Back to all

On Board Diagnostics for Saginaw Motorists

December 29, 2019

Some Saginaw vehicle owners wonder why Kwik Kar Saginaw and other Saginaw auto repair shops charge a fee for vehicle diagnostics.

Receiving a diagnostic charge at Kwik Kar Saginaw for a tricky automotive problem shouldn't be a surprise. In the Saginaw area, automotive diagnostics can cover quite a range. If you hear a noise in your vehicle brakes when you slow down in rush-hour traffic on a busy TX road, you pull off at the next off-ramp and take a quick visual check. That is usually enough to know what needs to be done. If you're having an intermittent problem with your vehicle engine, however, a Kwik Kar Saginaw diagnosis may be much more involved.

Much of the Saginaw driver's confusion comes when the problem involves the Check Engine light. The Check Engine light comes on when the engine management computer has sensed a problem.

There's a common misconception among TX drivers that the trouble code tells the Kwik Kar Saginaw technician exactly what's wrong. They wonder why there is a diagnostic charge because the scanner quickly gave the diagnosis.

In reality, it is not that easy and straightforward. The computer monitors many sensors throughout the vehicle. When one of these sensors has a reading that's out of parameters, the computer will record a trouble code and turn on the Check Engine light.

The vehicle computer's trouble code just tells the Kwik Kar Saginaw technician what engine parameter is out of range, not what's causing it. The technician needs to determine the underlying problem that's causing the malfunction.

There are many problems that could cause a troublesome sensor reading for Kwik Kar Saginaw customers. The service advisor makes a list of the most likely causes and begins tracking down the source of the problem. This takes time.

Saginaw service centers subscribe to databases that document possible causes for all the possible trouble codes. The databases outline procedures for confirming a diagnosis and provide the documented repair. These  databases are specific to each vehicle and engine combination.

Some diagnoses are quick and easy. Others are more involved, time-consuming and difficult. Of course Kwik Kar Saginaw wants to figure out what's wrong with your vehicle and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

Kwik Kar Saginaw
1216 S. Blue Mound Rd.
Saginaw, TX 76131
817-231-1700
http://www.kwikkarsaginaw.com

Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Kwik Kar Saginaw

Slippery When Wet (Driving on Wet Leaves)

January 19, 2025

When the leaves fall, you might take a sightseeing trip to see them at peak color. Or you may simply live in a spot where there are a lot of trees. When those leaves get wet, you'd be surprised to learn just how slippery they can be. We all know ice is slippery to drive on. What causes tires ... More

How Much Does It Cost? (Variations in Vehicle Repair Costs)

January 12, 2025

Ever wonder why it costs so much more to fix a similar problem in two different vehicles? Let's say you now own an SUV and before that, you owned a car. Your SUV's air conditioning system needs a new evaporator, but the cost for the new one is way more than you remember it was for your car. How... More

Lean Times (Shocks and Springs)

January 5, 2025

You may have noticed your vehicle going through lean times. By that, we mean it's literally leaning to one side. When you notice that, you should get it checked out at your service facility soon because you could have a serious problem. Many things can cause a vehicle to lean. You may have pro... More