Check Engine Light Diagnostics
We often get calls from customers who have that annoying light illuminate on their dashboard that indicates some sort of failure in one or more of the multifarious car systems. It is astounding how many of these calls start with, “I took it down to the local parts store and they told me what was wrong. Can you just replace XXX part?” Oh, and by the way they did the diagnostic for free!
Clearing up the misconception about what a “diagnostic” is has become routine for us. We first have to clarify that we, too, can plug a scan tool into a customer’s vehicle and, at no charge, bring up the trouble code in the computer that is causing the light on the dash to come on. This gives us clarity into the general area where the issue is occurring, but not the answer as to why. Yes, we can roll the dice and replace the part that the auto parts store recommended, but it is a gamble, because it may not fix the problem. When it does then we can all jump in the air and shout for joy for the money that was saved. When it doesn’t the customer is out whatever cash price it was for the part and now have to front even more dinero for the testing and the part that will actually fix the problem.
The fact of the matter is, people who have diagnostic skills are a rare bunch, even at professional shops. Not throwing any shade the parts people’s way, but they even more rarely can be found working at these places. In fact, in all of my years of doing business, I’ve never come across one. A vehicle’s systems can be wildly complex and having an expensive scan tool and a vast amount of education and experience is key to solving the issue behind the warning light. Plus the number of codes that can be stored in the computer can be many hundred.
There are indeed some common codes that point to vehicle misfires and catalytic converter failures. But even when I’m interviewing new technicians for my company and asking them how they would diagnose a misfire, it is shocking how there are many things they fail to recognize as potential problems. I think most people know, in this example, that a spark plug or coil could cause a misfire code, but what about injectors, wiring for the coil or injectors or something internally failing in the engine?
I get it. We all have to save money because everything costs so much right now. But it is important that bigger issues are not created by taking a shot in the dark on these things and possibly damaging your vehicle. To that end, whether it is our shop or someone else’s, pay a little more to get the car fixed correctly!