An automobile diagnostic test is a test that service technicians perform to download the data that is saved by the engine control unit. This data tells us the problems that your vehicle is experiencing. This saves us diagnostic time and, in turn, saves you money on your auto repair bill. Let’s talk more about this below.
Engine Control Unit
The engine control unit is the main chip in your vehicle’s computer system. The unit does two things primarily when your automobile is in operation. First, it controls some of the vehicle’s operation. Second, it communicates with the computerized sensors that are located in your automobile.
For example, in terms of controlling the vehicle’s operation, one thing the engine control unit does is fire the spark plugs in the correct order. This ensures the cylinders fire in the correct order and your vehicle does not misfire. The engine control unit also balances the combustion chamber’s air and fuel.
The engine control unit also talks with the computerized sensors to make sure your vehicle is doing everything that it should be doing while you are driving it. This includes operating efficiently, safely, and reliably. This communication between the unit and the sensors is critical to your safety.
Computerized Sensors
The sensors are located in your automobile’s systems. They monitor the system activity constantly while your automobile is in operation. If everything is okay, they remain quiet, except when your automobile first starts. At that time, they report that the system is operating as it should be.
If something goes wrong in one of the systems, the computerized sensor will send a notification to the engine control unit that contains a malfunction code. This tells the unit what is wrong exactly. The unit will then try to resolve the problem by making adjustments in that system.
If the adjustments cannot resolve the problem, the unit will then turn on a dashboard warning light so you are aware that something is wrong. For example, if there is a problem with the tire pressure, it will turn on the low tire pressure light.
When we run a diagnostic test on your automobile, the test downloads the malfunction codes received by the engine control unit. We also understand what these codes mean, so they tell us exactly what is wrong with your automobile. This is particularly helpful if the check engine light has turned on because this light covers an array of problems. This is the purpose of the engine diagnostic test. To retrieve the data from the engine control unit to aid us in your auto repair.