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

Wiper Blades in Illinois

April 21, 2024

If you're gonna drive around the Chicago area, you've got to be able to see! So having a good set of windshield wipers is extremely important. We've all experienced the frustration and fear of not being able to see clearly during a storm or when our windshield is just dirty.It seems like your wi... More

What to Do In Case of an Accident

April 14, 2024

If you've ever been in a vehicle accident around Chicago, Illinois, even a minor one, you know how upsetting it can be. It's hard to think straight and know what to do.Let's review what you should do in case of an accident in Chicago, Illinois:When an accident occurs, you should always stop. Lea... More

Restore Your Get-Up-and-Go (Fuel and Air Induction Cleaning)

April 7, 2024

You may have heard the old saying, "My get-up-and-go got up and went." If your vehicle's engine's fuel economy is noticeably worse, your engine is idling roughly or stalling or your vehicle's acceleration isn't what it used to be, ask your service advisor if you might need your vehicle's fuel and... More