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?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it is my alternator or starter?
The only way to know for sure is through proper testing. Our technicians measure battery health, alternator output, and starter draw to see which part is out of range. We then explain the results in plain language so you understand which component is causing the issue.
Can you check my car before doing any repairs?
Yes, we always perform a diagnostic check before recommending repairs. We inspect and test the starting and charging system, then review what we find with you. You see the results and the estimate first, and we move forward only after you approve the work.
How long does an alternator or starter replacement take?
Many alternator and starter jobs can be completed within the same business day, depending on the vehicle and parts availability. We provide a timing estimate once we have inspected your car. If additional issues appear, we contact you before extending the timeframe.
What kind of warranty do you offer on these repairs?
We back our alternator and starter repairs with an industry-leading warranty on parts and labor. The specific terms depend on the components used and your vehicle. Our team explains the coverage when we review your estimate, so you know exactly how you are protected afterward.
What if my car will not start to get to your shop?
If your car will not start, we can help you decide whether a jump-start is appropriate or if arranging a tow is safer. Call us first to describe what is happening. We will talk through your options and schedule your vehicle for diagnostic service once it is on the way.
Schedule Service For Your Starting Or Charging Issue
If your vehicle is slow to start, refusing to crank, or losing electrical power, you do not need to face it alone. Our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Inver Grove Heights is here to diagnose the problem accurately, explain your options clearly, and complete the repairs with care so you can get back to your routine.
With ASE-certified technicians, manufacturer-quality equipment, and a strong warranty, we work to provide alternator installation and starting system repairs you can feel confident about. Our welcoming environment and shuttle service are designed to make the process easier, whether you wait on-site or continue with your day.
To schedule diagnostics or ask questions about your specific situation, contact us online or call at (651) 376-4696.
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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.