| |
Auto Talk
What would you pay for a good diagnosis?
If you were having chest pains, would you want your doctor to bypass any tests, cut you open, take a look around and say, "Oh, I think I found the problem!"
No?
Well, would you want your mechanic to pop the hood on your misbehaving car, do a visual check and say you need a new transmission? While this was the only option in decades past, with a modern vehicle the answer is "Probably not."
Next time the "check engine" light comes on in your vehicle, look for
a facility with the latest diagnostic equipment.
Today's emission standards, computer technology and high-tech engine development have created tremendously complicated machines requiring sophisticated equipment and well-educated technicians to properly diagnose automotive faults. It works like this: A diagnostic computer is attached to the vehicle's computer to display fault codes, directing the technician to where the problem lies.
Although these codes do not tell the technician what part is malfunctioning, they do indicate the failed circuit or system. The technician then follows the specific protocol laid out for that vehicle's make and model. The problem could be a part malfunction, a wiring problem, or even a programming error in the car's computer.
As the technician tracks down the problem, he or she may be directed to replace a part before any additional diagnostics can be performed. This doesn't mean that new part will fix the vehicle — it may, but sometimes the problem lies deeper.
To complicate things, every year manufacturers make vehicles more technologically advanced. This makes the car more consumer-friendly, but not necessarily more technician-friendly.
Charges for an initial diagnostic check might start at an hour for labor and go as high as four or five hours. Secondary diagnostic services can require additional hours, and the cost of any parts needed. It's not uncommon for diagnostic charges to be more than the actual repair cost, because in today's vehicles more time is often needed to find the fault than to fix it.
Costs reflect the substantial financial investment the repair facility has made in training technicians and buying sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Good repair facilities will take the time to explain possible diagnostic charges before they begin.
Also, keep in mind an accurate diagnosis takes time. Therefore, diagnostic charges will apply even if a customer declines the repair.
AAA Connection
AAA Colorado has certified more than 80 repair shops around the state in its AAA Approved Auto Repair facility program.
 Back to Top
>>>Return to Table of Contents
Copyright © 2006 AAA Colorado. All Rights Reserved. Privacy
|
