Modern vehicles use complex systems systems to manage the performance of your vehicle.
When these systems stop working correctly or a fault develops, you will usually get warning lights/symbols or messages appearing on the dash and this may or may not lead to noticeable symptoms when driving or using the vehicle. It is sensible to respond to any warning lights that come on, even if that is simply speak to your garage to ask for advice.
Usually, warning messages will store a "fault code" in your vehicles onboard computer.
"If you plug your laptop in, can you tell me what the fault is?"
Unfortunately it isn't that simple! If a vehicle has a problem we would often start by reading the engine management system, either doing a full system scan or interrogating a specific system (for example the ABS system). This would usually give you a fault code or codes, but this is simply a starting point. A fault code alone will rarely give you the solution to a problem, but this information tells you where the fault lies.
How long does it take to diagnose a fault?
Further technical information is used in conjunction with testing to try to diagnose the fault, which can be detailed or straightforward. It doesn't matter how good the garage or technician is, there isn't a definitive answer to how long a problem will take to resolve. There is often a fine balance between testing time and the cost of replacing a part. This can be complicated further by a fault being intermittent. A diagnostic check will usually start at an hour. In most cases we are able to find the problem within that time, but complex/wiring issues can take longer. We provide an initial diagnostic for a fixed price and we contact customers once this time has been taken.
If you require a diagnostic check and are in the Leominster, HR6 area then please give us a call 01568 612436 or visit our website www.oldfieldsgarage.co.uk
Oldfields Garage Services use several computer based diagnostic machines, including Bosch KTS, SnapOn Verus Edge, Launch, VAG-Com (used for VAG technical diagnostics on VW, Audi, Skoda & Seat). We also subscribe to market leading staff training, technical support and technical information from AutoData, CarWeb Autovista.
When these systems stop working correctly or a fault develops, you will usually get warning lights/symbols or messages appearing on the dash and this may or may not lead to noticeable symptoms when driving or using the vehicle. It is sensible to respond to any warning lights that come on, even if that is simply speak to your garage to ask for advice.
Usually, warning messages will store a "fault code" in your vehicles onboard computer.
"If you plug your laptop in, can you tell me what the fault is?"
Unfortunately it isn't that simple! If a vehicle has a problem we would often start by reading the engine management system, either doing a full system scan or interrogating a specific system (for example the ABS system). This would usually give you a fault code or codes, but this is simply a starting point. A fault code alone will rarely give you the solution to a problem, but this information tells you where the fault lies.
How long does it take to diagnose a fault?
Further technical information is used in conjunction with testing to try to diagnose the fault, which can be detailed or straightforward. It doesn't matter how good the garage or technician is, there isn't a definitive answer to how long a problem will take to resolve. There is often a fine balance between testing time and the cost of replacing a part. This can be complicated further by a fault being intermittent. A diagnostic check will usually start at an hour. In most cases we are able to find the problem within that time, but complex/wiring issues can take longer. We provide an initial diagnostic for a fixed price and we contact customers once this time has been taken.
If you require a diagnostic check and are in the Leominster, HR6 area then please give us a call 01568 612436 or visit our website www.oldfieldsgarage.co.uk
Oldfields Garage Services use several computer based diagnostic machines, including Bosch KTS, SnapOn Verus Edge, Launch, VAG-Com (used for VAG technical diagnostics on VW, Audi, Skoda & Seat). We also subscribe to market leading staff training, technical support and technical information from AutoData, CarWeb Autovista.
