Basic Vehicle Diagnostic
A basic vehicle diagnostic test will allow a technician to determine if your vehicle has any issues with its engine, transmission, exhaust, oil tank, temperatures and ignition amongst other important aspects.
You should always ensure that your car diagnostic test is carried out in a repair or dealer garage, by a mechanic. It is possible to carry out a vehicle diagnostic yourself, at home, providing you have the correct equipment.
HOW DO I RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON MY CAR?
Plug your car code reader into the diagnostic link connector under the dash (engine off). Then start the vehicle and follow the auto code reading procedure in the instruction manual. Nothing can knock your day off track faster than a “Check Engine” light popping up on your dash.
You must first switch off the engine. Then plug your vehicle code reader into the diagnostic link connector under the dashboard. Start your vehicle, then follow the auto code reading process in the instruction manual.
WHEN DO I NEED A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK ON MY VEHICLE?
You should run a diagnostic test on your vehicle if you see the “Check Engine” light appear on your dash / display. This is usually a yellow light/symbol, displaying the engine icon.
HOW MUCH IS A DIAGNOSTIC TEST?
A basic diagnostic test will cost between £40 to £50 for most cars. Diagnostic testing of prestige vehicles and high-performance cars can cost upwards of £70.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DO A VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC TEST?
On average, a car or vehicle diagnostics test can be completed within around 60 minutes. If the results of the diagnostic show that further work is required, this will usually result in extra time and cost being added to the job.
CAN I GET A FREE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DIAGNOSTIC?
Most auto parts stores and garages will have an OBD-II scanner on hand to check the OBD-II PID service codes and will do it for free. This will determine if there is a fault that needs fixing.
WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON REASON FOR CHECK-ENGINE LIGHT?
Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor — a sensor used to optimize a vehicle's fuel-to-air mixture to increase gas mileage and reduce emissions — is the most common cause for a check engine light. With over 400,000 repairs nationwide, oxygen sensor replacements account for 8% of all check engine light repairs.
The most common reason: Replacement of a faulty oxygen sensor. This sensor is used to optimise your vehicle’s fuel-to-air ratio, which helps increase fuel mileage range as well as reducing the car’s emissions. There may be a whole host of other causes, but oxygen sensor replacements account for a minimum of 8% of all “check engine light” repairs.