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 battery?
The only sure way is proper testing. Our technicians check battery health and alternator output under load, then explain the results in plain language. Many symptoms overlap, so we rely on measurements instead of guessing or replacing parts at random.
How long does an alternator replacement usually take?
Most alternator jobs are completed the same day once we have diagnosed the issue and you approve the work. Timing can vary by vehicle design and part availability. We let you know what to expect up front and offer a shuttle to help keep your schedule on track.
Is it safe to keep driving with a battery light on?
Driving with a battery or charging light on can be risky because the vehicle may stop running with little warning. It is usually best to have it checked soon. We can inspect the system, explain what is happening, and help you decide whether to drive or arrange a tow.
What kind of warranty do you offer on alternator and starter work?
We back alternator and starter repairs with an industry-leading warranty on parts and labor. Specific terms can vary by part and vehicle, and our team reviews the details with you before work begins. Our goal is to give you confidence in the repair long after you leave.
Can you help if my car will not start at home or work?
Yes, we can discuss what is happening and help you plan the next steps for getting the vehicle to our shop. Once it arrives, our complimentary shuttle can bring you to work, home, or another stop while we diagnose the problem and review repair options with you.
Get Clear Answers About Your Starting Problem
If you are dealing with dim lights, slow cranking, or a car that will not start, you do not have to guess at the cause. Our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Germantown can test your charging and starting system, explain what we find, and help you decide on the right repair for your situation.
We work to make alternator replacement Memphis drivers can feel good about by combining careful diagnostics, quality parts, and an industry-leading warranty. With ASE-certified technicians, on-site owner/operators, and a complimentary shuttle, we focus on taking as much stress out of the process as we can.
If you are ready for clear information and neighborly service, we invite you to give us a call to schedule your visit or talk through what you are experiencing.
Call at (901) 883-7358 or contact us online today.
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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.