If your check engine light comes on, you will want to bring your vehicle to a car repair shop in a timely manner. When the light comes on, the car is telling you that something is wrong, but unfortunately, it does not tell you exactly what is wrong. The first thing that an auto repair shop will recommend is running a diagnostic test. If you have never had one done before, you may wonder what it is, how it affects repairs and why it is important.
What Is a Diagnostic Test?
If there is a problem with a part in your car, such as the engine, the transmission, the exhaust system, the fuel injectors or the ignition coils, the check engine light will illuminate. Diagnostic testing involves connecting a testing device to a component in your automobile, which then returns a code. Newer automobiles feature electronic components, and the diagnostic testing device is able to read these electronic components to determine which part of your car is having an issue or needs repair.
Why Is a Diagnostic Test Important?
One of the common misconceptions related to a check engine light is that it will only come on if something is wrong with your engine. This is not true. The light can come on for a variety of parts and systems within your automobile. Before cars had electronic components that allowed for diagnostic testing, an auto repair shop would have had to spend hours or days trying to pinpoint what component was experiencing problems. Once they determined what part of the car was experiencing problems, they could do further testing to determine the exact issue. Diagnostic testing will not tell a mechanic exactly what is wrong with the car, but it can pinpoint what part of the car is experiencing issues, which allows a mechanic to find the exact issue significantly faster.
What Is Done After a Diagnostic Test is Performed?
Once a diagnostic test is done, the mechanic will know what part of your car is experiencing problems. From there, they can begin to exam and troubleshoot that particular part of your car, determining what exactly is going on and why your check engine light has come on. Once they have identified the problem, they can provide you with a quote for repairs and move forward with those repairs once you authorize them. By the time the work is complete, your check engine light will be off and your car will be good to go.
If your check engine light is on, you are in need of a car repair. An auto repair shop, such as ours at Morgan Auto Repair can run a diagnostic test on your car and determine what is going on. From there, we can complete repairs and get you back on the road. Call us today to schedule an appointment at one of the repair locations in Tracy, Manteca and Stockton, We also have a Sacramento location opening soon.