How to Diagnose the Problem With Your Car

Got a strange engine noise, less responsive brakes, or something else you can’t diagnose? Don’t worry; you might still be able to find out the source of the problem, or at least narrow it down, which can help you save time and money. We’ve collected a few tricks and tools to diagnose fairly common problems.

Reading Engine Codes

Check-engine lights, or even more specific lights for brakes or oil, can each mean tens, if not hundreds, of different issues and complications, but a code reader will give you a precise idea. Watch out for especially cheap versions that don’t look very complex, as they are likely to have limits on how new of a vehicle they can accurately scan. The scan will give a code starting with P, and a general description of the problem. This will save a mechanic’s time and help you research the typical price and labor involved in fixing it.

Testing Voltage

If your issue is electronic (especially if it deals with wires or sensors) a voltmeter is an important tool to measure where current is and isn’t moving. This way you’ll know what to replace and what to leave alone in the often chaotic mess of switches and wires in certain parts of a vehicle. For instance, when a code reader tells you that a brake sensor isn’t working properly, you can test them one by one to be sure which is disconnected or malfunctioning.

Pressure Gauges

If you have a crack or leak somewhere in your core system, it can be diagnosed with one of two tools: a vacuum pressure gauge or a fuel pressure gauge. Both tools measure discrepancies in air flow, fuel flow, and sparking. The vacuum pressure gauge measures discrepancies in the air flow, fuel flow, and sparking of the engine and ignition. The fuel pressure gauge is the same tool, but for modern engines that use fuel injection.

Diagnosing Websites

Sites like Car Diagnostic can also help you narrow down an issue, and all without even lifting the hood. Systems like this have tons of information organized by make, model, year, and issue type, so with a few clicks you can get a solid idea of what’s wrong, just based on what feels different, smells strange, etc. Depending on your skill level, sites like this are either a good place to begin, or your last resort.

Asking a Mechanic

Lastly, if you’re really unsure of the problem, even after looking it up online or trying some DIY diagnosis, you should take your vehicle to the best professionals you can find. Ask them what they think the issue could be, and don’t offer your ideas until you hear what they say. Let an impartial, but informed person weigh in, and they just might be right.

Uncertainty makes car trouble a lot more stressful, and we hope you resolve any issues with your vehicle soon. If you’d like us to help, our team of mechanics would love to take a look or talk with you. Good luck!