Back to all

On Board Diagnostics for Gahanna Motorists

February 26, 2016

Some Gahanna vehicle owners wonder why Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Gahanna and other Gahanna auto repair shops charge a fee for vehicle diagnostics.

Receiving a diagnostic charge at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Gahanna for a tricky automotive problem shouldn't be a surprise. In the Gahanna 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 Ohio 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 Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Gahanna diagnosis may be much more involved.

Much of the Gahanna 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 Ohio drivers that the trouble code tells the Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Gahanna 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 Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Gahanna 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 Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Gahanna customers. The service advisor makes a list of the most likely causes and begins tracking down the source of the problem. This takes time.

Gahanna 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 Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Gahanna wants to figure out what's wrong with your vehicle and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Gahanna
115 N. Hamilton Road
Gahanna, Ohio 43230
614-337-8080
http://www.tuffygahanna.com

More articles from Tuffy Gahanna

Don't Blow a Gasket! (Valve Cover Gasket Replacement)

February 2, 2025

When you head out to your vehicle after it's been parked and notice oil leaking underneath it, that's something to have looked at right away. Oil leaks mean your oil level is probably low and running a vehicle in that condition can lead to expensive repairs. While there are many reasons oil leak... More

'Tis the Season (Tires)

January 26, 2025

We all know about winter tires. But did you know there is such a thing as summer tires? Most people have all-season tires on their vehicles. They work pretty well in a variety of weather conditions. But if you want better handling and performance, you might consider switching to summer tires. ... More

Bump in the Road (Alignment)

January 19, 2025

There's something you can do that helps your tires last longer, wear more evenly and your vehicle handle better. "Sign me up," you say! Wondering what that is? It's aligning your wheels, and it will literally point you in the right direction when it comes to a better and safer driving experience... More