Automotive On-Board Computer Diagnostics

Your on-board computer is the brain for engine management. There are several sensors under your hood in different locations. Those sensors feed the computer constant information so it understands what to do and what the conditions are.

An example of this would be a coolant temperature sensor. This sensor is designed to identify the temperature of your antifreeze. You’re on board computer needs to know if the coolant is ice cold or warm. It uses this information coupled with other data to adjust the fuel mixture in your engine. If a sensor is providing no information or erroneous information it will often turn on your check engine light. This light tells you something in the system is not right.

If your light is not on constantly, often a code will be set in the computer in the history portion. A trained technician can access that data with the computer at Fast Tire. The codes give the technician an area to look in, however often does not pin-point the problem. The technician then tests circuits and applies previous experience to determine the reason the light is on.

Fast Tire On-Board Diagnostics Informational Video Why do you get charged for automotive diagnostics? Find out what happens when the “Check Engine” light goes on. Learn about scanning tools technicians use to determine what causes sensor readings, trouble codes and more…