Diagnostics
From $115
Same-day
Every diagnostic is a flat, published price by system — $115 for most systems, $225 for complex electronic systems. The number is set before we start.
A diagnostic finds the cause. You tell us the symptom — a noise, a light, a leak, something that stopped working — and an automotive technician tracks it down. Repair work is quoted separately by text, and you approve before any work begins.
Every diagnostic is a flat, published price. Most systems are $115. Complex electronic systems are $225 — warning lights, electrical concerns, power accessories, anything that runs through the vehicle's computer. The number is set before we start. No meter.
You don't need to know which diagnostic you need. Describe what's going on when you schedule and we'll recommend the right starting point.
In rare cases where a diagnostic doesn't isolate the cause, we may recommend a Level 2 Diagnostic for an additional $225. We disclose this transparently and you approve before we proceed.
Every diagnostic, priced by system
Warning lights & engine electronics
Warning Light Diagnostic
Any dashboard warning light — check engine, ABS, airbag, traction control. We connect to your vehicle's computer, read what it reports, and test until we find the cause — not just the code.
Sounds like: check engine light is on · ABS light is on · airbag or SRS light is on · traction control light is on · several dashboard lights came on at once
$225
Electrical System Diagnostic
For electrical concerns without a warning light — flickering lights, dead accessories, a fuse that keeps blowing. We trace the circuit to the cause.
Sounds like: lights flickering or dim · an accessory stopped working · a fuse keeps blowing · something electrical acting up
$225
Starting & Charging System Diagnostic
The car won't crank, clicks, or the battery keeps dying. We test the battery, starter, and alternator to find which one is the cause.
Sounds like: engine won't crank or turn over · clicking when you turn the key · battery keeps dying · needed a jump start · battery light is on
$115
Crank No Start Diagnostic
The engine turns over but won't catch. This is engine performance territory — fuel, spark, compression — so it takes the deeper diagnostic.
Sounds like: engine turns over but won't start · cranks but won't fire · starts and then dies
$225
Brakes, steering & ride
Brake System Diagnostic
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal, or pulsing when you brake. We inspect and test the brake system to find the cause. (A brake warning light is a Warning Light Diagnostic.)
Sounds like: grinding or squealing when braking · soft or low brake pedal · pulsing or shaking when braking
$115
Steering & Suspension Diagnostic
Pulling, wandering, a clunk over bumps, or vibration at highway speed. We test-drive and inspect the steering and suspension to isolate it.
Sounds like: pulling to one side · clunk over bumps · vibration at speed · steering feels loose or hard
$115
Engine & underhood
Fluid Leak Diagnostic
A spot on the driveway, a low fluid level, a burning smell. We identify which fluid, where it's coming from, and what it needs.
Sounds like: spot or puddle under the car · oil leak · coolant leak · burning smell while driving
$115
Noise & Vibration Diagnostic
A squeal, rattle, whine, or clunk you can't place. We reproduce the noise and trace it to its source.
Sounds like: squealing or belt noise · rattle, clunk, or whine · noise that changes with speed
$115
Cooling System Diagnostic
Running hot, losing coolant, or steaming. We pressure-test and inspect the cooling system to find the cause.
Sounds like: engine overheating · temperature gauge running high · coolant low or disappearing · steam from under the hood
$115
Exhaust Diagnostic
Suddenly loud, rattling underneath, or an exhaust smell. We inspect the exhaust system end to end.
Sounds like: exhaust suddenly loud · rattle from underneath · exhaust smell
$115
Drivetrain
Transmission Diagnostic
Slipping, hard shifts, delays, or jerking. We test-drive, scan, and inspect to determine what the transmission needs.
Sounds like: slipping between gears · hard or delayed shifting · jerking when accelerating
$115
Climate & cabin
Climate Control (HVAC) Diagnostic
No heat, weak airflow, a defroster that won't clear. Modern climate systems are computer-controlled, so this takes the deeper diagnostic. (A/C not cooling? Start with our A/C Service — the service includes the diagnosis.)
Sounds like: no heat · weak airflow from vents · defroster not working · odd smell from the vents
$225
Carbon Monoxide Diagnostic
An exhaust smell inside the cabin is a safety concern. We test for carbon monoxide intrusion and find where it's entering.
Sounds like: exhaust smell inside the cabin · fumes while driving
$115
Water Intrusion Diagnostic
Wet carpet, water inside after rain, a leaking sunroof. We trace where the water gets in.
Sounds like: wet carpet or floor · water inside when it rains · sunroof leaking
$115
Body & accessories
Power Window Diagnostic
A window stuck up, down, or somewhere in between. Power windows route through the body electronics, so this takes the deeper diagnostic.
Sounds like: window stuck up or down · window won't roll up
$225
Door Lock Diagnostic
A door that won't lock, won't unlock, or ignores the fob. Locks route through the body electronics, so this takes the deeper diagnostic.
Sounds like: door won't lock or unlock · key fob won't lock a door
$225
Power Door / Liftgate Diagnostic
A power liftgate or sliding door that won't open or close. These are networked systems, so this takes the deeper diagnostic.
Sounds like: power liftgate won't open or close · sliding door stuck
$225
Hood Latch Diagnostic
A hood that won't open — or won't stay closed. We diagnose the latch and release.
Sounds like: hood won't open · hood won't latch closed
$115
Horn Diagnostic
Silent or stuck on. We find out why.
Sounds like: horn not working · horn stuck on
$115
Washer System Diagnostic
Washer fluid that won't spray, or barely does. We diagnose the pump, lines, and nozzles.
Sounds like: washer fluid won't spray · washer spraying weakly
$115
Level 2 Diagnostic — +$225. In rare cases where a diagnostic doesn't isolate the cause, deeper testing is needed. We disclose this transparently — and you approve — before we proceed.
You see the estimate before any work begins. You approve every line by text.