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Can a bad car battery cause electrical problems?

I recently had an issue with my car’s battery which I thought was resolved, but now my power windows don’t work. Could these electrical problems be related to a bad battery?

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Alex Healey · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Ugh, how annoying. Sorry to hear about your car troubles.
Yes, the electrical problems you are experiencing are likely related to your car’s battery.
Quite often, a bad battery will have enough power to start your engine, but can’t support the additional load of other electrical components, like power windows.
Here are some other things to look out for which could confirm your suspicions:
  • Problems with other power accessories in your car, including power seats, the car stereo, wiper blades, and electric side mirrors.
  • Your warning lights don’t work. If you turn the ignition and no lights come on, it’s a clear sign that there is not enough power coming from the battery.
  • Dim headlights. Do your headlights seem dimmer than normal? It can be hard to tell, but try turning on the full beam and if they don’t change much you can be pretty sure the battery is defective.
As you can see, a bad battery can cause electrical problems throughout your car, even if the vehicle itself is driveable.
There could be other issues at play, including a faulty alternator or loose wiring, but considering you have recently had battery issues, it’s logical to assume the new problems are related.
Car’s can be expensive to own and maintain, so don’t make matters worse by overpaying on
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