A car diagnostic test is a digital analysis of your car's computer systems and components. Modern vehicles are more digitized than ever before. Vehicle-specific software works whenever your car's engine is powered on to monitor various features and create data reports. This data is collected and analyzed during a car diagnostic test.

Car diagnostics tests scan your vehicle's components and systems to check for issues such as the engine, transmission, oil tank, throttle, brakes, and many more. Car diagnostics require specific devices and expertise to read correctly. Therefore, it's best carried out by an ASE-certified mobile mechanic from Goodhood.

A car diagnostic test can take between an hour and an hour and a half. However, in some scenarios, this service can take between 2-3 hours. Here are some of there are more complicated issues that require further diagnosis.

Of course, more complicated issues that require further diagnosis and where components must be removed for access or testing can take 2-3 hours; depending on the severity of the issue or multiple underlying issues.

A check engine light could be a minor issue, such as a faulty gas cap. However, it could mean something more serious, such as a misfiring engine. In the majority of cases, you will need to call a mobile mechanic to run an engine diagnostic test to identify and then recommend the next steps.

This is one of the most common questions our customers ask us. There are many reasons why your car might not be starting, these include:

• A dead battery - This is the most common reason why your car won't start. It can die for a number of reasons including headlights being left on, a loose wire in the battery, or a depleted battery life.

• Faulty starter - if you here a clicking noise when you turn your ignition, this may be an indication that your starter is faulty.

• Broken ignition switch - If you know your battery is working properly, but your car doesn’t turn over on the first few tries, it's likely you have a defective ignition switch.

• Empty gas tank - It happens more than you think! You may simply have an empty tank. Be sure to check this before you call a mobile mechanic for a repair or diagnostic.

If your car won't start, you will require a car diagnostic test and/or a vehicle repair. And, if you're worried about going your broken down car to an auto shop or dealer shops, don't sweat - we'll come to you!

We recommend getting a diagnostic check for your car at least once a year. This will help you uncover minor problems with your car's health that can't be seen or heard. In other words, issues that won't trigger the engine light or any fault codes. A car diagnostic should not be a last minute resort, it should be seen as preventative car maintenance.

Car diagnostic tests can identify issues with major components within your car's engine, transmission, brakes, and other major components. Moreover, it will also shine a light on performance issues, including airflow and coolant, ignition coils, and your throttle (to name a few).

That being said, a simple diagnostic test will not determine the exact problem. The code-reading tools used by technicians will simply remove the engine or component parameters that are out of range. However, it will not detail the cause of the problems. This is where expertise comes into play. Our ASE- certified mobile mechanics use their experience and vehicle knowledge to help diagnose that underlying problem, and, then recommend the next steps.

The test begins as the scanner examines the check engine light code. Your car’s computer produces a code alongside the warning light that can indicate the source of a potential issue.

Our technicans then plug a diagnostic scanner into your vehicle to read these trouble codes and translate them into actionable information.

After that, mechanics carry out investigative work to see where and what the problem might be. They may use the error codes mentioned above to narrow down their search area. For instance, the check engine light code might indicate there’s a problem with the exhaust, so the exhaust will be the first area our mobile mechanic will check.

Following this, our technicians may recommend a follow up repair or services - depending on what they find. After the repair, the test may be repeated to ensure no more error codes are showing and the repair or repairs were successful.

We offer a 24 month/24,000 mi warranty on every service we offer - including car diagnostics!