Back to all

On Board Diagnostics for Chicago Motorists

January 21, 2018

Some Chicago vehicle owners wonder why Tuffy Chicago (Diversey Pkwy) and other Chicago auto repair shops charge a fee for vehicle diagnostics.

Receiving a diagnostic charge at Tuffy Chicago (Diversey Pkwy) for a tricky automotive problem shouldn't be a surprise. In the Chicago 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 Chicago (Diversey Pkwy) diagnosis may be much more involved.

Much of the Chicago 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 Chicago (Diversey Pkwy) 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 Chicago (Diversey Pkwy) 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 Chicago (Diversey Pkwy) customers. The service advisor makes a list of the most likely causes and begins tracking down the source of the problem. This takes time.

Chicago 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 Chicago (Diversey Pkwy) wants to figure out what's wrong with your vehicle and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

Tuffy Chicago (Diversey Pkwy)
1400 West Diversey Pkwy
Chicago, Illinois 60614
773-929-3622

More articles from Tuffy Chicago

Diagnosing Your Vehicle at Tuffy Chicago (Diversey Pkwy) in Chicago

March 24, 2024

When we Chicago residents get a car repair bill, we really shouldn't be surprised to find diagnostic fees as one of the line items. When we get a computer fixed, there is usually a charge for the time it takes to diagnose the problem. When we go to a medical doctor, most of his fee is for his abi... More

I Can See Clearly (Wiper Blade Replacement)

March 17, 2024

Warm weather can bring severe storms, and when the rain is coming down hard, that's one time you really need to be able to see as clearly as possible out your windshield. Having wiper blades that are fit for the job are important to maintain that safe view. Maybe you live in a climate where you ... More

Road Ready (Trip Inspection)

March 10, 2024

Maybe you've been cooped up for a while and are yearning for a change of scenery. Or maybe you need to visit a relative who lives far away. You choose not to fork out the big bucks for airline tickets, so it's time for a road trip. Make sure you're road ready by having your vehicle professiona... More