When a vehicle will not crank, starts intermittently, or repeatedly loses battery power, I test the starting and charging system before replacing the starter or alternator.
What’s Included
Starting and charging diagnosis done correctly
I evaluate the battery, cables, electrical connections, control circuits, starter operation, and charging output as a system. This helps identify the actual fault before an expensive starter or alternator is replaced unnecessarily.
- Battery and cable condition checks
- Starter-circuit and voltage-drop testing
- Alternator output and charging-system testing
- Starter or alternator replacement when the failed component is confirmed
Common Signs
When to schedule starter or alternator service
Common Signs
When to schedule starter or alternator service
Not sure whether the charging system may be causing the problem? Read
7 common signs of a bad alternator
and what those symptoms can mean.
Clicking with no crank
Clicking when you turn the key or press the start button can be caused by a weak battery, poor electrical connection, starter problem, or control-circuit fault. I can test the system to determine what’s preventing the engine from cranking.
Intermittent starting
If the vehicle starts normally sometimes but fails to crank at other times, the problem may involve the starter, electrical connections, battery, wiring, or a control circuit that needs to be tested.
Battery light or repeated dead battery
A battery warning light or battery that repeatedly goes dead can indicate a charging-system problem. I can test alternator output and system voltage to determine whether the alternator or another electrical issue is responsible.
Ready to Get Started?
Tell me what happens when you try to start your vehicle.
Include the year, make, model, whether it clicks or cranks, any warning lights, whether it has needed a jump start, and the vehicle location.