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 you know if it is my alternator or starter?
We test the entire starting and charging system instead of guessing. Our technicians check battery health, alternator output, and starter performance to see which part is not meeting specifications. After testing, we review the results with you so you understand why we recommend a particular repair.
How much does an alternator or starter work usually cost?
Costs depend on your vehicle, the specific part that failed, and any related issues we find. After diagnostics, we provide a detailed estimate before any work begins. You see the parts and labor outlined clearly, and you can ask questions or review options before approving repairs.
How long will my car be in the shop?
Many alternator and starter repairs can be completed the same day, although timing depends on parts availability and how complex the job is. We will discuss the expected timing with you after diagnosis. While we work, you can wait in our lobby or use our complimentary shuttle service.
What kind of warranty do you offer on these repairs?
We back most alternator and starter repairs with an industry-leading warranty, which provides added peace of mind after you leave our shop. When we prepare your estimate, we explain the specific warranty coverage for the parts and labor involved, so you know exactly what is included.
Can I wait at your shop while you diagnose my car?
Yes, you can choose to wait in our comfortable lobby while we test your vehicle. If you prefer not to wait, we also offer a complimentary shuttle to help you get where you need to go. Our goal is to make the diagnostic and repair process as convenient as possible.
Book your repair online or call (832) 463-2603 to get started!
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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.