I frequently use this business for my alternator and starter needs, great service, communication and rebuild times! Dionne and his dad do great work! read more

Super nice father and son team that helped me. Communication was fantastic. I felt like the turnaround was great and to be frank the pricing seemed very reasonable. I was very grateful and I would absolutely use them again if I need another alternator rebuilt. Thanks so much. read more

San Jose Generator & Starter - Rebuilt alternator and receipt. - Auto Parts & Supplies Near Me - San Jose, California

Fantastic service !! quick turn (1 day) to rebuild my alternator and it was half the cost to rebuild vs buy an OEM replacement.

I brought an alternator in for repairs. I had removed the rear cover and inspected the internals and they looked good. I was promised a quote on the day or next day, but never received. I went to the shop to get a status and they said the regulator was not available. They showed me a fried regulator which did not have the appearance that I saw wheh I pulled the cover before bringing to the shop. My opinion is that they showed me a part from a different alternator, not the one I brought in. I asked them to put it together so I could use it as a core. This was done at no charge, for that I am thankful. However, I am not happy receiving a really fried regulator when the one I brought in upon my inspection looked fine. So no quote was provided as promised and I have an alternator with a now fried regulator. read more

Had a starter rebuilt for a '54 tractor. Restored it like new for $200 without paint. Very polite customer service and was able to answer my questions. Though I asked to put a gasket around the band of the starter, they ended up just using painters tape over it which was a bit of a bummer and cheap. But it works! The inside originally was all corroded and the rod was stripped so it was spinning when tightening. Brand new internals made it working again. read more

If you go to the regular auto store, they usually don't last compared to this place. I used to go here years ago, but I didn't realize you were still in business. I'll see you next generator or starter. read more

Dionne helped me fix a 6v slow starter in a 1930 Ford coupe that was struggling to turn over a rebuilt 4 banger with a 6:1 compression head. (This head is an upgrade from the stock head with a compression of 4.22:1) The starter tested good, so Dionne shared an article about an 1940s car with a similar problem. The problem in the '40s car was solved by adding a ground wire from the case of the starter directly to the chassis to provide a direct connection to ground. Dionne offered to add a terminal to my starter's case so I could ground it directly to my Model A's chassis. Success! The 6 volt starter now spins the 4 banger like it was being run on 12 volts. Great service from San Jose Generator & Starter. read more

Great service, very knowledgeable team, rebuild my starter, it's like new, no problems

Cant say enough about this small family business. Over the years they have rebuilt the generators and starters for my 283 engine. Excellent turn around times and quality. Always competitively priced. read more

I highly recommend these guys. I dropped of my alternator with hopes of getting it rebuilt for a higher amperage output. And they were able to help me out in a timely manner! read more

San Jose Generator & Starter - Auto Parts & Supplies Near Me - San Jose, California

I'm glad San Jose Generator is still rebuilding parts. I have used them for decades. They have always done good work. I would recommend that you call first if you are on a schedule. read more

I had them rebuild my alternator and starter for a late-80's BMW. The service was quick, very well priced and the parts were all as good as new. It was WAY cheaper than replacements of either item. I'll definitely be back for future work. read more

See all

my car had starter problems so i looked up on yelp & they popped up as #1 place for rebuilds. I always trust yelp for everything, anyways, i went over & Dionne asked for me to get my starter off my Mazda & to bring it in for a rebuild that the "solenoid" was bad. 2 days later, my car is starting every time . Will be back to get my alternator serviced soon just so i know its good! read more

Called San Jose Generator and Starter about getting a new alternator because I started noticing some flickering. The guys had me bring my car in to inspect and laid it out flat. These guys are very honest and competitive in pricing. From my initial phone call to the completion of the job was a very speedy process. I have found my new mechanics for any alternator, generator, and starter needs. Go to them if you want to leave your car in trusted hands. Highly recommend! read more

