Quick answer
Look for a qualified auto electrician who does the type of work you need, holds any licence your state or the job requires (for example an ARC refrigerant licence for air conditioning), gives a clear written quote, and explains the warranty on parts and labour. Ask a few direct questions before you book and compare like with like. This site doesn’t recommend particular businesses: use the checklist below to decide for yourself.
Is this a DIY job?
- Difficulty: Not applicable (this is a buying guide)
- Time: 15 to 30 minutes to make a few calls
- Tools: the checklist below, your vehicle details, notes and photos of the problem
- Skills: none
Step by step
- Work out what kind of job it is. A no-start, a flat battery, an electrical fault, an accessory install (dual battery, brake controller, lights), or air conditioning. Some auto electricians focus on diagnosis and repairs, others on 4WD and caravan fit-outs, trucks, or air conditioning. Ask whether they regularly do your type of job and your type of vehicle.
- Check qualifications. The trade qualification is the Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology. Ask whether the person working on your car is qualified, or is an apprentice working under supervision. Both are fine; you just want to know.
- Check licences that apply. – Air conditioning: anyone handling refrigerant must hold a refrigerant handling licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC). You can check a technician’s licence through the ARC website. – State repairer licensing: some states license motor vehicle repair businesses. For example, NSW requires a motor vehicle repairer licence, and WA requires repair businesses to be licensed and repairers (including auto electricians) to be certified. Rules differ between states, so check with your state’s fair trading or consumer protection office. – 240V wiring: fixed 240V wiring in a caravan, camper or vehicle is licensed electrical work. Ask whether a licensed electrician will do that part.
- Ask about equipment. For modern cars, ask whether they have diagnostic equipment for your make, and whether they can do battery registration, programming or calibration if the job needs it.
- Ask how they charge. Fixed price, hourly, or a diagnostic fee first? Is there a call-out fee for mobile work? Does the quote include GST? (see How much do auto electricians charge in Australia?)
- Ask about parts and warranty. New, reconditioned or genuine parts? How long is the warranty on parts, and on labour? What happens if the fault comes back?
- Get it in writing. Ask for a written quote or estimate, and ask them to call you before doing any extra work.
- Compare fairly. The cheapest quote isn’t always the cheapest job. Check that quotes cover the same parts, the same scope and the same warranty.
- Check what others say. Online reviews can help, but read the detail, not just the star rating. Look for how a business responded to problems.
- Keep the paperwork. Keep the quote, invoice and warranty details. If there’s a problem later, you’ll need them.
Questions to ask before you book
| Ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Do you regularly work on my type of vehicle and this type of job? | Experience shortens diagnosis time |
| Who will do the work, and are they qualified? | Qualified tradespeople or supervised apprentices |
| Do you hold an ARC refrigerant licence? (A/C jobs only) | Required by law for refrigerant work |
| Is the business licensed? (where your state requires it) | Some states license repairers |
| How do you charge for diagnosis? | Avoids surprises before the repair starts |
| Is there a call-out fee? Does the price include GST? | Lets you compare quotes fairly |
| What parts will you use, and what’s the warranty? | Parts quality and cover vary |
| Will you contact me before any extra work? | Keeps you in control of the cost |
Your rights
Under the Australian Consumer Law, services must be provided with acceptable care and skill, be fit for any purpose you made clear, and be delivered within a reasonable time if no date was agreed. These guarantees apply whoever you choose.
If you have a new car under warranty, you generally don’t have to use the dealer for every job to keep the manufacturer’s warranty, as long as the work is done by qualified people to the manufacturer’s specifications with suitable parts. Keep your invoices.
What you’ll need
Nothing to buy. Have these ready when you call:
- make, model, year and VIN
- a clear description of the problem and when it happens
- photos of warning lights or damage
When to call an auto electrician
- Electrical faults you can’t trace with simple checks, warning lights that won’t clear, or a car that won’t start.
- Accessory installs that draw high current or affect safety: dual batteries, inverters, brake controllers, winches.
- Anything involving airbags/SRS, hybrid or EV high-voltage systems, or air conditioning refrigerant. These are professional-only.
Need an auto electrician? Find local auto electricians and mobile services in your city.
Related questions
Q: Do I need an auto electrician or a mechanic? A: Auto electricians specialise in electrical systems: starting, charging, wiring, electronics and accessories. Mechanics focus on engines, brakes and suspension. Many faults overlap, and many workshops do both.
Q: Is a mobile auto electrician as good as a workshop? A: Both can be. Mobile services are convenient for batteries, no-starts and many installs. A workshop may suit complex faults that need a hoist or more equipment.
Q: How do I check an air conditioning technician’s licence? A: The Australian Refrigeration Council website has a consumer check for licence holders and authorised businesses. Ask for the licence number and check it.
Q: What if the problem comes back after the repair? A: Contact the business promptly with your invoice. Under the Australian Consumer Law, services must be done with acceptable care and skill. If you can’t resolve it, your state’s fair trading or consumer affairs office can help.
Sources
- training.gov.au, “AUR30320 Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology” (release 5) – qualification for servicing, diagnosing and repairing vehicle electrical systems. https://training.gov.au/assets/AUR/AUR30320_R5.pdf (checked October 2026)
- Australian Refrigeration Council, “Fact sheet 4: automotive air conditioning” – a refrigerant handling licence is needed to work on vehicle air conditioning; handling refrigerant without one is an offence. https://www.arctick.org/media/17421/arc5919_factsheet04_web.pdf (checked October 2026)
- Australian Business Licence and Information Service, “Motor Vehicle Repairer’s Licence – New South Wales”. https://ablis.business.gov.au/service/nsw/motor-vehicle-repairers-licence/16723 (checked October 2026)
- WA Consumer Protection, “Motor vehicle repairers licensing FAQ” – businesses licensed; repairers certified, including auto electricians. https://consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/publications/motor-vehicle-repairers-licensing-faq (checked October 2026)
- NSW Government, “Consumer guarantees” – guarantees for services under the Australian Consumer Law. https://www.nsw.gov.au/legal-and-justice/consumer-rights-and-protection/guarantees-contracts-and-warranties/consumer-guarantees (checked October 2026)
- CHOICE, “Car warranties and dealer servicing” – quotes the ACCC on servicing outside the dealer network. https://www.choice.com.au/transport/cars/servicing/articles/car-warranties-and-dealer-servicing (checked October 2026)
- HVACR News, “ARC reports surge in online licence checks” – consumers use ARC’s online licence checks and business directory. https://hvacrnews.com.au/regulations/arc-reports-surge-in-online-licence-checks (checked October 2026)