Diagnostics · Cheetham Hill, Manchester
Car diagnostics in Cheetham Hill.
Warning light on, or something just doesn't feel right? We read the fault codes and trace the problem properly before quoting, so the repair you pay for is the one your car needs.
- £40for a one-hour diagnostic check
- Quote firstno repair work until you've agreed the price
- MOT failif the engine, ABS or airbag light is on at your test
Warning lights, explained
Most dashboard lights follow a simple rule. Red means stop as soon as it's safe: it usually points to something that could cause damage or affect safety. Amber means the car needs checking soon.
- Engine management
- A fault in the engine or emissions system. If it's flashing, ease off and get it looked at straight away.
- ABS
- The anti-lock brakes have a fault. Your normal brakes should still work, but the ABS may not.
- Airbag
- The airbag or seatbelt pre-tensioner system has a fault, so it may not work in a crash.
- DPF (diesels)
- The diesel particulate filter is getting blocked, often from lots of short journeys.
- Battery
- The battery isn't being charged, often because of the alternator or its belt. The car runs until the battery goes flat.
- Brakes
- If it isn't the handbrake, it can mean low brake fluid or a fault in the system. Get it checked before driving on.
- Oil pressure
- Stop as soon as it's safe and switch off the engine. Low oil pressure can wreck an engine quickly.
- Engine temperature
- The engine is overheating. Stop when it's safe and let it cool before checking anything.
How we find the fault
A fault code points to a system, not always to the part that's failed. A misfire code, for example, could be a spark plug, a coil pack or an injector. So we read the codes, look at what the car's sensors are reporting and test the likely parts, and the repair we quote is the one that fixes it.
If an intermittent fault needs longer to track down, we'll tell you before going any further.
Warning lights and your MOT
A lit engine management, ABS or airbag light is a major fault, which means an MOT fail. Have it diagnosed before your MOT and you'll save a fail and a retest. If the fault needs fixing, we'll quote for the repair first.
BookOnline in under a minute
Book diagnostics.
Pick a drop-off time, and tell us about the warning light or fault in the notes.
Online booking needs JavaScript. Call us on 0161 832 9994 and we'll book you in.
FAQDiagnostics questions
Questions, answered.
How much does diagnostics cost?
£40 for a one-hour diagnostic check. If the fault needs fixing, we'll quote for the repair before doing any work.
Can I keep driving with the engine management light on?
A steady light means get the car checked soon. If it's flashing, or the car has lost power, stop driving as soon as it's safe: carrying on can damage the engine or the catalytic converter.
Do you just plug it in and read the code?
Reading the code is only the start. It tells us which system has a problem; we then check and test the parts involved before recommending a repair.
How long does a diagnostic check take?
We book an hour for diagnostics. If an intermittent fault needs longer, we'll explain what's involved before going further.
Will a warning light fail my MOT?
Often, yes. A lit engine management, ABS or airbag light is a major fault, which means a fail. A brake fluid warning light is only a minor fault, so the car can still pass.
Can you just clear the warning light?
We can clear the fault codes once the problem is fixed. Clearing them without fixing the cause only switches the light off until the fault comes back.
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