I Went In Yesterday To San Jose Generator(Recommendation From A Cousin) They Told Me My Alternator Was Bad, Dionne Guessed The Mileage & Was Off By Literary 500 Miles. He Mentioned How Long Usually Alternators Last By Year, Make & Model. He Surprised Me With His Knowledge. I Trusted Him Instantly. Full Rebuild Was $180 Vs Remanufactured Unit At Autozone For $199.99. Even Better. Alternator Was Done In 2 Hours. He Asked Me To Charge My Battery Before Installation. My Car Is Back On The Road. Thanks Dionne ! read more

Just picked up my starter for my 1950 Chevy truck. I'm happy to have found someone who knows how to work on old classic parts. I left it off a couple of days ago and picked it up today. Very quick turn-around-time. I dealt with Dionne Vargas and he's very knowledgeable on the rebuilding of generators and starters. I will definitely be doing business with them again and referring other friends who need their classic parts repaired! read more

San Jose Generator & Starter - Chrome starter - Auto Parts & Supplies Near Me - San Jose, California

Drove down from San Mateo to have my alternator rebuilt by them in April 2022. They got it done in one day and it's been working great. Even comes with a 1-year warranty. I'd say this is better than getting a reman ACDelco or equivalent from your local auto store. It also came out way cheaper than a reman and it's still running great. read more

Definitely recommend these guys as an alternative to Buchanan or Rite Way if you are in the South bay. Super professional service, good quality parts used for the rebuild and the shop is located close to downtown San Jose. While on the road, I got a warning light on my dash and diagnosed that I had a faulty alternator. Instead of going to Buchanan or Rite-Way I found this place through Yelp. I removed and dropped off my alternator around 4 PM and was told it would be ready by 4 PM next day. The next day I get a call around 12:15 stating that my alternator was ready for pickup. I installed my alternator and it runs great! The guys completed the work ahead of schedule and even offered me a rush job when I initially came in to drop off my alternator. read more

The fellows at San Jose Generator are super nice and so knowledgeable. They repaired my 1953 generator last year and just overhauled my old 1953 Ford starter motor. I"m so pleased with their service and recommend everyone to do business with them.... Fred C. Zillmer read more

These guys do great work and they get done on time there prices are reasonable because there rebuild work won't let you stranded unlike the starters or alternators you get at Napa, AutoZone or Oreilly's. Consider letting them rebuild your starter or generator you won't have to deal with the headaches of rebuilt auto parts store ones read more

I had to replace the alternator on my boat. Called Jr. at San Jose Generator and he told me to bring it in and he would look at it. I brought it and told him I was getting the run around from Mr. Starter. I needed to get it replaced or rebuilt ASAP! Jr. was very professional and took care of my situation the same day! I installed the alternator and was able to take my boat out the next day as I planned. It ran great with no issues. Thank you Jr. I will definitely refer customers to your shop without a doubt! Any alternator or starter issues, go see Jr. at San Jose Generator and Starter. He will take care of your issues!! Mr. Redmond Very satisfied customer read more

Very great customer service and affordable prices, highly recommend if you're not looking into spending lots of cash on a new alternator or starter. Labor was very quick as well. Will definitely come back for future repairs. Dionne and his father Horacio were really helpful read more

After a nightmare trying to find a replacement starter for our 1976 Alfa Romeo, you guys got it back on the road and the starter sound like music to my ears. Thank you so much. My go to starter shop from now on. read more

Best prices in San Jose. Great service and very friendly. They had my car ready in a day even tho they seemed pretty full. Will definitely recommend this place to anyone that had little knowledge about cars they will explain the problem your car is having and made me feel like a regular even though that was my very first time in there. Ask for Dionne read more

These guys are great. Took care of me in one day had me up m running and back to work fast. Thanks soo much to the guys who helped me. Business as usual now. Scott, Scooters Carpet Cleaning read more

Been coming here for years Rod can build a custom. Alternator for any ride fast and he knows his stuff if it's getting a starter fixed replaced check hes the man great pricing and has been around for many years read more

See all

Dionne was very knowledgeable and helpful. Great place to do business. Highly recommended. Rick LeGrande read more

