Best Auto Repair, Harrisburg

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Auto Electrical Repair & Maintenance

Working Hours
  • Mon 8:00AM - 6:00PM
    Tue 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Wed 8:00AM - 6:00PM
    Thu 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Fri 8:00AM - 6:00PM
    Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Auto Electrical Repair & Maintenance

Comprehensive Auto Electrical Repair and Maintenance Services

Whether it's a battery, starter, alternator or another electrical issue, you can count on Dale's Automotive for all of your auto electric repair and maintenance needs. Our technicians are experts in electrical issues and will provide you with the highest level of customer service.
Our auto electric repair and maintenance services include:

Alternators
An alternator is a crucial automotive component responsible for converting mechanical energy into electric energy (alternating current). It plays a pivotal role in your vehicle's engine, and any malfunction can result in your car's breakdown. If you encounter issues with your car's alternator, it is imperative to seek expert assistance.

Batteries
The battery is the powerhouse that supplies electrical energy to vital automotive systems such as the ignition system, starter motor, and lights. If you find yourself needing a jump-start to kickstart your vehicle in the morning, it may be a sign that your battery is deteriorating. Depending on the extent of damage, a failing battery can either be repaired or replaced. If you are experiencing battery-related issues, do not hesitate to contact us in Harrisburg, PA. We offer convenient battery testing and replacement services, designed to swiftly get you back on the road. From battery replacement and charging to installation, testing, and recycling, we cover it all.

Starters
The starter serves as the motor, whether electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic, responsible for initiating the operation of your internal combustion engine. Starters are vital components within your car's engine, and any malfunction can lead to your vehicle's failure to start. In the event of starter problems, it is crucial to seek professional assistance. Our team of experts is well-equipped to handle all your starter-related needs efficiently, ensuring you can resume your journey promptly. Visit Dale's Automotive today for expert starter services.

Car Starting FAQs

What does a dead starter sound like?
Clicking noises upon turning the key are a classic sign of starter failure. However, this isn't the only clue. A dying starter might remain completely silent or offer subtle warnings through whirring or grinding sounds before finally giving up the ghost.

Why won't my car start?
The most common reason why a car will not start is a bad or dead battery. However, there are several other possibilities too. If you are having trouble getting your vehicle started, give Dale's Automotive a call at 717-564-5110. Our auto repair professionals will try to help you diagnose the issue, which could be one of these problems:
  • Failing alternator
  • Starter motor
  • Ignition switch malfunction
  • Bad spark plugs
  • Cracked distributor cap
  • Broken timing belt


How do I change my keyless entry remote battery?
This should work for most remotes:
  1. Remove the metal blade key from the remote.
  2. Use a standard (flat head) screwdriver to gently pry open the fob
  3. Remove the battery. It is usually a small round lithium watch battery.
  4. Insert a new battery
  5. Snap the key fob back together
  6. Insert the metal blade key into the fob.


How do I unlock my steering wheel?
Place your foot on the brake and turn the wheel in the direction in which it has a little range of motion. This should ease the tension in the steering column and allow you to turn the key. Turning the key unlocks the steering wheel. Do not try to unlock your steering wheel without a key or if the battery is dead. This should only be done by a professional auto repair technician.

Battery FAQs

How do I replace my car battery without losing car memory?
Use a car memory saver or other secondary power source. If you don't own a car memory saver, come to Dale's Automotive and we can do this process for you. First, make sure to turn off your car before you unplug the battery. Next, plug the car memory saver into the cigarette lighter or the OBD2 connector. Remove the old battery and install the new battery and attach the connectors. Finally, unplug the memory saver from the car.

What should I be careful of when changing a car battery?
It may sound obvious but be sure that you do not drop the battery. Be careful not to let the tools touch both the negative and positive terminals simultaneously, as it could create a spark, cause the battery to short out, or even damage the vehicle's electrical components. Make sure to separate the cables to the side so that they don't touch the battery until it is in place. Attach the negative cable first and then the positive cable. If have any doubts while you are trying to change your battery you should always call in an expert.

What are mistakes made when jumping a car?
Mixing up negative and positive cables is the most common mistake. When you mix up the negative and positive cable it ruins your car's alternator. Just remember black to negative and red to positive. Other common mistakes are using cheap cables that don't conduct properly, letting the cables swing and become detached, touching the clips together, and ignoring cracks in your battery or dirty battery terminals.

Why is my engine stalling after replacing my car battery?
If your car lost battery power completely then your car's computer system may have lost valuable information to regulate engine performance causing it to stall even after you replace the battery. However, the car's system will quickly collect new data and engine performance should return to normal. In some case you may need to have the throttle body, or your idle air control valve cleaned out as carbon deposits can build up inside these parts, pushing them beyond the computer's ability to regulate engine performance.

