Best in town 5 year/50k mile warranty
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400+ 5 Star Reviews
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Free Second Opinion Inspection.
100% Price Match Guarantee.
Free Second Opinion Inspection. 100% Price Match Guarantee.
Starting & Charging Systems
Keep Your Vehicle Ready to Start Every Time
Your vehicle depends on a reliable electrical system to start, charge, and power essential components. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected starting problems and keeps you confidently on the road.
Master Tech did the brakes on my BMW, they also checked over the full car, and advised with photos what else is recommended. They did a great job and also were able to show me the older brakes. I highly recommend them for any maintenance or repairs!
Master Tech did the brakes on my BMW, they also checked over the full car, and advised with photos what else is recommended. They did a great job and also were able to show me the older brakes. I highly recommend them for any maintenance or repairs!
Starting & Charging Systems Services
Expert Starting & Charging Systems Service You Can Count On
A weak battery isn’t always the real problem. In many cases, the starter, alternator, or another part of the charging system is responsible for poor performance. Replacing one component without testing the entire system can leave the underlying issue unresolved.
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Master Tech Automotive’s technicians perform detailed inspections to evaluate battery health, charging output, starter operation, and electrical connections before recommending repairs. By identifying the source of the problem first, we help eliminate unnecessary repairs and provide solutions that support long-term reliability. Every service is backed by communication and quality workmanship, so you’ll know exactly what your vehicle needs.
Schedule A Starting & Charging Systems Service Today!
Common Signs of Battery, Starter, or Alternator Problems
Addressing these issues early can help prevent breakdowns and protect other electrical components. If your vehicle has started behaving differently, watch for these warning signs:
Burning smell coming from under the hood
This can be caused by several issues involving the engine, electrical system, or other vehicle components. An overheated engine, leaking fluids contacting hot engine parts, or worn components such as belts and hoses can produce a noticeable burning odor. Damaged or overheating electrical wiring, loose connections, or a failing alternator can create excessive heat and cause insulation or plastic components to burn. A slipping or damaged drive belt may also generate a burnt rubber smell as it overheats from friction. Additionally, oil or coolant leaks onto hot surfaces can create smoke and a burning odor. Because a burning smell may indicate overheating or an electrical problem, the source should be inspected to prevent further damage.
Dashboard battery light remains illuminated
A dashboard battery light that remains illuminated while the vehicle is running typically indicates a problem with the charging system rather than the battery alone. A failing alternator may not be producing enough electrical power to recharge the battery and maintain proper system voltage. A loose, damaged, or slipping drive belt can prevent the alternator from operating effectively, while a faulty voltage regulator may cause improper charging output. Corroded or loose battery terminals, damaged wiring, or poor electrical connections can also interrupt the charging circuit and trigger the warning light. If the battery light stays on, the vehicle may eventually lose electrical power and experience starting problems or a loss of operation.
Clicking sound when turning the ignition
A clicking sound when turning the ignition is often related to a problem within the vehicle’s starting or electrical system. A weak or discharged battery may not provide enough power to fully engage the starter motor, causing a clicking noise when the key is turned. Loose or corroded battery terminals, damaged cables, or poor ground connections can restrict electrical current and prevent proper starter operation. A faulty starter solenoid may click without supplying power to the starter motor, while a worn or failing starter motor may be unable to crank the engine. In some cases, excessive resistance within the engine or other mechanical issues can prevent normal starting and result in a clicking sound from the ignition system.
Vehicle is slow to crank when starting
A vehicle that is slow to crank when starting can be caused by several issues affecting the starting and electrical systems. A weak, discharged, or aging battery may not provide enough current to operate the starter motor at the proper speed. Corroded or loose battery terminals, damaged cables, or poor ground connections can create resistance and reduce the amount of power reaching the starter. A worn or failing starter motor may also struggle to turn the engine over, while thick engine oil in cold temperatures can increase the effort required to crank. Additional causes may include a faulty charging system that fails to maintain battery power or mechanical issues that create excessive resistance within the engine.
Electrical accessories lose power unexpectedly
Electrical accessories that lose power unexpectedly can be caused by problems with the vehicle’s electrical supply or distribution system. A weak battery, failing alternator, or charging system issue may cause voltage drops that interrupt the operation of accessories such as power windows, audio systems, displays, or interior electronics. Loose or corroded battery terminals, damaged wiring, poor ground connections, or faulty connectors can create intermittent electrical contact and cause sudden power loss. Blown fuses, failing relays, defective control modules, or overloaded circuits may also prevent accessories from operating consistently. In some cases, excessive electrical resistance or a failing component within the accessory itself can lead to unexpected loss of power.