This place is GREAT! Rod will take care of all your Starter and Alternator needs. Has GREAT pricing and is quick. I brought him a starter here the 1st time. I have a REALLY RARE car from England which is IMPOSSIBLE to find parts for. My starter took a crap on me and I couldn't even order a new one. But he was able to fix/rebuild it for me SAME day at a GREAT price and LOWEST around. Went back again today for my 99 Ford 7.3L Diesel Alternator. I called around for prices. Everyone ONLY had a stock replacement. I figured I would upgrade and do a HIGH OUTPUT upgrade alternator. Guess what he was able to get it for me couple hours later when nobody else could get them at all. Price for this rebuilt High Output was still cheaper than an OEM Stock Output Motorcraft Rebuilt one. Of course I would go with the High Output. -Cesar from Nor Cal Auto Stylez read more

Support local businesses....we often pay lip service to this phrase, but this is an example of a local shop offering superior products and service for no more....and sometimes less money, than auto parts stores....even those online. San Jose Generator & Starter is a great example of a business worth supporting. They've been around forever and offer good prices and high quality automotive rebuilding and exchange service for generators, starters and alternators. read more

Definitely the spot for a rebuild or new alternator, got my 04 Honda serviced here for a alternator rebuild and was ready within the scheduled time. Will definitely come back for any maintenance/services read more

Imagine if you will driving down the street and that battery light on your dashboard pops on. You start sweating like Donald Trump at a quinceanera! You're low on funds and don't know shit about alternators. Well luckily for me I found San Jose generator and starter! Friendly, knowledgeable, incredibly fair priced. Oh they are faster than Donald Trump in the bedroom. I highly recommend these guys and would absolutely use them again. You should too...unless you like making bad decisions...like Donald Trump. I know what you're saying "Sergio you really hate Donald Trump!" And I do but I also like great service and saving money and the good people at San Jose Generator and Starter do all that! So if you got issues being the most electrifying person you can be or starting up just isn't the business then you know where you need to go. You'll be glad you did. I sure was. read more

Showed up today to have them test my alternator. told me it was bad. I asked them if they had any rebuilt ones in stock unfortunately they didn't. Told me they could rebuild mine if I bring it the next morning but I couldn't since I only have one car. Offered me some tools to take it out in the parking lot if I wanted to. So I did, took it out had them rebuild it and put it back. All this in about a hour or so. Awesome people fast service highly recommend read more

These guys are great! I took an old alternator in to have the amps beefed up. They hooked up my old 3 wire in to a 1 wire on my old 1963 housing. They are very friendly and honest. Will gladly bring my business here again! read more

Thanks San Jose Generator & Starter for always fixing my alternator and starter problems whenever I need a car to be looked at. Turn around time is pretty quick. All my experiences here have been easy and fast! read more

Stumbled upon this old school shop looking for starter parts for a 1920 Stephens Salient Six. Left the starter, telling them no hurry. Three days later, it's done?! Wow! High quality rebuild, fast and friendly service, a rare find in this big business world. Highly recommend! read more

The only place I will go to work on my starters. I own a business next door and always send my customers to Rod. Amazing and honest service! read more

I took my starter to be rebuilt and was pleased that they had completed the job in 1 day. They told me they closed at 4:30 and I arrived at 4:25 to pick it up but they were closed. I've called repeatedly over the last two weeks and get no response. Not sure why they won't return my calls to tell me when I can pick it up. I give them only one star because I can't go lower. read more

Great place for starters and alternators/generators. If you have a need for a higher output charging system they have the know how.

It's a great family owned shop. Guy is one of the most genuine and kind person you'll get to work with. My alternator was just a few months shy of warranty, and he didn't have to fix it at all. But he fixed it anyway! And I can't begin to tell you how it saved my life. Really down to earth brotherly type. The one who will not bullshit you and who might even make you laugh. Thank you, Guy! read more

Super helpful staff - very knowledgeable and down to earth. Good advice and not at all pushy or up-selling