Starter & Alternator Replacement

Car won’t start? Clicking, slow cranking, or a battery light on the dash? Nef’s Auto Repair tests starters, alternators, batteries and charging systems in Spokane. If your starter or alternator tests bad, we replace it. We work on cars, SUVs, pickups and heavy-duty trucks, all makes and models.

✔ Certified technicians ✔ 24-month/24,000-mile warranty on our workmanship ✔ Veteran-owned, serving Spokane since 2014

Signs your starter, alternator or battery is failing

Starting and charging problems often look alike, and Spokane’s cold mornings make them worse. Call us if you notice:

• Clicking when you turn the key or press start. A single click often points to the starter or its connections. Rapid clicking usually means a weak battery.
• Slow or labored cranking. The engine turns over sluggishly, especially on cold mornings. This could be the battery, cables or starter.
• Car won’t start, but the lights and radio work. The battery may be fine, but the starter, starter relay or ignition circuit may not be.
• Battery or charging warning light. The light on the dash (often shaped like a battery) usually means the alternator isn’t charging.
• Dim or flickering headlights and dash lights. This is a sign of low charging output or a failing alternator.
• Dead battery again and again. If you keep needing a jump, the alternator may not be recharging the battery, or something may be draining it.
• Whining, grinding or a burning smell. Worn alternator bearings, a slipping belt, or a starter gear that isn’t engaging properly.
• Car stalls or electrical accessories act up while driving. Low voltage can cause strange electrical behavior.

Starter, alternator & battery services we offer

• Battery, starter and charging system testing. Our battery and charging system test is free. It uses advanced diagnostic equipment to check your battery condition, alternator performance and the entire charging system. If those test fine but your vehicle still won’t start, more diagnosis may be needed, and we’ll explain it before doing any work.
• Starter replacement when testing shows the starter has failed, plus starter relays, cables and connections
• Alternator replacement when testing shows the alternator isn’t charging
• Battery replacement, plus battery cables and terminals
• Serpentine belt and tensioner inspection and replacement when they affect charging
• Electrical diagnosis for no-start, battery-drain and warning-light problems
• For cars, SUVs, pickups and heavy-duty trucks, on all makes and models

Our process: test first, then replace only what’s bad

We follow the same four steps on every vehicle:

1. Needs first. We start by listening. Does it click, crank slowly, or do nothing at all? Did a warning light come on?
2. Accurate diagnosis. We test the battery, starter and alternator (charging system) with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, and check cables, connections and the belt, before replacing anything.
3. Clear recommendations. We explain what we found in plain language and give you time for questions. If it’s just the battery, we’ll tell you.
4. Approved repairs only. No work starts until you approve it. We use premium aftermarket and OEM parts, and we responsibly recycle used fluids.

Why Spokane drivers choose Nef’s Auto Repair

• Certified technicians trained for everything from routine maintenance to major repairs, on all vehicle makes and models
• Cars, SUVs, pickups and heavy-duty trucks
• 24-month/24,000-mile warranty on our workmanship
• Premium aftermarket and OEM parts
• Honest, transparent service: clear recommendations and approved repairs only
• Veteran-owned: Neftali “Nef” Guadron learned the automotive trade in the U.S. Air Force (2000–2006) and opened Nef’s Auto Repair in 2014
• Financing available. Learn about financing
• Conveniently located at 114 E Ermina Ave in Spokane

“I’ve had my Infinity taken in for battery problems… They’re very reliable and will have your car in and out within a day or two!”

Codie Vaughn, customer

Related services: brake repair, steering & suspension repair, car A/C repair and car heater repair. Or see all of our auto repair services.

Starter & alternator FAQ

Why won’t my car start?

The most common causes are a weak or dead battery, corroded or loose battery cables, a failing starter or starter relay, or an alternator that isn’t recharging the battery. Testing the battery, starter and charging system tells us which one it is, so you don’t replace parts you don’t need.

How can I tell if it’s the battery, the starter, or the alternator?

Rapid clicking and dim lights often point to the battery. A single click, or no crank with good lights, often points to the starter. A battery warning light, dimming lights while driving, or a battery that keeps dying often points to the alternator. The only way to know for sure is to test them.

Can a bad alternator drain my battery?

Yes. If the alternator isn’t charging, the car runs off the battery until it’s drained. A faulty alternator diode can also drain the battery while the car is parked. We test charging output and check for battery drain.

Is it safe to drive with the battery light on?

Not for long. The light usually means the alternator isn’t charging, and once the battery runs down, the vehicle can stall and leave you stranded. Call us and have it tested as soon as you can.

How much does starter or alternator replacement cost?

It depends on your vehicle and what the testing shows. Sometimes it’s just the battery or a cable, not the starter or alternator. We’ll test first and give you a clear quote before any work begins. Financing available.

Do you work on pickups and heavy-duty trucks?

Yes. We work on cars, SUVs, pickups and heavy-duty trucks, on all makes and models.

Get back on the road. Schedule your starter and alternator testing today.