Car Diagnostic ServiceWe have a reputation for undertaking diagnostic fault-finding repairs and often carry out this kind of work on behalf of other garages. We rise to the challenge and will not be beaten!
"No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking." - Voltaire We have manufacturer’s own diagnostic equipment for a wide range of makes including: BMW, Audi, VW, Mini, Citroen, Renault, Peugeot, Landrover, Mercedes, Ford, Jaguar, Mazda and Isuzu. We have also invested in Autologic and Bosch diagnostic equipment to extend coverage and enable us to diagnose faults, accurately and quickly. Contact us to book your car in for a diagnostic inspection check to stop little problems becoming bigger ones... Approved Diagnostics
In addition, we are proud to be an approved member of the Bosch Car Service Network and are committed to investing in the latest technology Bosch diagnostic equipment and training programmes for our technicians resulting in prompt, reliable and cost-effective diagnosis that our customers can rely on. We are an audited garage working to high standards. Unlike many garages, we offer free re-reads and do comprehensive testing of ALL ECUs. (ECUs are the computers in your car of which there are several!) We always test and service to manufacturers specifications so that new car warranties are preserved. "Excellent service as always. Kept advised of progress and faults found." John C. |
"Had a problem with my sensors on my car, rung this company up very helpful on phone got car booked in very quickly & they fixed the problem very reasonablely priced, would highly recommend." Janette S Engine Management / Dashboard Lights
Dashboard warning lights can be alarming, but don't panic, we are here to help.
Please contact us to arrange same day testing to check that your car is safe to drive. Common Causes of Faults Adblue system faults Specialist DPF system faults Do you have a "phantom fault"? Often a battery or uncleared faults in memory are to blame and such issues can be resolved very quickly. Diagnostic Services
Our while-you-wait (by appointment) prompt accurate diagnosis includes: Code reading Re-coding Software updates Fuel injection Diesel injection (HDI) ABS Air bag Body computers Downloading and initialisation Central locking/security systems Climate control Suspension CAN network system/BSI Convertible Roof Fault Repair |
Recoding/Reset of Computers
Cars are becoming more and more reliant on computer technology. Most modern vehicles have many on board computers and sometimes these need to be interrogated to solve problems. We have software for all makes and models that allows us to communicate with on board computers and get to the root cause of the fault cost effectively. For example, auto adaptives need to be calibrated using the correct diagnostic software and procedures. Quite often when a part is replaced it may be that the software within the new part is a newer version than that stored in the management system of the vehicle and therefore the new part will not be recognized and will not work until the software within the management system of the vehicle has been updated too. Typically, there are 40-60 computers on an average modern vehicle running systems all networked to one another. For example, a modern VW Golf/Polo may have 60 on board computers. We have invested in manufacturer’s equipment plus Autologic and Bosch diagnostic equipment to allow us to communicate and re-initialise on board computers. Also, we have the ability to access the manufacturers network and download the correct update software direct to the vehicle. Note: these are manufacturer’s updates and not cheaper after market ones used by some garages. Common Car Problems
Poor Battery Causing Diagnostic Faults The most common cause for diagnostic warning lights to illuminate on the dash is poor battery condition. Warning lights relating to various ECUs (computers) on the vehicle including engine management, ABS, ESP and airbag are coming on since the battery does not have sufficient voltage to turn the vehicle over and power up the multiple ECUs on the vehicle at the same time. It is therefore imperative that the battery is in tip top condition. We stock a range of Bosch Batteries which come with a minimum 3 year guarantee. Convertible Roof Faults Sometimes the roof may fail to fully open or close fully, especially if it has not been used for a while or if the car battery is not in tip top condition. This is not necessarily a big job to rectify. The roof will need to be pulled manually from the closed to open position and the fault cleared from the memory. This will in most cases remedy the fault as the roof re-calibrates its movements from closed to open. Tyre Pressure Sensor Fault If you get an error message regarding incorrect tyre pressures re-inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure and then drive the car for a few miles to allow it to calibrate. Note: if the tyre pressures appear to be accurately inflated go to another petrol station and re-check them using a different gauge to eliminate inaccuracy of the first gauge. We are fully equipped to replace car tyres and reset wheel alignment. Damage caused by jump or boost starting a Vehicle Never boost start a modern vehicle without surge protection as it can damage the ECUs (computers). |
Vehicle Diagnostics Explained
A computer diagnostics test is a form of electronic interrogation used to assist us in isolating a fault with your car on computer controlled systems. It is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure akin to an X-ray or an MRI scan on the human body. Of course the test may sometimes be inconclusive and further investigation may be necessary. We will plug in using your car’s on board diagnostics port and interrogate the vehicle’s ECUs (electronic control units). Any recorded faults will then be printed out with our computer diagnostics tool. It may also be possible on some vehicles using the latest computer diagnostics equipment, to carry out live data monitoring whilst driving your car. It is extremely important that your vehicle is running on the latest software and we can check and install any available software updates whilst the vehicle is in the workshop. Cutting Edge Equipment
We have recently invested in bespoke diesel injector removal equipment. This is designed to remove and renew the seized injectors using hydraulics thus eliminating the need for a more costly repair such as engine renewal or head removal, and therefore resulting in a considerably more cost-effective and quicker result for our customer. As usual, we are taking the lead to keep up-to-date with technology and are proud to be the only garage in the South East to have this specialist equipment. This stands us apart from other garages. Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)
We offer dynamic windscreen calibration for just £60 inc VAT. The cameras on your windscreen are part of your car's Advanced Driver Assistance Safety System (ADAS) and are designed to protect you while driving. When you get a new windshield after some damage it has to be re-calibrated. (Nearly all automakers specify that ADAS camera systems need to be re-calibrated after replacement.) ADAS systems protect drivers by creating a "safety zone" around the vehicle to help reduce the risk of accidents. These cameras aid and warn you whilst driving, alerting you to potential problems. e.g. lane departure and centering warnings, automatic braking in emergencies, pedestrian alerts, crash avoidance, and more. So the camera’s proper operation is a vital component of your ADAS. We offer dynamic re-calibration for just £60 inc VAT. This requires driving the vehicle at a set speed on roads. This takes up to one hour or so depending on the make and model of the car. We hope to offer static recalibration in the near future. |