Battery dies after sitting for a short time
A battery that dies after a vehicle sits for a short time can be caused by issues with the battery, charging system, or an electrical drain. A weak, aging, or defective battery may no longer be able to hold a sufficient charge, causing it to lose power quickly when the vehicle is parked. A parasitic draw from electrical components that remain active after the vehicle is turned off, such as lights, modules, or accessories, can gradually drain the battery. A failing alternator or voltage regulator may also prevent the battery from being fully recharged during operation. Additionally, loose or corroded battery connections, damaged cables, or poor ground connections can reduce charging efficiency and contribute to repeated battery discharge.
Interior or exterior lights become noticeably dim
Lights that become noticeably dim can be caused by problems within the vehicle’s electrical or charging system. A weak battery may not be able to provide stable voltage to the lighting system, while a failing alternator may not produce enough power to maintain proper electrical output. Loose or corroded battery terminals, damaged wiring, poor ground connections, or high-resistance electrical connections can reduce the voltage reaching the lights and cause dimming. A faulty voltage regulator may also allow voltage fluctuations that affect lighting performance. In some cases, excessive electrical demand from additional accessories or a failing lighting component can contribute to reduced brightness.
Vehicle won't start consistently
This can be caused by several issues affecting the starting, electrical, fuel, or ignition systems. A weak or failing battery may provide insufficient power to operate the starter, while loose or corroded battery terminals, damaged cables, or poor ground connections can interrupt the flow of electrical current. A faulty starter motor, starter solenoid, alternator, or charging system component may also prevent reliable starting. Problems with fuel delivery, such as a failing fuel pump or restricted fuel system, can cause intermittent starting issues, while ignition system faults, sensor failures, or control module problems may prevent the engine from starting properly.
ASE certified technicians
Get a dealer alternative estimate on your repair
Free shuttle service while we work on your vehicle
Dependable Fuel Filter Service in Gresham, Oregon
Our service in Gresham, Oregon, helps support efficient fuel delivery while protecting your engine from potential issues caused by contaminants and restricted flow. Whether your vehicle needs routine maintenance or you’ve noticed performance changes, our team is ready to provide careful inspections and reliable automotive care.
Schedule Your Fuel Filter Service Today
Keep your engine running efficiently with professional inspection and service from Master Tech Automotive. Schedule your appointment today and protect your vehicle’s performance for the miles ahead.
Experiences.
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Results.
The employees were very nice and provided all the information I needed and gave accurate estimates and completed all tasks in a timely manner. However they are a little more on the spendy side.
Always polite, helpful and got my truck back to me as soon as they could!
Master Tech provides top-notch service, this time checking my oil and a concern I had with a fuel smell. They are quick, efficient, honest, and great at communicating every step of the way. Thank you!
Thanks as always for the great work, it was an expensive fix but you guys did it in a timely manner and I very much appreciate it. Great as always! Thank you!
Fast service and quick to find and repair issue. Staff polite and knowledgeable. Explained options and got my vehicle back to me quickly.
They have a great system of photo documenting what they find during their inspection, and allowing you to access it online. Makes for simple ‘menu’ style of what should/could be repaired or replaced. They also work very quickly.
Great service, quick, great price and helped us through the issues we were having with our car. Called to give us updates too.
Very helpful and nice, quick service and easy way to accept or decline which services are offered, will definitely be coming back next time i got car trouble
Darren, store manager, and his crew do a terrific job! I feel very confident taking my vehicle to Master Tech even though we now as live in Tigard. Its well worth the trip.
The technicians at master tech were very helpful with finding the problem with my truck and giving me multiple options in order to fix it. The repairs they did were fantastic, they look and preform perfectly.
I had a great experience getting my Honda Fit 30,000 mile service and new tires. Communication was quick and clear, staff were friendly, and I felt the cost was reasonable. Thanks for making this normally stressful process very easy!
Master Tech did the brakes on my BMW, they also checked over the full car, and advised with photos what else is recommended. They did a great job and also were able to show me the older brakes. I highly recommend them for any maintenance or repairs!
*Rates from 0%-36% APR. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check, may not be available in all states, and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. CA residents: Loans by Affirm Loan Services, LLC are made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license.