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Check-Engine Diagnostic
FREEwith same-day repair
- We waive the $180 fee when you approve the repair the same day
- Written estimate first
Engine Diagnostics & Repair in San Jose, CA
Check-engine lights, drivability issues and major repairs with dealer-level diagnostic equipment.
What engine diagnostics means
Your engine computer watches dozens of sensors, from the ignition and fuel system to the emissions equipment. When a reading falls outside its expected range, it stores a trouble code and turns on the check engine light. That code tells you which system flagged a problem. It does not tell you which part failed.
One misfire code, for example, can come from a worn spark plug, a failing ignition coil, a clogged injector or a vacuum leak. Diagnosis is the testing that narrows the code down to the real cause, so you pay for the repair that fixes the car instead of a string of guesses.
Signs you need a diagnosis
- The check engine light is on and stays on.
- The check engine light is flashing. That usually means a severe misfire that can damage the catalytic converter, so ease off and get the car in soon.
- Rough idle, hesitation, stalling or a loss of power.
- Hard starting, or a car that cranks but will not start.
- Fuel economy that drops for no clear reason.
- New noises, smoke or smells from the engine.
- A failed smog check. In California a lit check engine light fails the test on its own.
If the temperature gauge climbs into the red or a coolant warning appears, pull over safely and shut the engine off before it overheats.
What we check and do
We connect dealer-level diagnostic equipment and read the stored codes along with the live sensor data, which shows how the engine behaves while it runs. Then we test the parts and circuits the data points to until we can confirm the cause. When the problem is found, we write up the repair, from a sensor or ignition coil to major engine work.
What it costs and what to expect
Electronic diagnosis is $180, and we waive it when you approve the repair we recommend the same day we diagnose it. Written estimates for visible work are free. Once we know the cause, you get a written estimate for the repair, and no work begins without your approval.
Related services
- Factory Scheduled Maintenance, since skipped maintenance is behind many warning lights
- A/C, Electrical & Battery for charging and wiring faults that set engine codes
- Oil & Fluid Service to keep the engine in good shape after the repair
Bring it to our San Jose shop on Keyes St. Book a time online or call (408) 298-7777.
This month's deals
Shop-set specials. Mention the code when you book.
Not combinable with other offers unless noted · Mention the code before we write up your order; can't be applied to past invoices · Most cars and light trucks · Not valid on insurance, warranty or fleet work · No cash value.
Five minutes from Downtown San Jose.
222 Keyes St, Unit 104
San Jose, CA 95112
San Jose, CA 95112
In Spartan Keyes, just off S 6th St, free parking on site. Near Excite Ballpark and Happy Hollow. We serve drivers across San Jose, Santa Clara, Campbell and Milpitas.
Questions we hear every week.
Can I keep driving with the check engine light on?
If the light is steady and the car drives normally, you can usually drive it in for a diagnosis soon. If the light is flashing, or the car runs rough or overheats, limit driving and call us, because continuing can cause more damage.
Why not just read the code at a parts store?
A code reader tells you which system flagged a fault, not which part failed. Our diagnosis tests the system to confirm the cause, so the repair you pay for is the one that fixes it.
The light went off by itself. Am I in the clear?
Not always. Some faults come and go, and the code stays stored in the engine computer. If the light comes back, or the car feels different, have it checked. Clearing a code without a fix usually means it returns.
Bring it to Keyes St. Walk-ins welcome weekdays.
Call, text, or just swing by.