On Board Diagnostics for Troy Motorists
February 27, 2020
Some Troy vehicle owners wonder why Gary Knurek GoodYear and other Troy auto repair shops charge a fee for vehicle diagnostics.
Receiving a diagnostic charge at Gary Knurek GoodYear for a tricky automotive problem shouldn't be a surprise. In the Troy area, automotive diagnostics can cover quite a range. If you hear a noise in your vehicle brakes when you slow down in rush-hour traffic on a busy Michigan road, you pull off at the next off-ramp and take a quick visual check. That is usually enough to know what needs to be done. If you're having an intermittent problem with your vehicle engine, however, a Gary Knurek GoodYear diagnosis may be much more involved.
Much of the Troy driver's confusion comes when the problem involves the Check Engine light. The Check Engine light comes on when the engine management computer has sensed a problem.
There's a common misconception among Michigan drivers that the trouble code tells the Gary Knurek GoodYear technician exactly what's wrong. They wonder why there is a diagnostic charge because the scanner quickly gave the diagnosis.
In reality, it is not that easy and straightforward. The computer monitors many sensors throughout the vehicle. When one of these sensors has a reading that's out of parameters, the computer will record a trouble code and turn on the Check Engine light.
The vehicle computer's trouble code just tells the Gary Knurek GoodYear technician what engine parameter is out of range, not what's causing it. The technician needs to determine the underlying problem that's causing the malfunction.
There are many problems that could cause a troublesome sensor reading for Gary Knurek GoodYear customers. The service advisor makes a list of the most likely causes and begins tracking down the source of the problem. This takes time.
Troy service centers subscribe to databases that document possible causes for all the possible trouble codes. The databases outline procedures for confirming a diagnosis and provide the documented repair. These databases are specific to each vehicle and engine combination.
Some diagnoses are quick and easy. Others are more involved, time-consuming and difficult. Of course Gary Knurek GoodYear wants to figure out what's wrong with your vehicle and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
Gary Knurek GoodYear
1973 Livernois
Troy, Michigan 48083
248-362-0350
Need Service?
More articles from Gary Knurek, Authorized GoodYear Dealer

See the Light (Bulb Replacement)
December 14, 2025
When you notice one of your headlights has gone out, its important for the safe operation of your vehicle to get it changed and working again. Not only is replacing a headlight important for your ability to see in the dark, but its also vital that it be lighting your way and aimed correctly so o... More

Losing Your Cool (AC Condenser Replacement)
December 7, 2025
Its always more comfortable in your vehicle when you can control temperature and humidity in the cabin. Air conditioning, which is standard on most newer vehicles, is a vital part of that comfort, and a key component of that system is the condenser. The condenser converts the refrigerant gas into... More

Rumble from Down Under (Muffler Replacement)
November 30, 2025
Weve all noticed them at one time or another on the street: a car or truck that drives by and the deep roar from their exhaust system sounds like a drag racer on the line. But what happens when that rumble is coming from under YOUR vehicle? Well, it could be a sign your muffler needs attention. ... More
