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 Needs Attention
Many drivers first notice trouble when their car sounds or feels different at start up, or when lights begin to flicker while driving. Understanding the signs of alternator and starter trouble can help you decide when to call us and when it may be unsafe to keep driving.
The alternator keeps your battery charged and powers your vehicle’s electrical systems while the engine runs. The starter uses power from the battery to turn the engine over so it can start. When either part begins to fail, you usually see warning signs before the car stops working completely.
Common signs of alternator problems include:
- Dim or flickering headlights or interior lights while driving
- The battery warning light is glowing on the dashboard
- Electronics, such as power windows or the radio, are acting inconsistently
- Needing to jump-start the car even after a recent battery replacement
Common signs of starter problems include:
- A single click or a series of rapid clicks when you turn the key or press the start button
- The engine does not turn over at all, even with a good battery
- Intermittent starting, where the vehicle starts sometimes but not others
If you are already having trouble starting, it is usually safer to avoid repeated attempts that could damage other components. Give us a call so we can talk through what you are experiencing and plan the next step. Our goal is to help you avoid being stranded around town and to protect the rest of your electrical system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if I need an alternator or just a battery?
The best way to know is through proper testing. We check battery health first, then measure alternator output under load. Sometimes a weak battery is the only issue; other times, the alternator is not charging it. We review test results with you before recommending any repair.
Is it safe to keep driving if my battery light came on?
Driving with a battery light on can be risky because the alternator may not be charging. Your vehicle could shut down unexpectedly as the battery drains. It is usually better to have the system checked soon and limit driving until we confirm what is going on.
How long does a car starter replacement usually take?
Starter replacement typically takes part of a day, although timing can vary by vehicle design and any additional issues we find. We provide an estimated timeframe after inspection and keep you updated. Our shuttle service can take you where you need to go while we complete the work.
Will you explain the test results before replacing my alternator?
Yes, our team reviews test results with you before any alternator work. We explain what we found in simple terms, answer questions, and go over pricing so you know exactly why we are recommending a repair. Our goal is for you to feel informed and comfortable approving the work.
What kind of warranty do you offer on alternator and starter repairs?
We back our alternator and starter repairs with an industry-leading warranty on parts and labor. Specific terms can vary, and we are happy to review coverage details before you schedule service. This warranty is one way we show confidence in our workmanship and the quality of the parts we use.
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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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"I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.