Engine Diagnostics for Gas & Diesel Vehicles
Warning light, rough running, a noise you can't place? We find the actual cause before anyone starts replacing parts.
Good diagnosis is the difference between a repair that fixes the problem and a pile of parts that didn't. Several of our reviews say some version of "they figured out what others couldn't." That comes from a simple process: gather information, test, confirm, then recommend.
When you need a diagnostic
- The check engine light, or any other warning light, is on
- Rough idle, misfires, hesitation or stalling
- Loss of power, poor fuel mileage or limp mode
- Hard starting or no-start
- Smoke, strange smells or new noises
- A problem another shop couldn't find or fix
How we diagnose
- Listen. When does it happen? Hot or cold? Under load? What's already been replaced? Your answers point us in the right direction.
- Scan. We read stored and pending codes from the engine computer and the other modules, including transmission, ABS and body systems. We also look at freeze-frame and live data.
- Test. Codes point to a circuit or system, not a specific part. We test components, wiring, fuel pressure, vacuum and compression as needed to confirm the cause.
- Explain. We tell you what we found, what it will take to fix and what it will cost before any repair starts.
Gas and diesel
Gas engines bring ignition and fuel trim diagnosis: coils, plugs, injectors, vacuum leaks, oxygen sensors and catalytic converters. Diesels add injection pressure, glow plugs or grid heaters, turbo and boost control, and emissions systems like EGR, DPF and DEF. We diagnose both every day. For diesel-specific help, see diesel repair.
Computer and module problems
Modern vehicles have a dozen or more computers talking to each other. Communication faults, failed sensors and wiring problems can cause odd symptoms that don't look electrical at all. We trace these down too; see electrical repair.
First time using Elite and was very impressed. Very professional and diagnosed the problem the first time.
… I took my truck to Drew at Elite Diesel after hearing good things about him from many people in Oak Grove. He was able to diagnose issues many others couldn't, went above and beyond to take care of my truck. It runs better than I can remember ever running. Prices were fair! I'm very pleased with his professionalism and service. I will be highly recommending him to anyone I know, and won't be taking my truck anywhere else. Thank you Drew.
Diagnostics FAQ
Why pay for diagnosis when parts stores read codes for free?
A free code read tells you which system set a fault, not which part failed. Proper diagnosis includes testing to confirm the cause, which usually saves money by avoiding parts that don't fix the problem.
Will you tell me the cost before fixing anything?
Yes. After diagnosis we explain what we found and give you the repair cost. Nothing gets done without your okay.