Car Diagnostic Test at Smile Servicing & Repairs
All modern cars now have a computer system that checks the engine, brakes and almost every mechanical part on the car. Therefore, this computer system is constantly updating information from the different sensors in the engine. Adjusting these as needed, will help the car to always run smoothly with no problems. Hence, this computer system also controls the engine management light on the dashboard. So, when there is a problem the computer cannot fix itself, it triggers the light so a garage can then identify and solve the problem. A code is produced by the system to helps identify the problem. The onboard diagnostics system, which all cars have, stores all the faults. This system allows for a garage to use a scanning tool to identify the problem on nearly all makes of cars. Bring your vehicle into our garage for a full car diagnostic test.
Inserting a scanner into the computer’s connector, usually located under the dashboard or behind the glovebox, is the initial step in carrying out a diagnostic test. Once the vehicle information has been inputted, the car’s model, vehicle identification number (VIN), and engine type are entered into the scanner. It can then identify the diagnostic fault code. It is this code that helps the garage to know where to look to find the problem. A car diagnostic can make finding an engine management problem much easier. As a result of this, instead of having a garage carry out a complete an engine check, a scanner can do it for them.
A diagnostic problem code is outputted when the vehicle’s computer finds a problem, this is a set of numbers and letters. These codes are read by the diagnostic scanner which is transmitted by a vehicle’s on-board diagnostics (OBD) system. Nearly all vehicles made after 1996 comes equipped with an OBD computer. So, vehicles are capable of relaying thousands of diagnostic trouble codes to any garage with the equipment to read them.
Why is Car Diagnostics useful?
The car diagnostic can tell you a lot about how the vehicle is or has been performing. For instance, ignition timing issues, fuel injector performance, whether the ignition coils are firing, engine RPM levels, air and coolant temperature, crankshaft and camshaft position, air bags and the throttle opening. Each data point is logged by the computer to reveal what needs to be corrected. The technician uses this code to look in a specific area for the problem. Specialist diagnostic equipment can read hundreds of potential error codes. A warning light may display on the dashboard alerting you to a problem. Diagnostic checks can help to understand the full extent and cause of the problem.
The potential causes for a warning light can range from improperly tightening your gas cap to engine, transmission or braking system performance issues. Even if the car still appears to be driving “fine”, ignoring dashboard lights can lead to serious issues. It can possibly lead to engine damage or other component failures. In some cases, this can be a safety hazard.
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At Smile Servicing and Repairs, we have the tools, training, and technology. We can handle any diagnostic issues for everything from a check engine light to an ABS warning light. Smile Servicing and Repairs are able to undertake professional diagnostic testing for cars, vans and other vehicles.