Computer Diagnostic Services

Your engine is controlled by a management computer. The computer relies on data gathered by sensors throughout the vehicle to control the engine. 

• When the computer receives input that is outside of the proper parameters it stores a trouble code in the computer and turns on the Check Engine Light. 
• The computer tries to make adjustments to get the engine operating within specifications. 
  • If it can, it turns off the light. 
  • If it cannot, the light will remain on.

Most modern vehicle computers are fairly advanced.  They have moved from just reporting errors  to self correcting.  Only when this fails, does an error get flagged.

This means that unless your vehicle has an active error code (Check Engine Light is on), there is nothing to diagnose - your vehicle is running within acceptable operational parameters as specified by the manufacturer.

A flashing Check Engine Light indicates a condition that could cause severe damage. 

• You should not drive at highway speeds or tow a trailer or haul anything heavy. 
• Bring your vehicle into our service center as soon as possible. 

A steady Check Engine Light is not urgent. You have a few days in which to get to your service center for diagnosis.

There are devices and techniques for resetting the Check Engine Light – however they do nothing to fix the underlying problem that caused the light to come on in the first place. 

Some methods for turning off the Check Engine Light will actually erase important data from the engine management computer. This has the potential to cause even further harm to your vehicle if done by someone that is not qualified in vehicle diagnostics.

It is recommended that you bring your vehicle to our qualified service technicians when your Check Engine Light is illuminated.

• The technician will connect your vehicle to our powerful diagnostic tool that will read the trouble codes stored in your engine management computer. 
• These codes provide clues for which systems are not operating within design parameters. 
• This is the start of a diagnostic process combining skill, experience and diagnostic technology and tools to get to the root of the problem and make a proper repair.

The actual diagnostic service is inexpensive.  However the underlying issue that is identified as part of the diagnostic process can have a range of costs.  Some problems may be simple and can be fixed inexpensively, others will be more expensive and time consuming.

The cheapest and easiest way to minimize the chance of a check engine error code, is to bring your vehicle in for regular preventative service, as per your Recommended Maintenance Schedule.  Speak to our Service Manager today and we can get you on your way.