Headlight FAQs

Do parking lights and turn signals use the same bulb?
Yes, your car uses the same bulb for the front turn signal and parking lights. Side bulbs are located on the inside of the wheel wells. All lights on your car will eventually burn out and need to be replaced.

What are the 3 situations where headlights are required?
First, you should make sure both of your headlights are in good working order before driving your car. Headlights must be in use from sunset to sunrise. Headlights are also necessary when you cannot see more than 400 feet in front of you. You should also use your car's headlights whenever windshield wipers are in use. In addition, some studies have shown that when drivers elect to always drive with their headlights on it can reduce automobile accidents.

To learn more about our Electrical services, call us at 717-564-5110 or request a quote by clicking below:


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Discover More About Electrical Repair Services At Dale's Automotive in Harrisburg

Auto Electronics Repair

What People Say About Us

  • reviewicon
    , 08/10/2021

    I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Dale's Automotive! First, they understand that each vehicle has a person and their lifestyle attached to it! That's so much more important than just being able to do repairs and maintenance! Two Cadillacs, three Lexus, one Toyota, three Chevrolets, one Honda's my personal list of vehicles that my family and I have entrusted to the hands of Dale's mechanics to keep our valuable transportation safe and sound and on the road as both my family and our cars and trucks age! They know what they are doing period! Here's the best part. They absolutely will not overcharge you! As a matter of fact, time after time they have saved me money compared to a traditional dealerships overwhelming hourly rates and even steeper price mark up on parts. These guys are great. And I don't recall any service that they could not provide! Inspection, oil and filter, tires, brakes, engine analysis, emissions, air conditioning, electrical issues are all within their grasps! Thank you Dale and Family (that's how they function), for all that you've done for us down through the years!

  • reviewicon

    I highly recommend Dales Automotive. It's a family run repair shop, and I've been going to them for nearly 10 years now. My parents have been getting their cars repaired here for longer than that. You see, I don't trust mechanics...but I definitely trust Dale. I drive an older car, which means I need a trustworthy mechanic who won't charge me for more than I need, and he doesn't. I dropped my car off about 2 weeks ago because I noticed my breaks felt squishy and I wasn't stopping quickly enough. (I usually drop my car off the night before and pick it up before they close.) At first glance, they couldn't really find anything wrong, so they called me to find out exactly what it was doing. I explained to them how it was acting and they put it up in the air to recheck it. They found out the problem and fixed it and my breaks are good as new! They always take good care of my vehicle, and will let me know (in english) when something looks like it's going to need to be repaired in the future. I've never been charged for something I didn't need...unlike other places. Sure, it can be expensive...but I don't feel like they're using me. Some things are just more costly to repair, especially when my car has over 200,000 miles on it! But thankfully they accept the autopride card. That thing is a lifesaver. It allows me to make payments over the period of several months...interest free.

  • reviewicon

    I will never go anywhere else with my car again. I came here after taking my car to Monroe Muffler Break to have my oil changed. Monroe cracked my oil pan while changing my oil, all of the oil leaked out, and not knowing any of this I drove. When my oil light went on I panicked and drove back there where I was treated awfully and told it was my fault. They told me that I needed to buy a new oil pan which is very expensive. As a full-time student with no income I had no idea what to do or what kind of damage that I had done to my car driving on it with no oil. Panicked, upset, and not knowing anything about cars I had my car taken here to Dales. I was treated wonderfully and my car was taken excellent care of. They were able to fix my oil pan and assure me that my car was ok. Every single time that I need something done on my car, they do their best to squeeze me in. These men do excellent work and really care about what they are doing. If there is anyway for me to get my car to Dales, I will continue to return time and again.

  • reviewicon

    This shop has consistently provided excellent service at great prices. They've always been very friendly and accommodating. They do only the work requested, without digging for other issues that may or may not actually exist. Wonderful local business!

  • reviewicon

    Knowledge, integrity, and determination to do the job right. That's what you will find at Dale's Automotive. And reasonable prices, too. I know that sounds a bit like a commercial, but it's all true. Sadly, it is NOT true of the vast majority of big company service places that loudly advertise their typically terrible service (I'm looking at YOU Tires Plus!).

  • reviewicon

    Thanks for getting the inspection done! And I really appreciate you telling me which stuff didn't need to be replaced right away, saving me hundreds in the process! And Dale, thanks for letting me drive my car home with you in tow to drive it back to the shop so I didn't need to call a cab from your shop, that was priceless!

Call us for service: 717-564-5110

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