Have a dead battery? Misfiring starter or alternator? For all of your auto electrical repair and maintenance needs, come to Chili Automotive Repair in North Chili, NY 14514. 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 Chili Automotive Repair, we have experts who can handle all your alternator needs to get you back on the road - quickly. Visit Chili Automotive Repair 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 Chili Automotive Repair in North Chili, NY. 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 Chili Automotive Repair, we have experts who can handle all your starter needs to get you back on the road - quickly. Visit Chili Automotive Repair today.
Battery Questions and Answers
Q: What are mistakes made when jumping a car?
A: 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.
Q: What should I be careful of when changing a car battery?
A: 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.
Q: How do I replace my car battery without losing car memory?
A: Use a car memory saver or other secondary power source. If you don't own a car memory saver, come to Chili Automotive Repair 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.
Q: Do I need to reprogram my car after battery replacement?
A: Your cars' complex electrical and computer systems rely on the battery. However, for a gas-powered car it is unlikely that you will need to reprogram or reset the electrical system or computer system after replacement. When you get your battery replaced at an auto repair shop, they may use a secondary power source when changing your battery to ensure that your electrical system and vital computer systems do not lose power. Reprogramming or resetting the electrical and computer systems only needs to be done if your car battery has been dead or disconnected for a long period of time. During a reset your car computers will return to the original manufacturing setting and lose any data it has collected such as information for oxygen to gas ratios during shifting.
Q: Why is my engine stalling after replacing my car battery?
A: 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 Questions and Answers
Q: How do I unlock my steering wheel?
A: 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.
Q: How do I change my keyless entry remote battery?
A: This should work for most remotes:
- Remove the metal blade key from the remote.
- Use a standard (flat head) screwdriver to gently pry open the fob
- Remove the battery. It is usually a small round lithium watch battery.
- Insert a new battery
- Snap the key fob back together
- Insert the metal blade key into the fob.
Q: Why won't my car start?
A: 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 Chili Automotive Repair a call at 585-594-4444. 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
Lights Questions and Answers
Q: What are the 3 situations where headlights are required?
A: 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.
Q: Do parking lights and turn signals use the same bulb?
A: 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.
Discover More About Electrical Repair Services At Chili Automotive Repair in North Chili
Auto Electronics Repair
What People Say About Us
These guys were awesome! We live in Buffalo but were visiting family in Rochester. On our way home we noticed our tire was going flat. By luck we pulled in here, to inspect our car and get off the road. They were closed but by chance a gentleman was doing inventory or some extra work. He came out to see if we needed any help. He got on the cold snow covered ground and went to work locating the hole. He quickly determined he could patch the tire for us and did so. He could have stayed inside we would have never known he was there. We knew the facility was closed, we just pulled in to get off the road. This good Samaritan came to our rescue and boy was it cold outside. Thanks for your help!!! We would have been stranded forever because we didn't have a spare tire. You guys are the best.
Chili Automotive is fantastic!!! They go ABOVE AND BEYOND! Multiple people there have! I trust them with all my cars needs. I have Mercedes and the dealer said what I needed done. Chili Automotive took a look at the recommendation and could specifically say why they thought it wasn't needed at this time. They noticed a tire that they put on was different the next time I came in and asked me if I changed it and I told them no asked me if someone else had driven my car and I said no until I realize I was at a hotel and then valet kept the car in a parking garage for three days. He actually called two places and gave me the number of a third for the type of tire that was sold in Ohio. As a single mom, I didn't have a ride home. The owner drove me home so again they go above and beyond.
I had been looking for a local auto repair shop for a while. Didn't really take too much notice of Chili Auto as I drove by them on a daily basis until they did a major overhaul on the exterior of their shop. Went home and got online and liked the reviews and decided to try them. Took my car in for a brake job and was impressed with the information shared by Mark prior to my appointment. Had my brakes replaced in February and have to say that it was the best mechanical work I have ever received. The brakes work flawlessly - very smooth and the adjustments are perfect. I would definitely refer them to family and friends. Now scheduled for a tune up and a little bit of transmission work. 5 Star service and quality of work.
To Mark & Crew,
Thank you so much for immediately taking care of a problem with my car. My car had been shifting strangely for about a week. My husband checked the transmission fluid level and it didn't even register! He told me to pick up a couple bottles of transmission fluid but then found out Toyotas take special transmission fluid.
So naturally a trip to Chili Automotive was next. They put some transmission fluid in but it wasn't filling. Mark wanted to put it on the lift and the problem was that the transmission line was leaking badly! He said I couldn't drive it and asked if I had anything planned that afternoon. They fixed it right away! I didn't even have an appointment!
I am so grateful to you and your crew! Thank you!
I have had my cars & trucks serviced by Mark Walsh for 25 years. He is a man of integrity & automotive expertise. Now my sons, as well, bring their vehicles to Mark. This is a second generation of happy cusatomers.

It is important to me to have reliable and trustworthy automotive repair service as I tend to drive my cars for several years rather than buy new ones every 3-4 years. I came to Chili Automotive Repair approximately two years ago and have been very satisfied. There are three things I look for in an automotive repair facility: people, place, and performance.
People
I want to work with people who are competent and people I can trust. The staff and personnel at Chili Automotive Repair meet this test completely. They are extremely courteous and knowledgeable. They also tell me, in language I can understand, what the problem is and what needs to be done to correct it. They let me know what potential problems might be coming in the future and how to avoid them. They provide sound long-term maintenance strategies. They are also very flexible and accommodating. One time I had a battery that was just about to expire in minutes. I quickly drove to Chili Automotive Repair thinking I would have to leave the car all night as it was about closing time. However, they took me in and fixed the problem (installed a new battery) right on the spot.
Place
This seems like a small thing but it is actually very important. The Waiting Room of any business speaks volumes about the attitude of ownership toward its customers. Chili Automotive is no exception. The Waiting Room is comfortable and clean. Its condition and appearance plus its amenities (coffee, water cooler, and rest room) tell me that my comfort is important to Chili Automotive Repair. I appreciate that.
Performance
When repairs are performed on my cars I expect the problem(s) to be remedied so that my car is safe and ready to go and that the problem(s) will not re-occur. Chili Automotive Repair consistently achieves this standard. Owner Mark Walsh and staff adeptly diagnose the problem, propose the best solution, and deliver the repairs that were promised. They do this in a friendly and professional way.
I would recommend Chili Automotive Repair to any of my friends.