VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS
- Automotive Service & Repair
- Vehicle Diagnostics
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1620 E St Hwy 121 Business, Bld B Ste 500A, Lewisville, TX 75056
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Check Engine Light Vehicle Diagnostics Explained
We are going to break down the check engine light vehicle diagnostics and walk you through exactly what that means. When you Google “car diagnostic near me”, you will get a list of repair shops and auto parts stores that can run a “diagnostic scan” on your vehicle’s computer. But what does that mean, and where does that get you?
Simply put, check engine light diagnostics give you a report of what the vehicle thinks is wrong with itself. Since 1996, every model sold in the US has been equipped with an OBD-II system. This is a vastly complicated system and it’s only getting more intense, and that’s a good thing for us.
What you should know about these systems is that they are constantly running car diagnostic tests on your vehicle. Those tests start the second after the vehicle is turned on and often run when the key is inserted into the ignition.
The moment a sensor or an “input” shows a reading outside of what the car’s computer thinks is normal, it will trigger a code. These codes can be pulled from the car’s computer with an automotive scan tool.
At JP Auto & Fleet Services, we also offer professional oil change services to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently. Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining the health and longevity of your vehicle’s engine.
Keep in mind, that just because a code points to a particular component doesn’t mean the component is bad. It takes an experienced automotive technician to definitively pinpoint and diagnose the cause of a check engine light, resolve it, and verify the repair.
Car Diagnostic Test
When you bring your car to the experienced professionals at JP Auto & Fleet Services, that is exactly what you get. A definitive answer to what the problem is, along with a fair-priced solution to fix it.
Not all diagnostic codes set by the car’s computer will trigger a warning light on your dashboard. Scanning a vehicle without a check engine light on may still give you a code if there is one saved.
There are also many issues that will not set a code at all. For these problems, there are physical diagnostic procedures to follow. In these cases, technicians must rely on their many years of knowledge and experience to further troubleshoot the problem.
Tune Up vs. Car Diagnostics
Anytime an issue with your vehicle arises, there are certain procedures that the technicians at JP Auto & Fleet Services will go through to diagnose the problem. This procedure will vary depending on the system or component that is experiencing the issue.
Check engine light diagnostics differ from your regular vehicle tune-up. Diagnostics are geared towards finding a specific problem and solving it. A tune-up is geared towards providing normal scheduled maintenance to keep your vehicle running optimally and to avoid any future issues.
With that said, many times a tune-up can fix certain check engine light problems.
What Is An Engine Tune Up?
An engine tune up often focuses on your fuel and air intake systems in order to keep up your engine’s performance. This may include spark plug and wire replacements, distributor cap and rotor replacement (if applicable), cleaning the air intake, and cleaning the fuel injection system. While there may be similarities between a tune up and diagnosing a problem, generally diagnostics only focus on a particular symptom or set of warning signs.
Physical Car Diagnostics
While electrical vehicle diagnostic systems are becoming more encompassing. There are a lot of systems and parts that are not monitored by any kind of sensor.
These often include suspension and steering components, windows and doors, powered seats, and similar features. This is when having a trained automotive technician is best.
A trained eye can spot the issues right away, saving you time and money on lengthy car diagnostics. JP Auto & Fleet Services will typically credit you the cost of those auto diagnostics if you choose to have us do the repairs.
Vehicle Diagnostics And Knowing When to Ask for Help
An issue with a sensor that is easy to get to and replace can be repaired in the parking lot of an automotive parts store. However, for everything else, chances are you are going to need a few more tools and a little more knowledge.
There are some procedures that are best done right the first time, particularly when it comes to a safety system or suspension component. If your vehicle diagnostics have gotten above your head as well as above the automotive parts store’s pay grade, seek help from your local automotive repair experts at JP Auto & Fleet Services.
We’re standing by to help with your car diagnostics, automotive repairs, and your regularly scheduled engine tune-ups. We’re located in Lewisville TX, and serve DFW and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does vehicle diagnostics help identify problems with my vehicle?
Vehicle diagnostics allows us to access the onboard computer systems of your vehicle. This is essential to retrieve error codes and data related to engine performance, emissions, and other critical functions. The information we get helps us pinpoint the root cause of any issues your vehicle may be experiencing.
When should I consider having my vehicle diagnosed?
You should consider having your vehicle diagnosed if you notice any warning lights on your dashboard. Additionally, if you experience unusual noises or vibrations or if your vehicle is exhibiting abnormal behavior such as rough idling, poor fuel efficiency, or difficulty starting.
What types of issues can vehicle diagnostics help identify?
Vehicle diagnostics can help identify a variety of issues. Those include engine misfires, sensor malfunctions, transmission problems, emissions issues, electrical system faults, and more. It provides valuable insights into the health and performance of your vehicle’s onboard systems.
How long does a vehicle diagnostics service typically take?
The duration of a vehicle diagnostics service can vary depending on the complexity of the issue. Plus the extent of diagnostic testing required. In most cases, diagnostics can be completed within an hour. But more complex issues may take longer to diagnose.
Do you provide a detailed report of the diagnostic findings?
Yes, we provide a detailed report of the diagnostic findings. We will let you know if there are any error codes retrieved from the vehicle’s onboard computer systems. Plus, we will make recommendations for repair or further diagnostic testing.
Can you perform diagnostics on intermittent or hard-to-reproduce issues?
Yes, our technicians are skilled at diagnosing intermittent or hard-to-reproduce issues. We use specialized diagnostic techniques and equipment. We also use a combination of experience, knowledge, and advanced tools to identify and resolve these challenging issues.
Do you offer estimates for repairs based on diagnostic findings?
Yes, once we’ve completed the diagnostic process and identified the underlying issue/s with your vehicle, we will provide you with a detailed estimate for the necessary repairs. This estimate includes the cost of parts, labor, and any additional diagnostic testing required.