What to Expect With a Alternator and Starter Service
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Did You Know: It takes up to three football fields to safely brake in the rain?
Signs Your Alternator or Starter May Be Failing
Distinguishing between a failing battery, alternator, or starter can be difficult without professional testing. Alternator issues usually affect electrical systems first. You may notice headlights flickering, interior lights appearing dim, or power windows operating slowly. Often, a vehicle with a weak alternator will start with a jump but stall immediately once the cables are removed.
Starter problems typically occur the moment you turn the key. You might hear a loud click, rapid clicking, or nothing at all, even if dashboard lights work. If your engine cranks slowly or takes multiple attempts to start, your starter may be failing. Addressing these signs early helps avoid being stranded in Allen or facing a breakdown in traffic.
Common symptoms to watch for include:
- Electrical Fluctuations: Dimming headlights or slow-moving power accessories.
- Unusual Sounds: Whining from under the hood or clicking when starting.
- Ignition Struggles: Slow engine cranking or no response when turning the key.
- Dashboard Alerts: Battery warning lights that stay illuminated while driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it is my alternator or my starter?
Some symptoms point more toward the alternator and others toward the starter, but they can overlap. If your car runs poorly, the lights dim while driving, or a battery light comes on, the alternator may be struggling to keep the battery charged. If you turn the key and only hear clicking, slow cranking, or nothing at all, even though the lights work, the starter may be the issue.
Because a weak battery can mimic both problems, we test the entire charging and starting system rather than guessing. Our technicians measure battery health, alternator output, and starter draw so we can identify the true cause. Once we know which component has failed, we explain the results in plain language and review your options before any work is done.
Can I keep driving if my battery light comes on?
You may be able to drive for a short time with the battery light on, but it usually means the alternator is not charging the battery correctly. If you keep driving, the battery can eventually discharge to the point where the engine stalls or will not restart. That can leave you stranded at an inconvenient or unsafe location.
We recommend calling us soon after the light comes on, especially if you notice dimming lights or other electrical issues. Our team can schedule a prompt charging system check and let you know whether it is better to drive in carefully or arrange for a tow based on what you are experiencing. Addressing the issue early often helps protect both the battery and other electrical components.
How long does an alternator or starter replacement usually take?
For many vehicles, alternator or starter replacement can often be completed the same day once we confirm the diagnosis and you approve the repair. The exact timing depends on your vehicle’s design, how accessible the components are, and whether any related parts need attention at the same time. We always provide an estimated timeframe as part of your repair plan.
While your car is with us, you can use our complimentary shuttle service to keep up with your day or relax in our comfortable waiting area if the work is expected to be brief. Our goal is to communicate clearly about timing so you can plan your schedule with confidence.
Will you tell me the price before you start any work?
Yes, we discuss recommended repairs and pricing with you before any work begins. After we complete our testing, we explain what we found, what repair options are available, and what each option is expected to cost. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and decide how you would like to move forward.
We believe that transparency is essential, especially for larger services like alternator or starter replacement. Our team does not move ahead on a repair until you are comfortable with the plan. This approach helps you avoid surprises and supports the trust we strive to build with every guest.
What kind of warranty do you offer on alternator and starter repairs?
We back our alternator and starter repairs with an industry-leading warranty that covers both parts and labor for a significant period of time. The specific terms can vary based on the part and vehicle, and our service team will review the details with you when you approve the repair. This warranty reflects the confidence we have in our workmanship and the quality of the components we use.
Having strong warranty protection gives many drivers added peace of mind, especially when investing in electrical system repairs. If you have questions about how the warranty applies in your situation, we are always glad to explain it step by step.
Can you help if my car will not start at home?
If your car will not start at home, we can talk through what you are experiencing and help you decide on safe next steps. In many cases, having the vehicle towed to our shop is the best option so we can test the battery, alternator, and starter under proper conditions. We can also discuss whether a jump-start is advisable, depending on the symptoms you describe.
Once your vehicle arrives, we follow our diagnostic process to determine what is wrong and then review the findings and estimates with you. While we do not control towing services directly, we can provide guidance so you feel supported from the moment the issue occurs until the repair is complete.
Will you explain the test results in a way I can understand?
Yes, explaining our findings clearly is a central part of how we serve our guests. Electrical issues can seem complicated, so we break down the test results in simple terms and show how they relate to the symptoms you noticed. You will understand which component failed, what that means for your vehicle, and what repair options are available.
Our team encourages questions and takes the time to answer them without using heavy technical jargon. We want you to feel informed and confident, not rushed or pressured. Treating customers like neighbors means making sure you are comfortable with every decision about your vehicle.
Schedule Charging & Starting System Service in Allen Today
If your car is slow to start, your battery keeps dying, or warning lights are coming on, it is a good time to have your charging and starting system checked. Addressing these signs early can help you avoid being stranded and can protect your vehicle from additional electrical problems. Our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Allen provides thorough testing, clear explanations, and quality alternator replacement Allen drivers can trust.
When you choose us, you get ASE-certified technicians, manufacturer-quality equipment, an industry-leading warranty, and a neighborly approach to customer care. We work to make each visit straightforward, with transparent pricing and convenient options like a complimentary shuttle service. Let us help you get back to confident driving with a vehicle that starts and runs the way it should.
To schedule service or ask a question about your alternator or starter, contact us online or call (214) 658-1708 today.
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FAQs
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Q. "Why is the alternator important?"The alternator helps the battery maintain power. As the car is driving, it’s gaining power from the engine. During this time, the alternator is charging the battery. When the car stops running, the charge from the alternator allows the battery to continue providing power to the car.
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Q. "What does the alternator do?"As an alternate source of power, the alternator helps many features in the car run. It helps your air conditioning maintain proper airflow, powers the radio, and turns on the headlights, among other things. It can also add power to the engine.
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Q. "Where is the alternator located?"You’ll typically find the alternator near the front of the engine, bolted in with two brackets. One is adjustable (to allow for drive belt-tightening) while the other is fixed.
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Q. "What are some signs that my starter is going bad?"Some common symptoms that your starter is going bad or is dead include: clicking or other odd noises, lights working in your car but the engine won't turn, taking more than one attempt to start, or smoke coming from the hood.
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
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Q. "What is a Digital Vehicle Inspection?"With a complimentary Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) on every visit, you’ll see firsthand photos of your vehicle from under the hood. We’ll let you know if everything is functioning properly or if there are any areas of concern. You can even approve or deny our service recommendations, all straight from your smartphone, or you can, of course, give us a call and we’ll explain our findings in further detail.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
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"VERY HOSPITABLE ENVIRONMENT. EXCELLENT SERVICE. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND CBA TO ANYONE"
- GK