24/7 mobile service · Riverside
Battery light on, or the car died while driving? Check the alternator.
The alternator keeps your battery charged while the engine runs. When it fails, the car runs on battery power until it quits. We test the charging system before recommending a part.
Sounds like this?
Signs it's time to call
- Battery or charging warning light on the dash
- Headlights dim at idle and brighten when you rev
- New battery keeps going dead
- Whining noise that rises with engine speed
- Burning rubber or electrical smell
What we measure
13.5–14.8 V- Typical charging voltage, engine running
Under load- We turn on lights, fan, and defrost to see if output holds
Belt & tensioner- A slipping belt can mimic a bad alternator
Ripple test- Flags failing diodes that drain the battery
The visit
What happens when we arrive
- Test the battery so we know the starting point
- Measure charging voltage at idle and under load
- Inspect the drive belt, tensioner, and wiring
- Quote and replace the alternator if it's confirmed bad
- Re-test charging output with the new unit
When it's a shop job
If the car died in traffic, call us from a safe spot. We'll tell you whether it's safe to wait for us there or whether a tow makes more sense.
Questions people ask
Can I just jump it and keep driving?
With a failed alternator the car will die again once the battery drains, sometimes within minutes. It's safer to get it tested first.
Did the alternator kill my battery?
It can. A deep discharge can shorten battery life, so we test both.
Do you use new or remanufactured parts?
We'll give you the options and the price for each before we start.