internal failure.

  • Programming: a replacement BCM usually has to be programmed to your vehicle's VIN and options before it works.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

We confirm the BCM is actually at fault, then install and program the replacement in-house with factory-level software.

KEYS & IMMOBILIZERS

Can you program keys and fix immobilizer problems?

On many vehicles, yes. If the engine cranks but won't start, or a security light flashes, the immobilizer may not be recognizing the key.

 

WHAT TO KNOW

  • Common causes: a bad key chip or fob battery, a failed antenna ring, wiring faults, or a module that lost its programming.

  • Dealer-only security: some newer vehicles lock key and module programming behind the manufacturer's own security access. We'll tell you up front if yours needs it.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

We diagnose the immobilizer system and program keys and modules where your vehicle allows it.

LIGHTING

Why are my lights flickering or not working?

Most lighting problems come down to a bad ground, a corroded connector, a failed module or a damaged wire, not just a bulb.

 

WHAT YOU NOTICE

  • Common symptoms: flickering headlights, turn signals that blink fast, dash lights that come and go, or lights that stay on.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

We test the circuit from the switch to the lamp, including the module that controls it.

HYBRIDS & EVS

Do you work on hybrid or electric vehicles?

We don't work on hybrid high-voltage systems or electric vehicles.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

On hybrids we can diagnose the regular 12-volt system: battery, lighting, body electrical and the like.

DIESEL TRUCKS

WHAT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ARE COMMON ON DIESEL TRUCKS?

A diesel's electrical system does heavy lifting: heating the engine to start, firing high-pressure injectors, and powering emissions sensors that live next to a hot exhaust.

COLD-START CIRCUITS

Why won't my diesel start well in the cold?

Often the glow plug or grid heater circuit isn't doing its job, so the engine doesn't get the heat it needs to fire.

 

WHAT TO KNOW

  • Glow plugs: Power Stroke and Duramax engines use glow plugs run by a control module or relay. A failed plug, module or harness makes for hard, smoky cold starts.

  • Grid heater: Ram's 6.7L Cummins uses an intake grid heater. Its relay on 2021–2023 trucks is under recall for a short that can cause a fire.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

We test each glow plug or heater element, the relay or control module, and the wiring between them.

6.0L POWER STROKE

What is the FICM on a 6.0 Power Stroke, and how do I know it's failing?

The fuel injection control module (FICM) takes 12 volts and steps it up to about 48 volts to fire the injectors. When it can't hold that voltage, the engine runs badly.

 

WHAT TO KNOW

  • Symptoms: hard or long cranking, a rough idle when cold, smoke, power loss and misfire codes.

  • Voltage matters: weak batteries and a tired alternator are widely blamed for FICM failures.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

We measure FICM output at key-on, while cranking and while running, and check battery and charging health before repair or replacement.

INJECTOR WIRING

Could it be the injector wiring and not the injector?

Sometimes. Injector harnesses and connectors live in a hot, oily spot and wear over time.

 

WHAT TO KNOW

  • Commonly reported: chafed or oil-soaked injector harnesses and loose connectors on Power Stroke engines, which cause misfire codes that look like a bad injector.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

We test the harness and connectors at each injector before recommending injector replacement.

EMISSIONS SENSORS

Why does my diesel keep going into limp mode from sensor codes?

NOx and exhaust temperature sensors sit near the exhaust, and their wiring takes a beating from heat and road debris.

 

WHAT TO KNOW

  • Commonly reported: failed NOx sensors and melted or chafed sensor wiring, triggering warning lights and reduced power.

  • Wiring first: a damaged harness can produce the same codes as a bad sensor.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

We check the sensor data, inspect and test the wiring and connectors, and replace only what's failed. We repair emissions systems. We don't delete them.

RVS

DO YOU DO RV ELECTRICAL WORK?

We handle the chassis and cab electrical on motorhomes. We don't work on coach or house systems like inverters, converters, house batteries, solar or living-area wiring.

CHASSIS & CAB

What RV electrical work do you do?

Everything on the driving side of the motorhome.

 

WHAT WE COVER

  • Dash and gauges: instrument cluster, warning lights and dash switches.

  • Chassis lighting: headlights, turn signals, brake and marker lights.

  • Chassis wiring: starting, charging, engine and transmission circuits.

  • Tow connectors: the rear hitch wiring for towing a car or trailer behind the motorhome.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

We diagnose chassis and cab faults using factory information for the chassis your coach was built on.

FLEETS

WHAT ELECTRICAL WORK DO YOU DO FOR FLEETS?

Fleet trucks and vans pick up years of added wiring: light bars, power outlets, trailer controls and tracking hardware. When it's done carelessly, it causes dead batteries, blown fuses and failed inspections.

UPFIT WIRING

Can you fix or clean up upfit wiring?

Yes. We repair and re-route the wiring behind strobes, work lights, power outlets and other added equipment.

 

WHAT WE FIND

  • Common problems: accessories tapped into the wrong circuit, missing fuses, poor grounds and wires chafing through.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

We trace every added circuit, fuse and ground it properly, and route it so it lasts.

DOT LIGHTING

Will my trucks pass a lighting inspection?

Only if every required lamp and reflector works. Federal rules for commercial vehicles spell out the required lighting.

