Starter motors & alternators
A battery warning light while driving usually points to the alternator, not the battery. A dead silence when you turn the key — after the battery’s checked out fine — usually points to the starter motor.
Signs you need this
- Battery warning light comes on while driving
- Headlights or dash lights dim noticeably at idle
- A single clunk or nothing at all when you turn the key
- Car stalls and won’t restart, battery seems fine
- Battery keeps going flat even though it tests OK
What we do
We test the charging system output under load to confirm whether the alternator is keeping up with demand, and bench-test starter motors to isolate a genuine starter fault from a wiring, relay or ignition switch issue further up the chain — because it’s easy to replace a starter and find the real fault was elsewhere.
What it costs
Cost depends on the part and the vehicle — some are quick swaps, others need more diagnostic work first to confirm what’s actually failed. We’ll confirm price before any work begins.
What we work on
Cars · 4WDs and utes · Light trucks · Farm and lifestyle machinery
Questions
- How do I know if it’s the alternator or the battery?
- A battery warning light while the engine is running usually points to the alternator or charging system, not the battery itself. We test to confirm rather than guess.
- Can you test it without removing it from the car?
- Initial charging-system and starter circuit tests can often be done in the vehicle.
- Do you fit new or reconditioned parts?
- We’ll talk you through the options available for your vehicle.
- Why did my new battery go flat again?
- If the charging system isn’t topping it up properly while driving, even a brand-new battery will go flat. Worth getting the alternator checked.