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?
Signs Your Charging System Needs Attention
A failing alternator or starter often mimics a dead battery, making it difficult to diagnose at home. Ignoring these subtle electrical clues can quickly lead to your vehicle stalling in Temple traffic or being completely unable to start. Recognizing the symptoms below is crucial for keeping your vehicle reliable.
Here are the most common signs that your vehicle's electrical system needs professional service:
- Dashboard Warning Light: A lit battery-shaped or "ALT" warning light on your dashboard.
- Dim or Flickering Lights: Headlights and interior lights appear dim or fluctuate wildly while the engine is running.
- Slow Crank or Clicking: The engine cranks sluggishly, or you hear a rapid clicking noise when trying to turn the key (a sign of very low battery power that the alternator failed to replenish).
- Unusual Odors: A distinct smell of burnt rubber or hot wires, often due to an alternator belt that is constantly slipping or components that are overheating.
- Irregular Electrical Behavior: Accessories (radio, power windows) work erratically or very slowly, or the speedometer is behaving strangely.
If you notice any of these signs, don't wait for your car to leave you stranded in Bell County. Our professional diagnostics can accurately test your alternator and starter function to identify the problem and provide the necessary alternator replacement or alternator repair to keep you safely on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my alternator needs replacement or repair?
Common signs include a dead battery, dimming headlights, strange noises, or a battery warning light on your dashboard. Our team will diagnose the issue to determine the best solution for your vehicle.
How long does an alternator replacement take?
Most alternator replacements can be completed the same day, though timelines may vary depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and current shop capacity.
Will a faulty alternator affect my car’s safety inspection in Texas?
Yes. Texas law requires all vehicles to pass a safety inspection, and a malfunctioning alternator can cause your vehicle to fail due to inadequate lighting or electrical problems.
Is it safe to drive with a failing alternator?
We recommend addressing alternator issues promptly. Driving with a faulty alternator can lead to electrical failure and leave you stranded, especially during extreme Texas heat or storms.
What kind of parts and warranty do you use for alternator replacements?
We use manufacturer-quality parts for every alternator service and back our workmanship with an industry-leading warranty for added peace of mind.
Contact Us Today for Trusted Alternator Replacement in Temple
Choosing Christian Brothers Automotive Temple means transparent, reliable alternator replacement. Our ASE-certified technicians prioritize your safety and follow manufacturer guidelines for every repair. Our team treats you like a neighbor, ensuring a stress-free experience and reliable performance on Texas roads.
Don’t let alternator issues risk your safety.
For trusted, reliable alternator replacement in Temple, call our team at (254) 944-2707 or book your appointment online today.
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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"This was my third experience with Christian Brothers. The first two were straight forward diagnoses involving the A/C compressor on a passenger car and the replacement of the batteries on my truck. This visit involved warnings on my dash that the emissions"
- phillip horton