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, Starter, or Battery?
It can be difficult to tell on your own whether the alternator, starter, or battery is to blame, because they work together. In general, a weak battery often causes slow cranking, dim lights, or trouble after the vehicle sits, while alternator problems may show up as warning lights on the dash or a battery that keeps dying even after being charged. Starter issues commonly cause clicking, grinding, or no cranking sound at all when you turn the key. Since symptoms can overlap, we rely on diagnostic testing rather than guesswork. Our technicians check the battery’s condition, alternator output, and starter draw, then explain what they find in simple terms so you know exactly which part needs attention.
Is It Safe To Keep Driving With These Warning Signs?
Continuing to drive with charging or starting problems can create additional risk. A failing alternator can cause the engine to stall without warning if the battery is no longer being charged, and repeated jump starts may hide an underlying issue that could leave you stranded later. A struggling starter might get worse over time until it stops working entirely. Our recommendation is to schedule an evaluation soon after you notice warning signs, especially if you rely on the vehicle for daily commuting. We can help you understand the urgency of the problem and discuss options for getting the car to our shop safely.
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 diagnostics and parts sourcing are finished. The exact timing depends on your vehicle’s design, how accessible the components are, and whether we discover any related issues that should be addressed at the same time. During your visit, we provide an estimated timeframe based on your specific vehicle and keep you updated if anything changes. Our shuttle service can help you manage work or family commitments while your car is being repaired.
Will I Get an Estimate Before You Start Any Work?
Yes, you receive an estimate before we begin repair work. After diagnostics are complete and we know whether you need alternator service, car starter replacement, or another repair, we prepare a written estimate that outlines parts and labor. Our team reviews it with you in plain language so you understand what each line means and why it is recommended. You choose which work to approve, and we only proceed with the services you authorize. We encourage questions at this stage and throughout the process so you always feel informed.
What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer on These Repairs?
Christian Brothers Automotive Murphy offers an industry-leading warranty on qualifying repairs, which provides additional confidence when you invest in electrical work. While specific terms can vary, the goal of our warranty is to support you after you leave our shop by standing behind the quality of our parts and workmanship. When we review your estimate, we can also explain how the warranty applies to the recommended services. Many drivers appreciate knowing that if a covered component has an issue later, they can return to a team that already knows their vehicle and repair history.
Do I Need an Appointment, or Can I Bring My Car in Today?
We recommend scheduling an appointment so we can plan diagnostic time for your vehicle and minimize your wait. That said, we understand that charging and starting problems can be urgent, so we do our best to accommodate same day needs when our schedule allows. If your car will not start at all, we can talk with you about options for safely getting it to the shop. When you call, our team can explain the current schedule, help you choose a time, and discuss shuttle availability to keep your day on track.
Can You Explain the Problem to Me in Simple Terms?
Yes. One of our priorities is to make sure you understand what is happening with your vehicle and why certain repairs are recommended. After testing, we walk you through the results step by step in everyday language and avoid unnecessary technical jargon. We may point out readings or components so you can see what we are talking about, then answer any questions you have. Our goal is for you to feel confident in your decisions because you understand both the problem and the solution.
Schedule Charging & Starting System Service
When your vehicle is hard to start, will not start, or keeps draining the battery, you do not have to guess at the cause. Our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Murphy is ready to test your charging and starting systems, explain the results clearly, and complete the repairs you approve with careful attention to detail. Whether you ultimately need alternator replacement Murphy drivers can rely on, car starter replacement, or another electrical repair, we work us to keep the process straightforward and respectful of your time.
You deserve an auto repair experience that treats you like a neighbor, not a number. With ASE-certified technicians, manufacturer-quality equipment, an industry-leading warranty on qualified repairs, and a welcoming environment with shuttle options, we strive to make an inconvenient breakdown a little easier to manage. Reach out today to schedule an appointment or ask questions about your situation.
To arrange charging and starting system service, contact us online or call (972) 535-5785.
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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 have been a loyal customer of Christian Brothers Murphy TX, because of the staff and the exceptional service provided. They have always taken the time to explain the results of their mechanic’s findings and they work with me on reasonable repair co"
- John Dixon