Auto Electrical Repair & Maintenance

Have a dead battery? Misfiring starter or alternator? For all of your auto electrical repair and maintenance needs, call or visit the Mike shop of your choice. 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 an automotive device that converts mechanical energy to electric energy (ac). Alternators are important parts of your car's engine and their failure would translate to your car's failure. When your car's alternator develops problems, seek expert help. At The MIKE Shop of your choice, we have experts who can handle all your alternator needs to get you back on the road - quickly. Visit The MIKE Shop of your choice today.

Batteries
The battery supplies electric energy which powers the ignition system, the starter motor, and the lights of an automotive. If you need to jump-start your vehicle in the morning, your battery could be failing. When a battery starts deteriorating, it can either be replaced or repaired - this will depend on the severity of the damage. If you are having issues with your car battery, contact The MIKE Shop of your choice. We provide a convenient battery testing and replacement service to get you back on the road. Battery replacement, charging, installation, testing, and recycling - we handle it all.

Starters
A starter is a motor (electric, hydraulic or pneumatic) that rotates the internal combustion engine to initiate the engine's operation. Starters are important parts of your car's engine and their failure would translate to your car's failure. When your car's starter develops problems, seek expert help. At The MIKE Shop of your choice, we have experts who can handle all your starter needs to get you back on the road - quickly. Visit The MIKE Shop of your choice today.

Our auto electrical repair and maintenance services include:

Alternators
An alternator is an automotive device that converts mechanical energy to electric energy (ac). Alternators are important parts of your car's engine and their failure would translate to your car's failure. When your car's alternator develops problems, seek expert help. At The MIKE Shop of your choice, we have experts who can handle all your alternator needs to get you back on the road - quickly. Visit The MIKE Shop of your choice today.

Batteries
The battery supplies electric energy which powers the ignition system, the starter motor, and the lights of an automotive. If you need to jump-start your vehicle in the morning, your battery could be failing. When a battery starts deteriorating, it can either be replaced or repaired - this will depend on the severity of the damage. If you are having issues with your car battery, contact The MIKE Shop of your choice. We provide a convenient battery testing and replacement service to get you back on the road. Battery replacement, charging, installation, testing, and recycling - we handle it all.

Starters
A starter is a motor (electric, hydraulic or pneumatic) that rotates the internal combustion engine to initiate the engine's operation. Starters are important parts of your car's engine and their failure would translate to your car's failure. When your car's starter develops problems, seek expert help. At The MIKE Shop of your choice, we have experts who can handle all your starter needs to get you back on the road - quickly. Visit The MIKE Shop of your choice today.


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 The MIKE Shop of your choice 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 The MIKE Shop of your choice a call at 630-495-2700. 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 630-495-2700 or request a quote by clicking below:


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01/30/2024

Staff was extremely friendly and helpful! My 2013 Corolla was fixed in less than 48 hours (alternator replaced), and I was kept updated through the entire process. I will definitely come back if I ever need a repair.



01/05/2024

I am trying not to exaggerate when I say that the people at Mike More Miles Lombard are single-handedly responsible for answering our families prayers, and for helping us out of a singularly difficult time. Truly wonderful people with integrity flowing in every vein. We had a series of unfortunate events happen as we finished our holiday trip, culminating in a stroller breaking down in the airport and our car (driven by our friend) also breaking down on the way to the airport. We were exhausted and depleted, and went to bed feeling some despair. With two sick kids in tow, we searched for a solution the next morning and found Mike More Miles. From the initial phone call, they were informative, inviting, and more than willing to help. We secured a tow to the service station and, after explaining the situation to Jeremy and others, they assured me that it would be tight but they would do the best they could. The team was able to pull it off! A new alternator and battery were put in quickly and well, and our car drives just as it did before. They helped us get home. Words can't adequately express how grateful I am to be writing this from my home and not some other place. I have them to thank for that. If anyone in Lombard is in need of a mechanic, I can always and forever recommend these guys. They will take care of you.



11/14/2023

I have been going to this establishment since they were Merlins. They have always been helpful, honest and have fair pricing. They don't try to oversell you things you don't need. The very first time I went here I showed the estimate to a mechanic friend of mine. He not only told me it was a good price, but that they were doing more than most places would do for that price. I went in to get my battery checked because of it needing to be jumped. While I needed a new battery I inquired about a tire sale they were having. They told me I would be out by the afternoon. The manager even gave me a ride home while he was on the way to pick up my tires. When I picked up my car they walked me through the rebate process and I was on my way. I will continue to use Mike More Miles for all of my vehicles.



ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)
Synchrony Financial
TECH-NET Professional Auto Service - Trans
Interstate batteries
Car Care Aware