Car Diagnostics In Coolham, Near Horsham
Plug-in and in-depth diagnostics to quickly and accurately pinpoint faults, warning lights and intermittent issues.
Two Levels Of Diagnostics
We offer two levels of diagnostic service depending on what your vehicle needs. A standard plug-in diagnostic reads fault codes from your car's ECU, perfect for identifying the cause of a dashboard warning light or checking for stored faults.
For more complex or intermittent issues, our in-depth diagnostic service goes further, reading live data, running actuator tests and tracing faults through wiring and components. We cover all makes and models, with specialist diagnostic knowledge of Ford, Mazda, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar and American and import vehicles. Ideal for problems that don't show an obvious fault code or have been misdiagnosed elsewhere.
What We Cover
What A Diagnostic Check Actually Does
Modern cars monitor their own engine, emissions and safety systems through a network of electronic control units. When a sensor reports a reading outside the range its control unit expects, the unit stores a fault code and, for some faults, switches on a warning light on the dashboard. A diagnostic check connects to the car's diagnostic socket and reads those stored codes, along with the live data the systems report while the engine is running.
A fault code tells you which system or circuit has reported a problem. It does not always tell you which part has failed. A code for a sensor circuit can be caused by the sensor itself, by the wiring or connector leading to it, or by a fault elsewhere that is pushing the reading out of range. Clearing the code turns the warning light off without fixing the cause, so the code is a starting point, not the answer.
What Happens After A Diagnostic
Once the codes and live data have been read, the next step is to find the cause behind them. Depending on the fault, that can involve:
- Checking the wiring and connectors on the circuit the code points to
- Testing the individual sensor or component against the live readings
- Road testing the car to recreate an intermittent fault
- Explaining what we found and what we recommend, and discussing the cost with you before any repair work starts
On petrol cars first used from July 2003 and diesels from July 2008, an engine warning light showing a malfunction is also a major fault at the MOT, so it is worth having it looked at before your test is due.
If you have been searching for a garage in Horsham, we're a short drive away in Coolham. You can book a diagnostic online, or call us to talk it through first.
Frequently Asked Questions
A plug-in diagnostic reads fault codes stored in your car's ECU - it's quick and ideal for identifying the cause of a dashboard warning light. An in-depth diagnostic goes further, reading live data, running actuator tests and tracing faults through wiring and components. It's suited to complex or intermittent problems that don't show an obvious fault code.
A steady engine warning light usually means something needs attention but isn't immediately dangerous. You should get it checked soon to avoid further damage. A flashing engine light is more serious and you should stop driving as soon as it's safe to do so and call us.
Yes, we regularly solve problems that have been misdiagnosed elsewhere. Our in-depth diagnostic service combined with specialist knowledge of Ford, Mazda, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar and import vehicles means we can trace faults that standard code readers miss.
A standard plug-in diagnostic is usually done within the hour. In-depth diagnostics can take longer depending on the complexity of the fault - we'll give you an idea of timescale when you book in.
Yes, there is a diagnostic fee which covers the time and expertise involved in finding the fault. If you go ahead with repairs, we'll discuss the total cost with you before starting any work.
A car diagnostic test connects to your car's diagnostic socket and reads the fault codes stored by its control units, along with live data from its sensors while the engine runs. It shows which system has reported a problem, which is the starting point for tracing the part or connection that has actually failed.
Only partly. Fault codes beginning P0 are generic, so they mean the same thing whatever the make of car. Codes beginning P1 are manufacturer-specific, so the same P1 number can mean different things on different makes and has to be read against that manufacturer's own information.