Starting, Charging, & Batteries

The starting and charging system in your vehicle regulates multiple electrical processes to start the engine and keep it running. The starting system consists of the battery, a starter motor, and a starter solenoid. This system is responsible for starting the engine. The charging system consists of an alternator and voltage regulator. The charging system routes energy throughout the entire electrical process while sustaining the battery’s charge. The battery starts the vehicle by supplying it with electric power. The ignition is what starts this process. The starting system sends power from the battery to the starter solenoid, which turns the starter motor to begin the internal combustion process. The regulator controls the voltage supplied to each component while the alternator powers the other electrical components in your vehicle. The regulator also ensures the alternator maintains the battery's charge so that the entire cycle can continue.​

Benefits

If your vehicle's engine is cranking slowly or the headlights are dim, there may be a problem with the starting and charging system. If the battery is not providing the electrical charge needed to start the rest of the electrical system, the car will not start. If a jump start doesn't revive your battery or the starting system, our staff may need to take a closer look at the other components of the starting and charging system to determine whether you need a starter replacement or alternator replacement. If any part of your vehicle's starting and charging system is not working properly, the whole system may not work. Allow our service staff to perform a starting and charging system check on your vehicle today if you experience problems with starting your vehicle or maintaining its power even after trying a jump start.

Starting, Charging, & Battery Services

Alternator Replacement
Approximate Time:  120 Minutes
An alternator is an essential component of a vehicle's charging system and is necessary for a vehicle to operate. To keep electrical components running, the alternator works with the battery and voltage regulator. An alternator, which can be identified by its aluminum body, vents, and an internal or external cooling fan, is usually located near the front of a vehicle's engine. The alternator pulley is driven by either a serpentine belt or v-belt, depending on the vehicle. The mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy as the internal parts create a magnetic field to produce an alternating current output. An operative cooling fan is important because the alternator can reach high temperatures fast. If the alternator malfunctions, the battery will not be able to keep the vehicle running for an extended period of time, although it can keep it running for a little while. The alternator not only powers the car while it's running, it also serves as the charger for the battery. It is imperative that a driver have a bad alternator repaired or replaced as soon as possible, because it will eventually render the vehicle inoperable.​

Battery Replacement
Approximate Time: 15 Minutes
The charging and starting systems would not be possible without car batteries. The battery's role in the starting system is to send a current of electricity to the starter so the vehicle can start and run. When the demand for electricity exceeds the supply from the alternator or the vehicle is turned off, the battery is responsible for supplying electricity to other electrical components, such as the radio and the internal and external lights. Vehicles with diesel engines, electric vehicles, or vehicles that run a 24-volt system may require two or more batteries to power their engines and electric systems, but most vehicles use one battery. Many vehicles currently use SLI batteries, which are a popular type of battery. The letters S, L, and I, which stand for starting, lighting, and ignition, indicate the battery’s major functions. An automotive battery is an essential component in vehicles overall. An engine will not start without a working battery. It is important for a driver to keep watch over battery life.​

Starter Replacement
Approximate Time: 60 Minutes
The starter is a motor that engages the flywheel ring gear and cranks the engine when supplied with electricity from a vehicle's battery. The starter solenoid is supplied with a small amount of electricity by the battery when the driver turns the key to start the engine. The solenoid powers the motor, which sends a gear to mesh with the ring gear on a vehicle's flywheel. The starter in a vehicle can either be a direct drive (DD), planetary gear (PLGR), permanent magnet gear reduction (PMGR), permanent magnet direct drive (PMDD), or offset gear reduction (OSGR). DD starters have components that are attached in a line and run off the armature. The armature of a PLGR starter uses a shaft to increase torque. The main difference between a PMGR starter and a PLGR starter is that the former uses permanent magnets while the latter uses field coils. PMDD starters are similar to DD starters except they use permanent magnets instead of field coils. OSGR starters do not run directly off the armature; finally, they are powered by a separate DC power supply. Each starter ultimately plays an essential role in powering a vehicle, no matter the type.​

Starting & Charging System Check
Approximate Time: 15 Minutes
The starting and charging system's job is getting an engine to run, as well as for keeping different components charged. A number of parts are involved in the starting system, including the ignition switch, starter, and flywheel. The starter uses a gear to interact with the engine, powered by the battery. If an engine doesn't have a starter, it won't work. Each component of the charging system--the battery, alternator, and voltage regulator--plays an equally important role. The battery sends electricity to the starter. The voltage regulator ensures that the output of the alternator does not over- or under-charge the components dependent on the electrical current, and the alternator powers all the electrical components by generating electrical currents. Starting and charging systems work together to keep a vehicle operating for its driver.