30/08/2026
‘DIAGNOSTICS’
We seem to have had an influx lately of jobs ‘diagnosed’ elsewhere , with or without parts been fitted
In reality, they have had codes read and then parts fitted from that code alone
As a business we have never worked like this , it’s not cost effective for you as a customer or morally right as a business
Code reading is just one part of the diagnostic process , modern cars keep getting more complex , and a structured approach is required , this involves technical bulletins from the manufacturers and other sources ( which we have to pay for ) studying wiring diagrams and electrical architecture of the system ( which again we have to pay to access )
The following are jobs we have had presented to us in the last month
Ford group car - engine light on -new oxygen sensor diagnosed and fitted elsewhere - this wanted a catalytic converter - confirmed with oscilloscope from cold
Citroen Group car - non runner , new battery fitted and then Engine ecu condemned - this wanted a repair to the exhaust system- Manufacturer TSB for this , confirmed by monitoring live data and comparing to mechanical pressure gauge
Vauxhall group car - engine noise and engine light for mixture faults , cam cover/pcv condemned elsewhere but repaired was too busy to fit 🤷🏻♂️
In reality this had a loose spark plug
Ford group car - engine light on , various airflow and DPF pressure faults - airflow meter , turbo and full exhaust system diagnosed elsewhere - non of this would have fixed the issue and the customer was ready to get rid of the car - in reality this had a split boost pipe and wanted a long run monitoring live data post repair - confirmed by monitoring live data and checking the integrity of the intake system with dedicated equipment
VW group car - no rear sidelights , body controller condemned - in reality it wanted two bulbs - missed by 2 different repairers
Non of the above vehicles would have been fixed with a code read alone , and the initial “ diagnostics check “repairer walked away from them all - after charging
What may look cheap/good value initially may cost you in the long run