A diagnostic test saves you money by pointing us to the exact problem in your automobile. Your vehicle has an extensive computer system that runs well your vehicle is running. This system is designed to detect problems and fix them if it can. Any problem has an associated error code. Let’s talk more about this below.
Engine Control Unit
Let’s start with the heart of the computer system, the engine control unit. This is the main computer chip and some people also call it the engine control module. This chip receives a constant data stream from the sensors located throughout your vehicle that provide it with critical information.
This information is either to report that everything is running as it should be or that there’s a problem. An example of this communication at work is when you first start your automobile. All of the dashboard warning lights turn on and then turn off one by one. The unit turns off the lights once it receives the all systems go from the system sensors.
System Sensors
The system sensors are constantly monitoring all of your vehicle’s systems. This includes things such as the exhaust system, the brake system, and the cooling system. When something goes wrong, as we mentioned above, the sensor reports an error code specific to an exact problem. For example, if your oxygen sensor has died, there is a specific code for this problem.
Once the engine control unit receives the code, it will make an effort to solve the problem. In some cases, such as low fuel in the combustion chamber, it can solve the problem. In the case of the oxygen sensor, it cannot because it cannot replace it. As such, it will turn on a dashboard warning light to let you know you need to bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop.
Diagnostic Test
In keeping with the oxygen sensor example, let’s assume that you have brought your automobile to us because the check engine light is on. We will run a quick diagnostic test and it will return the error code that says the oxygen sensor is dead. We know right away that we need to replace the oxygen sensor to solve the problem.
This cuts down significantly on our diagnosing time and repair time. We can pull out the old oxygen sensor and install a new one quickly to get you back on the road. This saves you money on your repair bill. Call us today if you have an illuminated dashboard warning light.
