Engine Diagnostics

I have a warning light on my dash. What does it mean?

Modern vehicles have very sophisticated fault monitoring and control systems. If the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) identifies a fault, the onboard systems will usually let the driver know by displaying a fault warning on the dash.

If your vehicle is displaying a fault warning or if you are unsure of the meaning of a warning light, you should contact Balsdons Vehicle Services Ltd as soon as possible. The fault could be related to anything from the braking system to the engine fueling. Having faults diagnosed and rectified as soon as possible can help prevent further damage to the vehicle. E.g. an engine misfire may cause damage to the catalytic converter.

How does Balsdons Vehicle Services Ltd diagnose faults?

Our fully trained and qualified diagnostic technicians have a wide range of specialist tools at their disposal. By using main dealer and OEM diagnostic tools, we can code read and trace all vehicle faults and if required we can apply software updates from the manufacture to your vehicle.

Fault diagnostics don’t just stop a simple code read though. The fault codes stored in the ECU provide us with a general idea about the location of the fault, then by using specialist diagnostic equipment our skilled technicians trace the fault to the original cause. Correct diagnostics ensure that only the parts causing the fault are replaced or repaired, saving you money by not replacing parts unnecessarily.

Doesn’t clearing the diagnostic trouble codes fix the fault?

This unfortunately is just a myth. Vehicle ECUs don’t create or store trouble codes without a good reason for doing so. If the faults are cleared without first identifying and rectifying the cause of the original fault then the dash warning will usually reappear immediately or within a very short space of time. In fact, just clearing the codes can increase the amount of time it takes to properly diagnose a fault because emission and freeze frame data (data stored in the ECU at the time of the fault) are reset upon clearing the fault codes from the ECU.

In some cases clearing the faults uses up one of a limited amount of code clearing slots available. Once the maximum amount is exceeded there is no option but to replace the ECU.

Which vehicle makes can Balsdons Vehicle Services Ltd diagnose?

We can diagnose all makes of vehicle from cars to trucks and coaches including all the popular makes such as:

Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Citroen, Dacia, DAF, Dodge, Ferrari, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lotus, MAN, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MG, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Rolls-Royce, Rover, Saab, Scania, Seat, Skoda, Smart, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, TVR, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Volvo

To find out more about Engine Diagnostics in Okehampton, get in touch online or call Balsdons Vehicle Services Ltd on 01837 55911

Our Location

Find Us

Galbraith Road
Hameldown Business Park
Okehampton
Devon
EX20 1UF
01837 55911

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Opening Times

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00
Saturday 08:00 - 17:00
Sunday Closed

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