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 You May Need Service
Recognizing early warning signs of charging or starting failure prevents unexpected breakdowns in Jackson. Whether it’s a clicking starter or dim lights, paying attention now saves you from being stranded later. Our team diagnoses these symptoms accurately, ensuring you fix the right component the first time.
- Dashboard Warning: The battery light stays illuminated while driving, indicating the alternator is not charging properly.
- Dim Lights: Headlights or interior lights flicker or fade, suggesting a weak power supply from the electrical system.
- Starter Noise: A grinding sound or single click when turning the key points to immediate starter motor failure.
- Electrical Glitches: Power windows move slowly or the radio cuts out, signaling voltage drops in the charging system.
- Burning Smell: Unusual odors from the engine bay often indicate overheating wires or a slipping alternator belt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it is my alternator or battery?
The most reliable way is proper testing of the charging and starting system. Our ASE-certified technicians check battery health, alternator output, and starter draw, then explain the results in simple terms. This helps you avoid replacing the wrong part and wasting time and money.
What will a car starter replacement cost me?
The cost depends on your vehicle, parts choice, and how difficult the starter is to access. We provide a clear estimate after diagnosing the problem and reviewing your options. Our goal is to explain pricing upfront so you understand exactly what you are approving.
How long does an alternator replacement usually take?
Many alternator jobs can be completed the same day, although timing depends on your vehicle design and parts availability. We let you know what to expect before we begin and keep you updated. Our shuttle service can help you manage your day while we complete the work.
Do you offer a warranty on alternator and starter work?
Yes, we back our alternator and starter services with an industry-leading warranty. The specific coverage can vary by part and service, and we review those details with you before you approve repairs. This protection is part of how we stand behind our workmanship.
What if my car will not start at all?
If your car will not start, contact our team so we can discuss your situation and help you plan the next steps. Once your vehicle reaches our shop, we perform a full no-start diagnosis. We then explain what we find and offer clear recommendations before any repair begins.
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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.