
Phone: (206) 364-7400
Your Dealership Alternative
Serving North Seattle Since 1950
• Dead Battery
• Headlights or Dash Lights Surging
• Accessories (wipers/radio) moving
slowly
• Squealing noise from under hood
• Battery light illuminated on dash
• Car Cranks Slowly when Starting
• Voltmeter on Dash reads below 13
volts, or above 14.5 volts
• Battery Replacement
• Serpentine Belt Replacement
• Starter Replacement
• Voltage Regulator Replacement
(older cars mostly)
• Battery Cable Replacement or
Repair










Your car's charging system is an important function, and one that can easily leave you on the side of the road. If an alternator repair is needed, we'll offer quality parts and expert service. Here are some common symptoms that may mean you're in need of an alternator replacement or a charging system check.

Without getting too technical, your charging and starting system consists of three things: a starter, a battery and an alternator.
A battery's main purpose is to provide a power source for starting the engine and running the accessories and ignition system. It should hold a charge of around 12.8 volts.
A starter's job is one thing only. It uses the amperage stored in the battery to turn the engine over until it starts. It usually draws between 150-250 amps. Any more and it can mean a starter is failing and can draw down the battery.
Since the battery is continually being drained by running things like the heater, radio, wipers, and headlights, the alternator's job is to constantly keep topping off the battery to maintain that magic 12.8 volts. This is why it charges at around 14.5 volts, so that when you turn off your car, the battery has enough amperage to start the cycle all over again.
Many things can contribute to problems with this system. If you're noticing any of the symptoms on the right or just have quesitons, call us and we'll gladly help you out.
Everyone at one point has gone out to their car to discover a dead battery. Often times, the culprit is a faulty alternator. At Earl's Garage, we're proud to perform alternator replacement with quality parts, expert workmanship and fair prices. If you suspect your car's charging and starting system will let you down, give us a call.
Other commonly related repairs: