Fault Finding & Advanced Diagnostics

AT PSC AUTOCENTRE WE CAN HELP RESOLVE EVEN THE MOST DIFFICULT OF FAULTS. WE'VE GOT THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE RIGHT STAFF TO ASSIST YOU WHEN ANYONE ELSE LETS YOU DOWN OR CAN'T FIX IT.

Gloucestershire's leading German Vehicle Diagnostic Centre

Where the Main Dealers come to have issues correctly diagnosed. Sssssssh it's a secret!

Dealer Level Manufacturer Tooling

As a Specialist German Vehicle Centre we've invested in the same tooling as the dealerships. Meaning we can offer a superior level of in-depth diagnostics greater than your expectations of visiting your main dealer.

Trusted by the Dealerships

Our reputation goes before us and our diagnostic customers include many local franchised dealers

We're popular for complex faults & ECU Repairs

Premium Aftermarket Tooling

We have a huge array of the best in aftermarket tooling including Autologic, VCDS, Bosch, Texa, Hella Gutmann, DEC, Activa and many more.

Car Diagnostics Explained

Calling a code scan of your vehicle's diagnostics system actual "diagnostics" is like calling a slice of bread a sandwich.

A code scan literally reads the error log on the ECU and reports the fault codes (DTCs) found. These fault codes are a pre-programmed response to any variance in expected data values. They generally only relate to faults that are monitored by electronic sensors. A physical mechanical fault will not necessarily trigger an error code log. Hence that a code scan is not the same as a proper diagnosis of the fault.

At PSC we price our Preliminary Diagnostics Scan to be an affordable method of gaining an initial understanding of your vehicle's fault codes. Based on those findings we will offer you various options on how to proceed in obtaining a correct diagnosis and repair of the issue you're experiencing.

In most cases, 8 out of 10 times, our technicians are able to resolve issues within the Preliminary Diagnostic Session. Not only are customer concerns resolved but, more importantly, the cause of the problem is addressed to ensure that issue will arise again in the future. Our facility houses state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to ensure our customers’ vehicles are diagnosed quickly and correctly the FIRST time.

Proper Fault Finding

Fault finding may start with a preliminary code scan but actually involves investigating and proving the cause of the symptoms reported. For example, if the code scan shows an error on the MAF sensor, is it actually the sensor that needs replacing? The code will have been logged because the ECU has detected that the reported values from the MAF sensor are different to the expected values. This could be because the sensor is faulty or it could be because there is a small vacuum pipe leak causing greater air flow. If you assume that the sensor is faulty and replace it (the average BMW MAF sensor is over £100) you may find you still have the fault. For example, performing a smoke pro leak test may have shown a leaky pipe and prevented wasting time and money on incorrect diagnosis.

No Guesswork. Just Logical & Accurate Diagnosis

Advanced diagnostics is about identifying the actual cause of the problems with your car accurately. We use a multitude of in depth procedures to test the cars systems for variances from the programmed expected values.

After the initial preliminary code scan readout gives us an idea of what sort of faults are occurring, our diagnostic team can formulate a test plan to find out exactly where the problem lies.

We use logic. Not guesswork.

Any garage can read your vehicle's codes. But can they correctly and methodically diagnose the issue?

We might start with a leak test or oscilloscope monitoring, we have all the equipment and years of hard earned experience needed to find any fault.

The Process

INITIAL ASSESSMENT

The first stage of our investigations are what we call the initial assessment. This basically comprises of a preliminary code scan which includes up to ½hr of a technician's time to analyse the results and carry out some initial tests.

At the end of this initial assessment we will have a good idea of what needs to be done next and costs involved for repairs or further investigations.

We're always upfront.

We record everything we do to your car in a detailed diagnostic log which forms part of the report you receive from us.

The cost of our vehicle preliminary code scan is fixed - the price you see is the price you pay. If we discover problems that require further work, we'll provide you with a free, no-obligation repair estimate upfront.

No Hard Sells

If you decide not to proceed further after we report our findings from the preliminary code scan then we'll log everything for you and you only pay the minor preliminary code scan charge.

Advanced Diagnostics

Sometimes further investigations are needed to be certain whether a failed component needs replacing or if it’s actually a wiring or a control module issue.

Recommended Repairs

When we give you our report there will be a conclusion with details of any recommended repairs. We will always contact you with estimates for any parts required prior to fitment. Sometimes repairs are completed as part of the diagnostic labour (ie. if a broken wire is found, we would repair it in the process). Labour time spent on your vehicle is chargeable and with advanced diagnostics you should be prepared for the potential of minor amounts of additional unexpected labour.

Fault Diagnostics £142.20