Auto Electricians
1 business you can compare and book online.
Auto electricians diagnose and repair vehicle electrical systems: batteries, alternators, starter motors, wiring faults, ECU and sensor issues, plus accessory fitting such as dual battery setups, dash cams, driving lights, tow bar wiring and caravan plugs. People book them when a car will not start, warning lights appear, or before fitting out a 4WD or caravan for touring.
On OneBookPlus you can compare local auto electricians, read reviews from other drivers, and see who offers mobile service before you book. Booking online takes a minute, you get instant confirmation, and you can describe the fault up front so the right parts and tools arrive with the tradie.
How to choose a good Auto Electrician
- Check they hold a motor vehicle repairer licence where your state requires one (NSW and WA do).
- For air conditioning work, confirm they hold an ARCtick refrigerant handling licence, which is mandatory nationally.
- Ask whether they have current diagnostic scan tools for your vehicle's make, especially European models.
- Read reviews that mention fault-finding, not just battery swaps: good diagnosis is what separates auto electricians.
- Get a written quote covering diagnosis time, parts and labour before authorising any repairs.
- Confirm warranty on parts and workmanship, ideally 12 months or more, in writing.
Questions to ask before you book
- Do you charge a diagnostic fee, and does it come off the repair cost if I proceed?
- Can you come to me, and what is the mobile call-out fee for my suburb?
- Are you ARCtick licensed for air conditioning work, if that is part of the job?
- What warranty do you give on the alternator, battery or wiring work you are quoting?
- Have you worked on my make and model before, and can you code new modules if needed?
What does a auto electrician cost in Australia?
Labour typically runs $100 to $160 an hour, with electrical diagnosis often quoted as a fixed first hour of $120 to $200. Mobile call-outs add roughly $60 to $120 depending on distance. Common jobs: alternator replacement $400 to $900, starter motor $350 to $800, dual battery system install $800 to $2,000, air con regas $120 to $250. European vehicles and hard-to-trace wiring faults cost more. Quotes should include GST.
Frequently asked questions
Does an auto electrician need an electrician's licence in Australia?
No. Vehicle electrical work is generally exempt from state electrical licensing, which covers fixed wiring in buildings. However, NSW and WA require a motor vehicle repairer licence for paid vehicle repair work, and anyone opening an air conditioning refrigerant circuit must hold a national ARCtick licence.
Can an auto electrician fix my car's air conditioning?
Many can, provided they hold an ARCtick refrigerant handling licence, a legal requirement across Australia for regassing or repairing refrigerant systems. Ask before booking. A regas typically costs $120 to $250; leaking hoses, compressors or condensers are quoted separately after inspection.
Why won't my car start: battery, alternator or starter motor?
Rapid clicking with dim dash lights usually points to a flat battery or poor connections; a battery that keeps going flat suggests the alternator is not charging or something drains it overnight; a single clunk with strong lights often means the starter motor. An auto electrician can test all three in one visit.
Is it worth paying for a mobile auto electrician?
Usually, because a car that will not start cannot get to a workshop, and mobile diagnosis avoids a towing fee of $150 to $400. Mobile call-outs generally add $60 to $120. Bigger jobs like rewiring or dual battery installs may still need workshop time.
Will aftermarket accessories void my new-car warranty?
Not automatically. Under Australian Consumer Law, a manufacturer can only refuse a warranty claim if the accessory or its installation actually caused the fault. Using a competent auto electrician who installs to standard and supplies a detailed invoice protects you if a dispute ever arises.
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