 

WHAT FAILS

  • Common failures: marker and clearance lights, brake lights and turn signals, often from corroded connectors and bad grounds.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

We check every lamp, repair the circuits and connectors behind them, and fix the cause rather than just swapping bulbs.

TRAILERS & TRACKING

Can you wire trailer brake controllers and tracking units?

Yes. We install and repair the wiring for trailer brake controllers and trailer connectors, and the power and ground wiring for tracking units.

 

WHAT WE SEE

  • Trailer problems: brakes that don't engage, lights that work intermittently, or a connector full of corrosion.

  • Tracking units: wired to the wrong power source, they can drain the battery overnight.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

We wire to the correct circuits with proper fusing and grounds, and test everything before the truck leaves.

OUR PROCESS

HOW DO YOU DIAGNOSE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS?

Electrical problems get expensive when parts get swapped on a hunch. We test until the fault is proven, then fix that.

HOW WE WORK

What happens when you diagnose my electrical problem?

We start with a full scan and the factory wiring diagram, then test the circuit until we can show you what failed.

 

OUR TOOLS

  • Module scan: we read codes and live data from every module, not just the engine computer.

  • Wiring diagrams: we follow the factory diagram for your exact vehicle to know what the circuit should do.

  • Voltage drop testing: we find wires, connectors and grounds that look fine but can't carry current under load.

  • Oscilloscope: we watch sensor and network signals in real time to catch intermittent faults.

  • Programming: when a module has to be replaced, we program it in-house with factory-level software.

 

WHAT WESTCO DOES

Repairs are covered by our 24-month/24,000-mile warranty.

COMMON JOBS

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WE FIX EVERY WEEK

A code tells us which system reported a problem, not which part failed. Testing finds the part.

CHECK ENGINE

Codes and live data

•  Codes read and explained

 

•  Live data reviewed

 

•  Sensor and wiring tested

 

•  Flashing light means pull over

SECURITY

Immobilizer no-starts

•  Key and transponder faults

 

•  Ford PATS concerns

 

•  Module communication

 

•  Key programming where available

BATTERY DRAIN

Dies overnight

•  Key-off draw measured

 

•  Modules that stay awake

 

•  Stuck relays

 

•  Aftermarket add-ons

TRUCK WIRING

Work trucks and diesels

•  Trailer plugs and brake controllers

 

•  Upfit and accessory wiring

 

•  Sensor wiring on diesels

 

•  Corrosion from winter roads

FREE INSPECTION

BOOK A FREE ELECTRICAL INSPECTION

Warning lights, dead accessories or a battery that keeps dying? We scan every module and test the circuit before recommending anything. Prefer the phone? Call (719) 591-7743.

ELECTRICAL QUESTIONS WE ANSWER EVERY WEEK

Straight answers from our techs

WHY DO MY FUSES KEEP BLOWING?

A fuse blows to protect a circuit that is drawing too much current, usually from a short to ground or a failing motor. Replacing the fuse without finding the cause just repeats it.

Warning signs

Same fuse blows again  ·  Accessory stops working  ·  Burning smell  ·  Melted connector

What we do

We isolate the circuit and trace it section by section until we find the short.

Colorado Springs:  Winter road treatment is hard on connectors under trucks. Corrosion is behind many trailer and sensor faults.

WHY DOES THE PART NEED TO BE PROGRAMMED?

Many modern modules ship blank or need to learn the vehicle they are installed in. Without programming, the new part may not work or may set new faults.

When it comes up

New module not working  ·  Warning lights after repair  ·  No-communication codes  ·  Key not recognized

What we do

We program modules in-house with a J2534 pass-thru and the maker’s factory software.

Colorado Springs:  Low battery voltage on a cold morning can set false electrical codes. The battery gets tested first.

WHAT CAUSES AN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEM?

Loose or corroded connections, chafed wiring and failing grounds are the usual causes. They are hard to catch because they come and go with heat, cold and bumps.

Warning signs

Comes and goes  ·  Worse over bumps  ·  Worse in cold or rain  ·  Several systems glitch at once

What we do

We try to reproduce it, check connectors and grounds, and use data logging to catch it in the act.

WHY WON’T MY CAR START WITH THE SECURITY LIGHT ON?

The immobilizer is not recognizing the key, or a module is not talking to it. The engine cranks but will not run, or will not crank at all.

Warning signs

Security light flashing  ·  Cranks but no start  ·  Starts then stalls  ·  Key not detected

What we do

We scan the security system, test the key and the communication path, then repair or program what failed.

IS A FLASHING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AN EMERGENCY?

Yes. A flashing light means an active misfire that can overheat and damage the catalytic converter. Pull over safely and call us.

Warning signs

Flashing light  ·  Shaking  ·  Loss of power  ·  Fuel smell

What we do

We find the cylinder and the cause, whether it is a plug, coil, injector or something mechanical.

Colorado Springs:  Cold snaps expose weak connections. A fault that only shows up below freezing is still worth chasing.

NOT SURE WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WIRING?

Tell us when it happens and what else is going on when you book. We test before we replace.

BRING YOUR CAR OR TRUCK TO WESTCO

Free electrical inspection, in-house module programming, and a clear explanation before any work begins.

Westco Automotive & Truck Repair

1130 Valley St Ste A/B

Colorado Springs, CO 80915

Monday–Friday · 9 AM–5 PM

(719) 591-7743

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