Self-diagnosis: everything you need to know

Vehicle diagnostics is an important step to ensure the safety and health of your vehicle. It allows you to detect a possible malfunction in your car and, if necessary, quickly fix it. Self-diagnosis is carried out using a diagnostic case.

🚗 What does the self-test consist of?

The car is diagnosed by a mechanic in order to examine your whole car and detect the slightest problem before it turns into a crash. Unlike a check, a diagnosis is carried out because you have found abnormal symptom when using your vehicle.

For example, safety checks can be made before going on vacation and diagnostics can be done if you explain to a mechanic that you hear noise when braking or that the warning light comes on continuously when braking.

To do this, he will either use a car diagnostic tool to analyze the functions of your car, or inspect and test it himself. Therefore, diagnoses can take many forms:

• Electrical and electronic diagnostics : A mechanic will come and check the sensors as well as the entire electrical system associated with your vehicle's battery. Many problems with electronics are solved by updating the car's ECU;
• Diagnostics of mechanical parts not related to Sensors : Some information may be missing in connection. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a manual check of the relevant mechanical parts. This diagnosis will take longer and require very careful attention;
• Diagnostics with self-diagnostics : this makes it possible to analyze all vehicle faults.

The type of diagnostics that your mechanic will perform will mainly depend on the symptoms you have identified while using your vehicle.

💡 What is automatic diagnostics for?

The autodiagnostic case is a box with a black and white or color screen on later models and an arrow key system (up, down, right, left). The latest models also have the function Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi.

Automatic diagnostics in progress request a calculator your car. v calculating it is a tool that analyzes and lists all error codes related to the vehicle system. It connects to the computer using a standard OBD 16-pin connector.

Suitcase reads computer memory which records all the operating data of the vehicle: TDC sensor values, flow meter values, etc. Also known as malfunction code reader, the case is equipped with automatic software that can bespecific car brand ou multi-brand.

Garages offering this type of service must have license use it approved and certified tool and also have software subscription self-diagnostics.

Sometimes, even if the reading is good, the sensor may be defective. However, if the computer is defective, the mechanic will not be able to diagnose it. The computer will have to be replaced.

👨‍🔧 Which multi-brand car diagnostic case is the best?

There are many models of multi-brand auto diagnostic cases. They are very practical for diagnose faults on all types of vehicles, regardless of their model and brand. The latest tests conducted in 2020 chose 5 best suitcases following:

1. Suede Self Auto Diag Ultimate Diag One ;
2. Housing Autophix OM126 ;
3. The Launch X431 V + case ;
4. AQV OBD2 Housing ;
5. Suede Self Auto Diag Ultimate Diag Pro ;

📅 When should the self-test be performed?

There is no no recommended frequency put self-diagnostics. After all, this type of service depends mainly on the motorist. If he finds abnormal noises or any malfunction on his car, without determining the origin, he will go to the garage to diagnose the car.

💳 How much does a self-test cost?

The cost of autodiagnostics is variable : it depends, in particular, on the time spent by the mechanic analyzing your vehicle. Count on average 1 to 3 hours of work on this, that is, from 50 to 150 €. You can then ask for a quote if the mechanic finds any breakdowns or malfunctions during the diagnostics.

Self-diagnosis is now more understandable for you: you know the tools, the cost and the usefulness of the diagnostic case. As you can imagine, if you are faced with an abnormal situation on your car, it's time to go to the garage to diagnose your car. Use our garage comparator to find the one closest to you and at the best price!