Battery, alternator and starter
Mobile Starting and Charging System Repair
Many no-start problems trace to the battery, the alternator, the starter or the cables between them. These parts are replaced at your home or workplace, on all makes and models.
- All makes and models
- $125 diagnostic, credited if you go ahead with the repair
- Nephi to Ogden, including Eagle Mountain and Heber
What battery, alternator and starter work covers
These three parts work as a set, and a failure in one often looks like a failure in another.
- Battery. It stores the power that starts the engine. Batteries wear out, and cold weather exposes a weak one.
- Alternator. It recharges the battery and runs the electrical system while the engine is running.
- Starter. The small motor that turns the engine over when you turn the key or press the button.
- Cables and terminals. Corroded or loose connections can mimic a dead battery.
Signs it is the battery, the alternator or the starter
- Slow cranking, then a click. Often a weak battery.
- One loud click and nothing else. Can be a dead battery, bad connections or a failing starter.
- A jump start works, but the car dies again later. Can be a battery that will not hold a charge, or an alternator that is not charging.
- A battery light, dim headlights or flickering gauges. Can mean the alternator is not keeping up.
- A whine or grinding noise from the engine bay. Can come from a worn alternator bearing or from the starter.
What battery, alternator and starter work costs
Which part failed, and how hard it is to reach, shape what this repair costs.
- Diagnostic
- $125On every job. Credited if you go ahead with the repair. Kept if you decline it.
- Travel
- $75 to $100Depends on distance and fuel. Charged in addition to the diagnostic.
- Repair
- By vehicle and laborThe price depends on your vehicle, the parts and the labor it needs.
Where the battery sits
Many batteries sit under the hood where they are easy to reach. Some are under a seat, in the trunk or in a wheel well, and some need to be registered with the car's computer after they are replaced. Starters and alternators can sit low or deep in the engine bay, which makes the job slower.
Questions
Questions about battery, alternator and starter replacement
Can I replace a car battery myself?
Often yes, if the battery is easy to reach and you have basic hand tools. Some sit under a seat, in the trunk or in a wheel well, and some need registering with the car's computer. Your owner's manual says which applies.
How do I know if it is my battery or my alternator?
A weak battery usually shows up when you start the car. A failing alternator tends to show up while driving: a battery light, dim headlights, or the car dying after a jump. The sign alone does not settle it.
Why does my car click but not start?
A rapid clicking usually means the battery is too weak to turn the engine. A single click can mean the same, or a bad starter or loose connection. The sound narrows it down but does not name the part.
If a jump start works, is the problem solved?
No. A jump start gets the engine running but does not fix the cause. If the alternator has failed, the car can die again later, possibly while you are driving. Treat a jump as a way to get somewhere safe.
A car that will not start at home or work
Call or text and say what happens when you turn the key.