Back to all

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?

Request a Quote

More articles from Gary Knurek, Authorized GoodYear Dealer

Don?t Meddle with the Pedal (Brake Caliper Replacement)

October 5, 2025

If you drive a newer vehicle, chances are it has disc brakes, and one of the components of that type of brake is called a brake caliper. The caliper allows the pressure from your foot on the brake pedal to eventually move brake pads against discs in your wheels, which then slow and stop your veh... More

Mileage Headed Downhill? (What Causes Bad Fuel Economy?)

September 28, 2025

Name someone you know who enjoys spending a lot of money on gasoline. Yeah, me neither. Thats because it costs quite a bit to keep fueling your vehicle. One way to save money on gas is to get good fuel economy, and most of todays vehicles are designed to maximize your mileage. But you might f... More

Power Steering Pump Replacement

September 21, 2025

When youre driving and you hear a squeal or groan when you turn, it may be a sign your power steering pump is on its last legs. The same is true if you feel your steering is slipping or doesnt respond to your hands like it used to. Precise, responsive steering is, of course, important when it ... More