Computer Diagnostics and Fault Scanning
Computer diagnostics uses a scan tool to read what your car's control units have recorded, then tests the live readings behind those codes. It covers check engine lights, ABS and airbag warnings, sensor faults and pre-purchase scans. A code names a circuit, not a broken part, so the scan is the start of the investigation. The outcome is a written explanation of the fault and a repair quote, not the repair itself.
Computer Diagnostics we carry out
8 jobs in this area of the car. Each page says what it involves and where we can do it.
OBD-II Scanning
A scan of your car's control units to read stored, pending and permanent fault codes, with each one explained in plain language.
DoorstepWorkshopCheck Engine Light Diagnosis
Full investigation of a check engine light: codes, live data and circuit testing to identify the actual cause, not just the code.
DoorstepWorkshopWarning Light Diagnosis
Diagnosis of any dashboard warning light, engine, ABS, airbag, battery, oil or temperature, with an urgency assessment you can act on.
DoorstepWorkshopSensor Testing
Live testing of engine and vehicle sensors to prove whether a sensor, its wiring, or the condition it reports is the real fault.
DoorstepWorkshopECU Diagnostics
Testing of the engine control unit, its power supplies, earths and communication, to confirm or rule out a control unit fault.
DoorstepWorkshopABS & Airbag Module Diagnosis
Diagnosis of ABS and airbag warning lights, covering wheel speed sensors, modules, seat belt pretensioners and connector faults.
DoorstepWorkshopLive Data Analysis
Recording and interpreting live engine data on the road to find intermittent faults and drifting sensors that store no fault code.
DoorstepWorkshopPre-Purchase Computer Scan
A diagnostic scan before you buy a used car, showing stored and pending faults and whether codes were cleared just before viewing.
DoorstepWorkshop
How a job runs
Same four steps every time, whether we come to you or you come to us.
Describe the symptom
You do not need to know the cause. Tell us what you hear, feel or smell and when it happens.
We inspect it
At your location where the job allows, otherwise at a workshop with the right equipment.
You get a price
Parts and labour, itemised, before anything is taken apart. You decide whether to go ahead.
We fix it
Parts matched to your exact vehicle. The old ones come back to you if you want them.
At your door, or in the workshop?
Some of this work needs equipment that does not travel. Here is the split for this category.
We can come to you
Workshop only
Everything in this category can be done at your location.
How we work
Four things we do on every job, in every category.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Computer Diagnostics: common questions
Book a computer diagnostics job
Pick the job if you know it, or just describe the symptom. A person reads every request and calls you back.
Tell us the car and the symptom
We will arrange a mechanic at your location, or a slot at the nearest workshop. No payment until the price is agreed.