What to Expect With a Alternator & 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?
Car Won't Start? It May Be Your Starter or Alternator
When your car won't start, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Common causes include battery issues and poor electrical connections, which may also be faulty starters or alternators. Our diagnostic services at Christian Brothers Automotive Happy Valley are designed to identify and resolve the root cause quickly, getting you back on the road safely.
Signs of a Bad Starter Motor
A reliable starter motor is essential for getting your car up and running, but like any component, it can wear out over time. Identifying the signs of a failing starter early can save you from unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Here’s how to recognize potential issues:
- Clicking noise when you turn the key
- Dimming lights when starting the car
- The engine fails to crank completely
- Intermittent starting issues
- Grinding noises during startup
- Dashboard indicator lights are staying illuminated
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, don’t wait until you’re stranded. Schedule an appointment with Christian Brothers Automotive Happy Valley to ensure your car starts reliably every time.
When to Replace Your Alternator
Recognizing the warning signs of a failing alternator early can help you avoid sudden breakdowns and expensive repairs. Here are some key bad alternator symptoms to watch for:
- Dim or flickering headlights while the engine is running
- A dead or frequently draining battery
- Grinding or whining noises from the engine while running
- Electrical issues like malfunctioning power windows or locks
- Burning smell from under the hood
- Battery warning light illuminated on the dashboard
If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t delay! Visit Christian Brothers Automotive Happy Valley for a thorough inspection and reliable alternator service to keep your vehicle performing at its best.
FAQs
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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 a 3-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.
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Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"Yes. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we work with all major extended warranty providers to make needed repairs for our customers. If you have an extended warranty, you can discuss your carrier with our team when scheduling an appointment and confirm that the work will be covered. You can find a partial list of the extended warranty companies we work with here.
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Q. "My car is make x and model x. Can you help me?"Yes! Christian Brothers Automotive has been providing reliable car maintenance and repair for over 40 years. Over that time, our professionals and ASE-certified technicians have handled a vast range of makes and models, and they continue to navigate the forefront of the auto industry’s technologies. If you own a vehicle from a major American or foreign car maker, we are ready to service it.
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Q. "Do you offer loaner vehicles or a shuttle service?"We understand you have a full schedule. Whether you need to get to work, school, or need to attend to other responsibilities, we can take you where you need to go and even pick you up and bring you back.. Just select the shuttle service option when scheduling or let the service writer know when you call to make your appointment. For more information on our free shuttles, click here.
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Q. "Can I bring my own parts?"Yes, although we will not be able to offer our 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on these parts. Please reference this in your appointment details in the scheduler or when calling to make your appointment to ensure the shop is aware of your plans.
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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"They DEFINITELY go above and beyond any other auto mechanic service."
- Brooke