Back to all

On Board Diagnostics for Elgin Motorists

August 10, 2022

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

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

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

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

Tuffy Auto Service Center Elgin
395 S. Randall Rd
Elgin, Illinois 60123
847-717-4682

Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Tuffy Elgin

3 Winter Windshield Tips (Care of Windshield)

April 28, 2024

Cold weather can present some real challenges when it comes to your vehicle's windshield. Think of it. Your windshield is your window to the world when you're driving, and clear visibility is extraordinarily important for safe travels. So here are 3 tips to ensure that your windshield can do it... More

Why You Have an O2 Sensor (Oxygen Sensor)

April 21, 2024

If someone asked you what gas made up the largest portion of the atmosphere, what would you guess? Well, it's not oxygen; it only makes up 20.9 percent. But since we're talking about oxygen, you should know that your vehicle uses oxygen sensors to make sure your engine is running the way it shou... More

Elgin Air Conditioning Service

April 14, 2024

Working up a sweat is a great thing to do in a gym around Elgin, but not in your vehicle. When Elgin residents' vehicle AC Systems have a problem, they'll often feel it right away. The question is, how long do you put up with it? You know, the old comfort versus cost dilemma. But a more comfortab... More