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?
Reliable Help When Your Car Will Not Start
Most people do not plan for starter or alternator problems. You might head out for a morning commute here in Parker, turn the key, and nothing happens. Or you may notice your headlights pulsing during an evening drive and wonder if you will make it home. These situations are frustrating, and they can also raise real safety concerns if you are far from home or dealing with cold weather.
Because the battery, alternator, and starter all interact, it can be hard to tell which one is causing trouble. Replacing parts based on guesswork can become expensive quickly. We work to prevent that by starting with a careful inspection and clear conversation about your symptoms. You describe what you are experiencing, and we match that information with testing so we can pinpoint the cause.
Our team focuses on straightforward explanations in everyday language. We walk you through what we see, why a component is failing, and what your options are. You can ask questions at every step, and we will always answer them as clearly as we can so you understand the plan for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a new alternator or just a battery?
The only reliable way to know is through proper testing of your starting and charging system. Slow cranking after the car has been sitting often points toward a weak battery, while dimming lights or a battery warning light can suggest charging issues. However, these signs can overlap, and a failing alternator can drain a healthy battery. At Christian Brothers Automotive Parker South, we test the battery’s ability to hold a charge, measure the alternator’s output, and check how the system performs under load. Then we explain the results so you understand whether you need a battery, alternator work, or another repair.
Can I still drive my car if the battery light is on?
You may be able to drive for a short time with the battery light on, but it usually means the charging system is not working correctly. If the alternator is not keeping the battery charged, the vehicle can eventually lose electrical power and shut down, sometimes with little warning. We generally recommend that you limit driving in this condition and contact a trusted shop as soon as you can. Our team can inspect the system, determine whether alternator installation is needed, and help you avoid being stranded by a complete loss of power.
What will you do to diagnose my starting problem?
We begin by listening to your description of the symptoms, such as no response, a single click, or intermittent starting. Then our technicians perform a series of tests that usually include checking battery health, measuring charging output, and monitoring the starter’s performance during cranking. We also inspect wiring and connections that can affect how power flows through the system. After testing, we review our findings with you in clear language so you understand whether the solution involves car starter replacement, alternator work, battery service, or another repair. We only recommend repairs that our testing supports.
How long does an alternator or starter replacement usually take?
The time required can vary based on the vehicle’s design and whether other related components need attention. Many vehicles can be inspected and repaired within the same day, while others may take longer if access is limited or additional issues appear once we begin work. When you schedule an appointment, we discuss the expected timing for your specific vehicle. If you cannot wait at the shop, our complimentary shuttle can help you stay on schedule while we complete the work and keep you updated.
What kind of warranty do you offer on alternator or starter repairs?
We support our alternator and starter repairs with an industry-leading warranty that reflects our confidence in the parts we use and the work our technicians perform. The exact terms can vary by component, and our team will explain the details for your specific repair before you approve the job. This warranty coverage is designed to give you peace of mind after you pick up your vehicle. If you have questions about how the warranty applies in your situation, we are always glad to walk you through it.
Will you explain the repair before I decide what to do?
Yes, explaining the repair before any work begins is part of how we operate. After we complete our testing, we review what we found and how it connects to the symptoms you described. We outline the recommended repair, such as car starter replacement, alternator work, or another service, and provide an estimate. You have the opportunity to ask questions, consider your options, and decide how you want to move forward. We believe that clear information helps you make the choice that is right for you and your vehicle.
What if my car will not start at all, and I cannot get it to your shop?
If your vehicle will not start, we understand that getting it to a repair facility can feel overwhelming. In many cases, drivers arrange towing to our location so we can begin diagnosis once the car arrives. When you call us, we can discuss practical options for moving the vehicle and help you plan the next steps. Once your car is here, we follow the same clear process, from testing the starting and charging system to explaining any alternator installation or starter work that may be needed. Our goal is to make a difficult situation more manageable and to keep you informed throughout.
Schedule Service for Your Starting or Charging Problem
If you are dealing with a hard-starting vehicle, a dead battery after short drives, or warning lights on your dash, now is a good time to have your starting and charging system checked. At Christian Brothers Automotive Parker South, our team diagnoses and repairs these problems with care, from alternator replacement to starter and battery-related services. We work to give you clear answers, quality parts, and a repair backed by a strong warranty.
When you choose us, you receive the attention of ASE-certified technicians, the benefit of manufacturer-quality equipment, and the support of a neighbor-focused team that values integrity and convenience. Whether you prefer to wait in our comfortable lobby or use our complimentary shuttle, we want your visit to be as stress-free as possible. If you are already seeing signs of trouble, reach out so we can help you stay on the road with confidence.
To schedule an appointment for your starting or charging concern, contact us online or call (720) 513-4678.
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.