VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS
Over the last few decades, vehicle systems have become more sophisticated. Diagnosing these systems can be a challenge; however, our technicians have years of training and experience, as well as access to the latest tools required to diagnose even the most stubborn issues with your vehicle.
Diagnosing your vehicle is similar to visiting your family doctor when you aren't feeling well. Whether you have symptoms or not, tests need to be performed in order to determine the cause of your illness.
Whether your vehicle is running rough, or has triggered a warning light with no apparent symptoms, diagnostics are required to determine the cause. Depending on the condition, there are 3 levels of diagnostics based on the symptoms you are experiencing, and the intermittency of these symptoms.
LEVEL 1 DIAGNOSTIC:
The Level 1 Diagnostic begins with a complete system scan & review of faults/data triggered by the condition, as well as one or more of the following:
- Road test the vehicle, monitor live data & try to replicate the condition.
- Research manufacturer Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & recalls to determine if any articles might be related to the condition.
- Verify the vehicle's current software version to determine if a software update may resolve the condition.
- Perform initial function tests of components related to the concern to verify their proper operation and/or check fuses & relays.
At this point, we will have a thorough understanding of the issue and will either:
- a) be able to provide an estimate for the repair, or...
- b) the vehicle is experiencing a more complex issue & a Level 2 Diagnostic is required.
LEVEL 2 DIAGNOSTIC:
The Level 2 Diagnostic includes everything in Level 1, as well as additional labor required to run further tests due to the complexity of the condition. The vehicle may also be experiencing issues from multiple systems, which can become more challenging. A Level 2 Diagnostic may include the following:
- Research & study vehicle wiring diagrams to the related system(s).
- Perform additional testing in order to eliminate suspect components/systems.
- Perform extended road testing to replicate an intermittent issue or obtain additional sensor data at specific load conditions.
- Further disassembly of of the vehicle to access components/wiring/connectors for testing.
- Connecting an oscilloscope to monitor sensor/module signals directly.
- Contacting technical support for further information, download & submit vehicle logs for analysis, or perform remote testing.
If these additional tests have failed to provide a resolution, a Level 3 Diagnostic may be required.
LEVEL 3 DIAGNOSTIC:
The Level 3 Diagnostic is not a common occurrence. This is reserved for the following situations:
- Significant additional labor is required to perform the testing during the Level 2 Diagnostic.
- The condition is very intermittent or difficult to replicate.
- The vehicle has been subjected to interior water intrusion or severe rodent damage to wiring or other components.
- The vehicle has been delivered to us by another repair facility in a partially disassembled state or, visited numerous other facilities who were unsuccessful in diagnosing the vehicle. This would indicate that we have an extremely odd or rare condition.
If you are experiencing an issue with your vehicle, no matter how insignificant it may seem, proper diagnosis could save you a lot of money. If you would like to speak with our staff regarding your vehicle, contact us at (604)853-7333. Our professionals will help get you back on the road safely!