If I have a diagnostics check on my car will the issue be fixed afterward?

Question

Hi, have been having problems with my car recently - warning lights on dash. Have booked my car in to have a diagnostics check tomorrow, will the issue brought up be fixed then and there or that day?

Answer 1

Diagnostics check is just that a check to find the problem, in some, or most cases it can be fixed same day depending on the problem, but in other cases may take a day or two.

Answer 2

Only if you authorize repairs after the check and being told what is wrong.

Answer 3

Maybe, but probably not.



Usually the mechanic will call you, tell you what they think is wrong with your car, and give you a quote for those repairs.



Sometimes if its a really simple fix they will just do it. Most shops charge a diagnostic fee that is equal to one hour at their standard shop labor rate. The good honest shops will spend a full hour on your car and if they can find AND fix the problem within that hour without buying any parts they will do so.



As an example I recently took my car to a shop because the headlight wasn't working. I had replaced the bulb but that didn't fix it and I don't have the skill or tools to diagnose more complicated wiring issues. The shop quoted me 1 hour of labor as a diagnostic fee. Their technician was able to identify the problem and fix it within 1 hour and the only parts he needed were a few inches of wire and some splice clips which weren't even worth charging me for (maybe $5 worth of parts at most). So I left the shop with my car fixed and all I paid was the 1 hour diagnostic fee and sales tax.



But that's the exception, not the normal process. For problems more complex than a lose wire they're going to give you a recommendation and an estimate. You can either pay for the diagnostic service and leave without fixing the car, or authorize the repair and pay for the diagnosis and the repair.

Answer 4

Depends on what it is and the plan you work out with them in advance.

Answer 5

Does your 'car' have a make/model? Are you experiencing any actual problems - or just getting lights?



A diagnostics check will tell them what codes your car is throwing, and allow them to reset the codes. If it isn't actually having any problems you can go back to driving it, and see if the codes come up again (you can always buy your own OBDII reader - and pull your own codes).



If it keeps throwing the code - or if the mechanic tells you it needs a specific part/repair, then get a quote, and then call other shops and gets quotes.

Answer 6

DIAGNOSTIC simply means to inspect and find a cause for the problem. If you want it FIXED, you'll have to pay more.

Answer 7

Depends, if the Tech finds something unplugged he'll probably just plug it back in. If he determines that the car needs work that requires any time you will be given a description of the job and the cost before he proceeds.

Answer 8

It depends on what is wrong.

Answer 9

Tell the mechanic what the motor is doing. Don't just say you want a "diagnostic check".

Answer 10

Typically - and required by law in many places - the facility will give a written Estimate of the cost to effect repairs, and owners will sign as a Work Authorization.

Answer 11

Only if you authorize it

Answer 12

To diagnose or troubleshoot means to SEARCH for and IDENTIFY (or verify) the source of a problem.



Once the problem is identified, a repair can be performed, based on the part(s) availability/cost and the mechanic's availability/cost.



So the availability and cost of the PART(S) (if needed) and the LABOR, will determine whether you give permission for the REPAIR.



The repair cost may/will be added to the diagnostic labor cost.



How much is in your wallet?



Good luck!



p.s. In my state, the repair parts costs and the estimated labor costs must be provided to the customer in writing BEFORE any repairing can begin. Their signature (written permission) must be given for a repair to commence. This procedure prevents the customer from being surprised by a repair cost, and then not wanting to pay afterward.



FULL DISCLOSURE + PERMISSION combine to make a sensible legal contract for both parties.



-Engine overhaul mechanic and general automotive mechanic since 1972

Answer 13

If you tell them to make the repairs it should be fixed. If you just tell them to diagnose the problem, they won't fix anything.

Answer 14

Diagnostics just means they will look at it. They won't fix anything until they give you the results, and you agree to pay for the work. Probably, they will notice the warning lights and look into it. But don't assume, let them know when you take them the car exactly what is happening.

Answer 15

It depends on the issue.

If you need your motor rebuilt, then it will take a few days.

If you need a fuse changed, or a bulb replaced, you can be our in an hour

Answer 16

Just a minute. My crystal ball has fogged up. When it clears I will tell you exactly what they will be able to do for you.