Servicing & maintenance

Diagnostics

Faults with your vehicle are not always easy to spot. Your car or van may drive sluggishly or handle differently on the road, both signs that there is a problem with your vehicle. We offer an effective fault-finding service for all makes and models of vehicle. Using the latest diagnostic computerised and non-computerised technologies as well as our wealth of knowledge we will find the problem quickly on both petrol and diesel engines.
 
BS Car Services uses professional equipment for vehicle diagnostics which can read the engine fault codes in your ECU’s memory. Our fully-trained technicians can then suggest any necessary repairs to get you back on the road and rectify the error so there is no need to pay vehicle dealership prices for your diagnostics check next time a dashboard warning light appears in your vehicle.

What is a vehicle diagnostics check?

When a car warning light illuminates on your dashboard, an engine diagnostics check can help identify the problem before more serious damage occurs.

Most modern vehicles today contain an on-board computer known as an Engine Control Unit (ECU) which continually monitors the performance of the vehicle. Sensors all around the vehicle report back to the ECU if there are problems such as low fluid levels or increased engine temperature. When an issue is identified the ECU generates an error code. The relevant dashboard warning lights will then be displayed.

There are literally hundreds of potential error codes that can only be read by specialist vehicle diagnostic equipment. While a warning light may display on the dashboard alerting you to an issue, a diagnostics check is required to understand the full extent and cause of the problem.

Common Questions

Diagnostics FAQ

Why has my engine warning light come on?
The engine management light can be triggered by a wide range of issues, from a loose fuel cap to a sensor fault, a failing catalytic converter, or something more serious. The only way to know for sure is to plug in a diagnostic tool and read the fault codes.
What does a diagnostic check involve?
We connect a diagnostic scanner to your vehicle's OBD port, which reads any fault codes stored by the ECU. We then explain what the codes mean and advise on what repairs are needed. It's a quick process and gives us a clear starting point.
Does a diagnostic clear the fault, or just read it?
Reading the fault and clearing it are two separate things. We diagnose the root cause first, carry out any repairs needed, and then clear the code. Clearing the light without fixing the underlying problem just means it will come back.
My car seems fine but the warning light is still on. Do I still need a diagnostic?
Yes. Some faults don't affect how the car drives immediately but can cause damage over time or lead to an MOT failure. It's always better to know what the code is saying.
Servicing & maintenance

Diagnostics

Faults with your vehicle are not always easy to spot. Your car may drive sluggishly or handle differently on the road, both signs that there is a problem with your vehicle. We offer an effective fault-finding service for all makes and models of car. Using the latest diagnostic computerised and non-computerised technologies as well as our wealth of knowledge we will find the problem quickly on both petrol and diesel engines.
 
BS Services uses professional equipment for vehicle diagnostics which can read the engine fault codes in your ECU’s memory. Our fully-trained technicians can then suggest any necessary repairs to get you back on the road and rectify the error so there is no need to pay vehicle dealership prices for your diagnostics check next time a dashboard warning light appears in your car.

What is a vehicle diagnostics check?

When a car warning light illuminates on your dashboard, an engine diagnostics check can help identify the problem before more serious damage occurs.

Most modern vehicles today contain an on-board computer known as an Engine Control Unit (ECU) which continually monitors the performance of the vehicle. Sensors all around the vehicle report back to the ECU if there are problems such as low fluid levels or increased engine temperature. When an issue is identified the ECU generates an error code. The relevant dashboard warning lights will then be displayed.

There are literally hundreds of potential error codes that can only be read by specialist vehicle diagnostic equipment. While a warning light may display on the dashboard alerting you to an issue, a diagnostics check is required to understand the full extent and cause of the problem.

Common Questions

Diagnostics FAQ

Why has my engine warning light come on?
The engine management light can be triggered by a wide range of issues, from a loose fuel cap to a sensor fault, a failing catalytic converter, or something more serious. The only way to know for sure is to plug in a diagnostic tool and read the fault codes.
What does a diagnostic check involve?
We connect a diagnostic scanner to your vehicle's OBD port, which reads any fault codes stored by the ECU. We then explain what the codes mean and advise on what repairs are needed. It's a quick process and gives us a clear starting point.
Does a diagnostic clear the fault, or just read it?
Reading the fault and clearing it are two separate things. We diagnose the root cause first, carry out any repairs needed, and then clear the code. Clearing the light without fixing the underlying problem just means it will come back.
My car seems fine but the warning light is still on. Do I still need a diagnostic?
Yes. Some faults don't affect how the car drives immediately but can cause damage over time or lead to an MOT failure. It's always better to know what the code is saying.
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