Do you not know what the technician says about the electronic system on your vehicle?
Time to find out….
So let talk about some general features of the electronic systems, so here’s some items you might come across;
The Garage says:
“We need to run a diagnostic check”
What do they mean?
We need to connect your car’s engine management system to a computer which can read the information, so they can identify the source of any problems.
What should you be aware of?
Modern cars have incredibly complicated electronics systems that manage a variety of different aspects of the car’s performance and function. Not all garages have the equipment, we have a number of these computers called ‘diagnostic equipment’ so that we can aim to cover a vast array of vehicle models. Although like most independent garages we are subject to the freedom of information that the manufacturer’s release, please see Block Exemption Regulation for more info.
We are aware that some garages like to read the fault code, and simply change & replace parts until the problem is fixed. This is an expensive solution for you and unnecessary process, which is why after reading a fault code we use it as a guide to do further diagnostics to prove what is at fault. We will be honest with our customers when diagnosing your vehicle, so that you are clear with our process. Please always feel free to ask us to go into more depth or explain it a different way, we want you to know why we feel a part or repair needs to be done.
The Garage says:
“The EML light is on”
What do they mean?
‘EML’ stands for Engine Management Light. This is a warning light that appears on the dashboard to let you know about possible major problem with the engine or with another on board system.
What should you be aware of?
The engine management light can come on for a number of reasons so you need to take your car to a garage with diagnostic equipment which can connect to the engine management system. Only a garage with these tools will be able to help diagnose the problem and reset the light.
The Garage says:
“There is a fault code”
What do they mean?
A fault code is a code generated by the vehicle electronic system when it detects a fault or issue.
What should you be aware of?
Some fault codes can be misleading, for example they can say a sensor is at fault, but actually the sensor is reading a fault with another co
The Garage says:
“We need to access the ‘CAN-bus’ system”
What do they mean?
This is another name for the electronic system that allows the vehicle’s engine management computer to ‘talk’ to different sections of the vehicle.
What should you be aware of?
If a technician is using diagnostic software, they can have access to the ‘CAN-bus’ so they can identify and fix specific problems. We have been aware of some garages that our customers have been to before us, if they don’t have he right equipment/training or are dishonest, then they may disregard this information and simply change parts until the problem is fixed. This can lead to an expensive process!
The Garage says:
“You need a tune up”
What do they mean?
The engine is producing less power than it should and is not responding correctly when you accelerate.
What should you be aware of?
Most of the tasks that we generally think of under the heading of ‘tune up’ are now handled electronically using the engine management system, an electronic brain or small computer that controls the engine. Another option we have available now is the Flashmap or re-mapping.
The Garage says:
“Your service light is on”
What do they mean?
Many modern cars tell you when a service is due by lighting up a warning on the dashboard.
What should you be aware of?
Never ignore this light! Regular servicing increases the efficiency of your car and means it will last longer. Keeping to a servicing schedule is usually a major condition of any warranty you may have on your vehicle or its parts.
