Working Hours
  • Mon 8:00AM - 5:30PM
    Tue 8:00AM - 5:30PM
  • Wed 8:00AM - 5:30PM
    Thu 8:00AM - 5:30PM
  • Fri 8:00AM - 5:30PM
    Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed
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573-449-4171 | 1204 N College Ave Columbia, MO 65201

Auto Electrical Repair & Maintenance

Comprehensive Auto Electrical Repair and Maintenance Services

Have a dead battery? Misfiring starter or alternator? For all of your auto electric repair and maintenance needs, come to Walt's Service Inc. in Columbia, MO 65201. We service your vehicle with care, providing a high level of workmanship you can trust.



Our auto electrical 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 Columbia, MO. 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 Walt's Service Inc. today for expert starter services.


Battery FAQs

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.


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.


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 Walt's Service Inc. 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.


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.


Car Starting FAQs


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.


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.

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 Walt's Service Inc. a call at 573-449-4171. 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

Headlight FAQs


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.

Secondly, 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.

Thirdly, some studies have shown that when drivers elect to always drive with their headlights on it can reduce automobile accidents.


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.


To learn more about our Electrical services, call us at 573-449-4171 or request a quote by clicking below:


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What Our Customers Are Saying

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Was driving from NY to LA when my Bus started dying on the highway. Lookup the nearest VW mechanic and come here. Walt is great! He took a look at my Bus, even though it was late and he was busy-and told me the last guy who rebuilt the engine screwed up. I trusted Walt to rebuild the engine, and he did it cheaper and quicker than the first mechanic, and much better! I now have 10-15mph higher top speed and it runs a lot smoother. Driving from MO to LA I went from losing 1qt/1000 miles to losing no oil! Superb job, honest guy, nobody knows more about air-cooled VWs than he.

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My daughter, a MU student, and her used 2007 high mileage Audi A4 broke down, the car was towed to Walt's. Walt called me the next day and went over his diagnostics and recommendations. He only recommended what needed to be done and did not recommend useless/costly repairs. When the car was complete, he called me with the final bill which was totally reasonable. He was timely and great to work with! I highly recommend this repair shop, it is so hard to find honest and qualified technicians and mechanics these days and Walt is truly one of the best I have ever worked with. I will definitely be back, thank you so much!

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I have an old (2001) high mileage (155k+) VW Golf, and I only take it to Walt's. The staff is friendly, honest, fair, and fairly quick with repairs. They give you options and explain the pros and cons of optional repairs. They keep my old Golf running well, with fair costs for repairs. I would (and have) recommended to anyone with a VW or similar German car.

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I had my MINI Cooper serviced here. These guys are great. They showed me everything about my car (as I know nothing about cars). The Baron MINI in Kansas City told me I needed new front and back brakes and rotors. After showing me how much brake pad I had left on the back brakes, the guy at Walt's said "that's nuts and these should last at least another year". They also did quality work and cost a couple hundred bucks less! I am very pleased!

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I would not take my car anywhere else. They are honest, friendly and work with you to make the best/most cost effective repair solutions.

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Great people and service. They went above and beyond in order to help me resolve a problem with my 2011 Audi S5. Definitely plan on going back.

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  • Call Us For Service: 573-449-4171