The scan tool (of which there are many different models and types) is frequently helpful in diagnosing a car’s problem. Sometimes, as illustrated in the above photo, it’s about as useful as a paperweight!

Here at the Newport News shop we get daily calls that want a one word answer in response to the question “How much do you charge for a diagnosis?” Or “Can you just scan it and tell me what’s wrong? I don’t need it diagnosed.” Customers asking these questions are taking the wrong approach if their goal is to find a reliable mechanic and have their car or truck fixed correctly.

So why should you cough up $108 for a reputable repair shop to diagnose that check engine light or rough idle?

1) Diagnosing a check engine light or specific symptom properly takes time. In a typical diagnostic scenario the mechanic hooks up the scan tool and finds a code (or several) that indicate a malfunction. Frequently the malfunction the computer indicates is a symptom and not the cause of the problem the customer is experiencing. Next, the technician drives the car while paying close attention to the symptoms the customer described. Often further research is needed. Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) published by vehicle manufacturer address flaws specific to a make, model, year, and even production date. We also subscribe to Alldata which electronically provides wiring diagrams and up-to-date diagnostic procedures for nearly every car or truck ever produced. Armed with education, years of experience, trouble shooting diagrams, computer codes, and a test drive, the technician is in a good position to determine the most likely cause of the problem. When possible, the last step is to (if possible) isolate or temporarily replace the broken part to confirm that the diagnosis is correct. This is not a process you want done in less than an hour.

2) Owning and using the right equipment costs the shop and the mechanic a significant amount of money. Diagnostic computer units cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to the tens of thousands! American Pride Yorktown’s Mopar unit cost around $12,000 plus the cost of regular data updates. We pay for Alldata, the technician’s time, their continued training, plus all the usual overhead expenses like electricity and sewer.

3) If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If a shop isn’t charging for diagnosis, they’re making it up somewhere else. Or, their “diagnosis” is less thorough than it should be. If a mechanic tells you they don’t charge for diag, ask why and listen carefully. Something for nothing offers usually come with strings attached. Your daily safety and transportation isn’t something to be handled by less than the best.