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.
Alternator, Starter, or Battery?
A starter problem most directly affects whether the engine cranks. An alternator problem affects charging and can leave the battery unable to support the vehicle’s electrical systems after startup. A weak battery, corroded cable, worn belt, or poor connection can create similar symptoms.
Our technicians test the battery, starter, and alternator together as part of electrical system diagnosis. That approach helps us identify the actual source of the problem before recommending an alternator replacement or starter replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know if I Need a New Alternator or Battery?
Testing distinguishes an alternator issue from a battery concern before a repair is recommended.
How Long Does Alternator Replacement Take?
Timing depends on your vehicle’s make and model, the diagnosis, parts availability, and your approval of the repair. After diagnosis, we can provide a vehicle-specific time estimate for the recommended work.
Why Does Professional Electrical Installation Matter?
Modern vehicle electrical systems include sensitive electronics. Improper alternator or starter installation can damage components or leave the underlying problem unresolved. Our ASE-certified technicians use the appropriate tools and training for electrical repairs.
Can Indiana Winter Conditions Affect Starting Components?
Cold temperatures can make starting more demanding, while road salt, brine, and moisture can expose wiring and vehicle electrical connections to corrosion. Those conditions don’t prove the cause of a failure, but they are relevant factors during an inspection.
What Warranty Applies to Alternator or Starter Repairs?
Covered work is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. Coverage can vary by repair, and the written warranty terms control the specific claim. We can explain the applicable coverage when reviewing your service.
What Is a Digital Vehicle Inspection?
A Digital Vehicle Inspection is a complimentary inspection report with photos and findings you can review before approving recommendations. It gives you a clearer view of the condition our technicians identify during service.
Schedule a Starting & Charging System Inspection
Repeated no-starts, a persistent battery warning light, or worsening electrical symptoms warrant a professional diagnosis. We can identify the issue and explain your repair options before work begins.
Our New Albany team combines ASE-certified service, manufacturer-quality equipment, clear estimates, and a complimentary shuttle service to make an electrical repair visit easier to manage.
For alternator or starter service, call Christian Brothers Automotive New Albany at (812) 505-5130 or book your visit online.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
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.