Engine Management Diagnostics

Is the check engine light or another warning light illuminated on the dash of your car? Any warning lights that illuminate and stay illuminated could potentially mean that there is an issue with your car that requires immediate attention and possible repair. The Engine Management Light (also known as the Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Light) is one of the trickier dashboard warning lights to interpret. If it does illuminate it means that the OBD system of your car has picked up on a fault. Although Engine Management Lights usually light up amber, it’s important not to ignore it or you could risk your safety and damage to your car even if it appears to be operating as normal.

Dan has 20 years of experience with the modern vehicle and the OBD system. OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics, which is a computer system found in modern vehicles. Main purpose of an OBD system is to monitor emissions and diagnostic related information in the vehicle – which is monitored by thousands of sensors throughout.

Dan’s is experienced with all makes and models of vehicles and he is very familiar with all operating systems and how to diagnose and rectify any faults which may arise with your car. Dan uses the most up to date test equipment and is constantly updating his equipment so that he is able to “communicate” with your cars OBD system and get to the bottom of the problem quickly and effieciently.

OUR SERVICES

  • Auto electrical service
  • Belts and hoses
  • Brake service
  • Clutch service
  • Cooling system service
  • Cv joint, shaft and boot service
  • Engine Oil Sludge Removal
  • Exhaust Systems
  • Fleet servicing
  • Fuel Injection
  • Ignition Systems
  • log book services
  • Power Steering
  • Safety Certificates
  • Shock Absorbers
  • Suspension
  • Transmission
  • Tyres
  • Vehicle Inspections
  • Wheel Bearings

AUTO ELECTRICAL

The battery, alternator and vehicle electrical system work together to ensure that your car starts up as soon as you turn the key in the ignition switch. Issues with the auto electrical system can leave you stranded on the side of the road. In order to make sure you and your family can get to where you need to go, make an appointment at Dan’s Elite Auto today!

AUTO ELECTRICAL SERVICES:

  • Battery testing, replacement and Cleaning
  • Globe Replacement and upgrading
  • Alternator testing and Replacement
  • EFI engine Diagnosis
  • Spark Plug Replacements
  • Electronic engine tuning
  • ABS Brake system diagnosis and repairs
  • Vehicle body system diagnosis and repairs
  • Power window repairs

COMMON AUTO ELECTRICAL SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

When you turn the key in the ignition and you hear that click, click, click sound with no engine firing, it is a good indicator that you have an auto electrical issue. From flat batteries to lights that don’t work, there are many issues which can go wrong in this system. Some of the most common symptoms and causes of auto electrical issues include:

  • Dead battery due to poor/corroded connection.
  • Dead battery due to a faulty alternator not charging.
  • Engine will not start due to a faulty starter motor.
  • Engine does not start due to a faulty engine crank shaft position sensor.
  • Vehicle stalls and will not start due to electronic Fuel pump failure.
  • Poor fuel economy and performance due to poorly tuned engine.
  • Power windows will not close due to faulty switch.
  • Air conditioner will not cool due to a faulty compressor relay.

BELT AND HOSE SERVICES

Belts and hoses range from the all important timing belt to the small air flow hoses. These parts do a myriad of jobs in the engine and transmission to keep the vehicle functioning properly. Over time these parts can crack, teeth can break and they can wear out.

BELT AND HOSE SERVICES:

  • Fan belt Replacement
  • Drive Belt Replacement
  • Coolant Hose Replacement
  • Serpentine Belt Replacement
  • Timing Belt Replacement
  • Air Intake Hose Replacement
  • Transmission Cooler Hose Replacement
  • Power Steering Hose Replacement

BELTS AND HOSES: COMMON SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

From the timing belt to the serpentine belt to the air intake hoses, our mechanics Dan will examine all the belts, hoses and clamps which make your vehicle run smoothly. Dan knows that a bit of prevention now can prevent a big issue later, you can listen for belt and hose issues. Some of the most common symptoms and causes of belt and hose failure includes:

  • Engine damage due to broken or stripped teeth on the timing belt.
  • Squealing from the engine from a worn belt.
  • Coolant hoses leaking causing fluid loss which may cause the vehicle to overheat.
  • Loss of Power steering and noise due to split power steering hoses leaking oil.
  • Poor engine performance or idle issues from split intake system hoses.
  • Air conditioner not cold due to refrigerant loss thru air conditioner hoses

BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT

Brake pads are, without a doubt, the most important component of your car. Brakes help you slow down and give you control of the car. For this reason, it’s important to follow the correct service and repair schedule as per your car make and model. If you’re noticing unresponsive brakes, it’s probably time to replace your brake pads.

BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT SERVICES:

  • Brake Pad Inspection or Replacement
  • Disc Machining or Replacement
  • Drum Machining or Replacement
  • Brake Cable Replacements
  • Brake System Inspection
  • Replacing Hydraulic Fluid
  • Master Cylinder Testing

Catalytic Converters

A catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system. It is designed to convert harmful engine emmissions into more environmentally friendly by-products.

Conversion of exhaust gases begins after reaching an operating temperature of approx 200 degrees celsius. The optimum operating range is usually between 400 and 600 degrees celsius. The core of a catalytic converter is a ceramic matrix coated with precious metals. They were fitted to all cars after 1986.

The symptoms of a faulty catalytic converter include:

  • Blockage in the exhaust system leading to poor engine performance caused by the core melting (due to persistent engine misfire or unburned fuel reaching the catalytic converter)
  • Rattling sound caused by the core disintegrating
  • No obvious symptoms but failing an exhaust emissions test.

All these symptoms cause harmful pollutants. Degradation of the catalytic converter occurs over time but is accelerated by engine faults.

Even with regular servicing and no engine faults, converters often need replacing after 80,000 km or after 5 years use. It is important that they are checked regularly in order to maintain proper function: aiding in the maintenance of an economical and efficient vehicle and reducing toxic gases (good for the environment).

Carbon Build Up In The Modern Diesel Engine

A modern common rail diesel engine needs to draw in large amounts of air to operate efficiently.  Over time carbon deposits build up on the inner walls of the induction system.  This carbon restricts the flow and volume of air as it enters the engine, effecting the performance of your diesel engine.

Left untreated carbon build up can decrease performance and economy.  Ask Dan to perform a service that can extend the life of your diesel vehicle by…

  • Removing Carbon Deposits from EGR and Induction Systems
  • Reducing Diesel Particulate Filters Regeneration Cycles  (click here to find out more about DPFs)
  • Lowering Emissions and Smooth a rough idle
  • Improving Performance and Fuel Economy

Suspension

The suspension system is an essential part of a vehicle which includes springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, sway bars, ball joints and struts.

Their main purpose is to keep your tyres in contact with the road and carry loads safely. Good suspension provides predictable handling and a smooth ride, while minimising tyre wear.

Shock absorbers

Usually shock absorbers wear slowly and can deteriorate undetected by the driver. The symptoms can include; nose diving when braking, body roll on corners, longer braking distance and the vehicle continues bouncing when the corner of the car is compressed heavily then released. A visual inspection may show signs of leakage and/or damage. Shock absorbers should always be replaced in pairs and ideally all four replaced at the same time.

Your suspension should be checked with each regular service and any time you notice any of the symptoms mentioned

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