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 sure way is proper testing of the charging and starting system. Our ASE-certified technicians check battery condition, alternator output, and starter draw, then review the results with you. This process helps identify the true cause instead of guessing or replacing parts unnecessarily.
How long does an alternator or starter replacement usually take?
Most alternator or starter jobs are completed the same day, although exact timing can depend on your vehicle and parts availability. We explain the expected timeline after diagnosis and keep you informed. Our shuttle service can help you manage your schedule while work is being done.
Do you offer a warranty on alternator and starter work?
Yes, our alternator and starter repairs are covered by an industry-leading warranty on qualifying parts and labor. We explain the specific coverage for your vehicle before you approve any work. This warranty is designed to give you added confidence long after you leave our parking lot.
Can you check my battery before recommending replacement parts?
We always test the battery as part of our charging and starting diagnosis. A weak or failing battery can mimic alternator or starter problems, so checking it first helps avoid unnecessary repairs. We share the test results with you and discuss the best next step for your situation.
What if my car will not start? Should I bring it in?
If your vehicle will not start, you can call us, and we will discuss options for getting it to our shop, such as arranging a tow through a provider. Once the car arrives, we diagnose the issue and help you plan repairs, while offering shuttle service when available.
When you are ready to get clear answers about your starting or charging problem, our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Oviedo is here to help. We provide thorough diagnostics, explain our findings in plain language, and back our work with a strong warranty so you can drive with greater confidence in and around Oviedo.
To schedule your appointment or ask a question, contact us online or call (407) 917-1248.
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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 had my 2016 Ford fusion Serviced for an Oil Change for the first time at the Oviedo location on 12/31/2024 and the service was excellent. Ron DICKINSON and his staff were Very friendly, And I Also Appreciated The DIAGNOSTic Testing they do at no cost. I "
- Linda Risi