When your alternator fails, your battery drains and you're stranded. When your starter fails, your car won't start at all. Both are essential components that can fail without warning. Tresl helps you afford these critical repairs immediately.
Get Financing NowBoth are essential but serve completely different functions in your vehicle's electrical system.
The alternator is a generator that converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy. It charges the battery while driving and powers all electrical systems. Without it, your battery would drain within minutes.
The starter motor cranks the engine to begin combustion. It's a powerful electric motor that engages briefly—just a few seconds—each time you start your car. Despite brief use, it handles enormous loads.
Recognize these warning signs before you're stranded.
Headlights and interior lights dim at idle or flicker. The alternator isn't providing enough power, so lights dim when electrical load increases.
Dashboard battery/charging light illuminates. This usually means alternator output is below acceptable voltage. Battery is discharging instead of charging.
Unusual noise from front of engine, especially at idle. Often indicates worn alternator bearings. Noise may change with electrical load.
Battery dies after driving, or car dies while driving. Alternator isn't recharging battery. Jumping helps temporarily but problem returns.
Turn key and hear rapid clicking or single loud click but engine doesn't crank. Solenoid engages but motor can't turn. Could also be dead battery.
Harsh grinding noise when starting. Starter gear not engaging flywheel properly. Continued use damages both starter and flywheel—expensive repair.
Engine turns over very slowly despite good battery. Starter motor is weak, possibly due to worn brushes or armature. Will fail completely soon.
Sometimes starts fine, sometimes nothing happens. Intermittent starter failure often caused by worn contacts or loose connections. Unpredictable failure coming.
Choose between new, rebuilt, and remanufactured units based on budget and needs.
"Rebuilt" often means only failed components were replaced. "Remanufactured" means complete disassembly with all wear parts replaced to factory specs. Remanufactured units typically have better warranties and reliability. Ask what was actually done before purchasing a rebuilt unit.
Proper diagnosis ensures you're replacing the right component.
Test battery condition first—a bad battery mimics alternator problems
Check voltage at idle (13.5-14.5V) and under load to verify alternator output
Measure alternator output current against specifications
Test starter draw and cranking speed to identify motor condition
| Service | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternator (Remanufactured) | $100-$200 | $100-$200 | $200-$400 |
| Alternator (New OEM) | $250-$500 | $100-$200 | $350-$700 |
| Alternator (European/Luxury) | $300-$600 | $150-$300 | $450-$900 |
| Starter (Remanufactured) | $100-$180 | $100-$200 | $200-$380 |
| Starter (New OEM) | $200-$400 | $100-$200 | $300-$600 |
| Starter (European/Luxury) | $250-$500 | $150-$350 | $400-$850 |
| Charging System Diagnosis | — | $50-$100 | $50-$100 |
These failures typically happen without warning, leaving you stranded. The repair must happen immediately—you can't drive without a working starter or alternator. Financing covers this unexpected expense without depleting emergency savings.
| Amount | 12 Mo | 24 Mo |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $45/mo | $24/mo |
| $750 | $67/mo | $36/mo |
| $1,000 | $89/mo | $47/mo |
| $1,500 | $134/mo | $71/mo |
*Estimated at 12.99% APR
Don't stay stranded. Get approved for financing in minutes.