Diagnosing Intermittent Issues:

Very often vehicles exhibit problems intermittently (the problem might happen once a day, once a week, once a month...maybe only a few times a year). Issues like this are understandably very difficult to track down and having to make several frustrating visits to a repair shop is not uncommon. Your mechanic must take on the role of a detective, observing and gathering evidence until a problem can be identified and be resolved.

Contrary to popular belief, a scan tool is not the answer to all of the problems in the automotive repair universe. Simply plugging in a code reader and cross referencing the readout with a specific repair is not how it is done.  

To complete an accurate diagnosis, we MUST be able to reproduce the problem.  

If you are contacting us to look at an intermittent issue, it is critical that you provide us as much detail as possible. Keep a record of what you notice and share the information with us when it comes time to diagnose the  problem. Consider the following list when dealing with an intermittent issue to maximize the chances for a successful diagnosis:

• Make specific notes of when the issue is most likely to occur. For example, I might ask the owner: 
  • How often does the problem occur?
  • When did you first notice the problem? 
  • Were any repairs done prior to the start of the problem?
  • Did you recently install any aftermarket accessories? 
  • Have you recently had any battery, charging or starting issues?

• Does the problem occur when...
  • the engine is cold or warmed up? 
  • you hit a bump on the road?
  • cruising on the highway or idling in town? 
  • accelerating or decelerating?
  • pushing a button or turning a knob?
  • turning left or right?
  • it's wet or cold or hot outside?