Common Engine Diagnostic Services and Estimated Costs
Check Engine Light Diagnosis
Basic diagnostic scan and interpretation: 1 hour
Typical Cost: $125
Comprehensive Engine Performance Testing
Including fuel system, ignition, and emissions: 2-3 hours
Typical Cost: $250-$375
Misfire Diagnosis
Including compression testing and spark plug inspection: 2-3 hours
Typical Cost: $250-$375
Fuel System Diagnosis
Including pressure testing and injector analysis: 1.5-2 hours
Typical Cost: $187-$250
Oil Consumption Testing
Multiple visits required over time: 2-3 hours total
Typical Cost: $250-$375
Timing Belt/Chain Inspection
Including removal of covers and visual inspection: 1-2 hours
Typical Cost: $125-$250
Engine Noise Diagnosis
Including mechanical inspection and component testing: 1.5-2.5 hours
Typical Cost: $187-$312
Overheating Investigation
Including cooling system pressure testing: 1.5-2 hours
Typical Cost: $187-$250
Please note: These are estimated costs for diagnostic services only. Additional repairs, if needed, will be quoted separately. Some complex issues may require additional diagnostic time.
Our Rate: $125/hour
Common Engine Diagnostic Repair Procedures
Check Engine Light Diagnosis
Repair Steps:
- Connect OBD-II scanner to vehicle's diagnostic port
- Retrieve error codes from vehicle's computer system
- Research specific error codes to identify problem areas
- Perform visual inspection of related components
- Test suspected faulty components
- Replace or repair defective parts
- Clear error codes
- Test drive to ensure problem is resolved
Misfire Diagnosis
Repair Steps:
- Perform compression test on all cylinders
- Inspect spark plugs and ignition coils
- Check fuel injectors for proper operation
- Examine valve train components
- Replace faulty components identified during testing
- Verify proper spark plug gap and installation
- Test drive to confirm misfire is eliminated
Poor Performance Diagnosis
Repair Steps:
- Check fuel pressure and delivery system
- Inspect air intake system for restrictions
- Test mass airflow sensor operation
- Examine oxygen sensors
- Check timing belt/chain condition
- Clean or replace affected components
- Perform necessary adjustments
- Road test to verify performance improvement
Rough Idle Diagnosis
Repair Steps:
- Check vacuum lines for leaks
- Inspect throttle body for carbon buildup
- Test idle air control valve
- Check EGR valve operation
- Verify proper ignition timing
- Clean or replace malfunctioning components
- Adjust idle speed if necessary
- Confirm smooth idle operation
Excessive Smoke Diagnosis
Repair Steps:
- Determine smoke color (blue, black, or white)
- Perform compression test
- Check PCV system operation
- Inspect valve seals and piston rings
- Test fuel injection system
- Examine head gasket condition
- Replace damaged components
- Verify smoke issue is resolved
Poor Fuel Economy Diagnosis
Repair Steps:
- Check tire pressure and condition
- Test oxygen sensors
- Inspect fuel injectors for proper spray pattern
- Check air filter condition
- Verify proper spark plug operation
- Test fuel pressure
- Replace or repair inefficient components
- Monitor fuel consumption after repairs
Note: These are general repair procedures. Specific steps may vary depending on vehicle make, model, and year. Always consult manufacturer specifications for detailed repair instructions.
Understanding Engine Diagnostics

Check Engine Light Diagnosis
When your check engine light illuminates, our diagnostic equipment connects to your vehicle's onboard computer (ECU) to retrieve error codes. These codes help identify specific issues affecting your engine's performance, emissions system, or other vital components. This allows us to pinpoint problems quickly and accurately, saving you time and money on unnecessary repairs.
Computer Diagnostic Scan
A comprehensive computer diagnostic scan examines all electronic systems in your vehicle, not just engine-related issues. This test evaluates transmission controls, airbag systems, ABS brakes, and other electronic components. It provides a complete health check of your vehicle's electronic systems and helps identify potential problems before they become serious.
Performance Testing
Performance diagnostics measure your engine's actual output against factory specifications. This includes testing horsepower, torque, fuel efficiency, and emissions levels. These tests help identify performance issues such as reduced power, poor fuel economy, or excessive emissions, allowing us to make necessary adjustments or repairs to restore optimal performance.
Fuel System Diagnosis
This diagnostic process examines your vehicle's entire fuel delivery system, from the fuel pump to injectors. It measures fuel pressure, injection timing, and fuel mixture ratios to ensure your engine receives the proper amount of fuel for efficient operation. This helps identify issues like clogged injectors, failing fuel pumps, or incorrect fuel mixtures.
Emissions Testing
Emissions diagnostics analyze your vehicle's exhaust gases to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and identify potential problems with your emissions control system. This includes testing catalytic converter efficiency, oxygen sensor operation, and overall emissions levels. It helps maintain your vehicle's environmental compliance and can identify issues affecting fuel economy.
Electrical System Diagnosis
This diagnostic service examines your vehicle's electrical systems, including the battery, alternator, starter, and other electrical components. It measures voltage outputs, current draw, and identifies any electrical shorts or drains that could affect engine performance or starting reliability. This helps prevent unexpected electrical failures and ensures all systems are operating correctly.
Compression Testing
Engine compression testing measures the pressure in each cylinder during operation. This diagnostic tool helps identify internal engine problems such as worn piston rings, leaking valves, or blown head gaskets. It's crucial for determining engine health and can help predict potential major engine failures before they occur.
Vacuum System Testing
Vacuum system diagnostics check for leaks or problems in your engine's vacuum system, which affects multiple engine functions including fuel delivery, emissions controls, and brake assist systems. This testing helps identify vacuum leaks that can cause rough idle, poor fuel economy, and reduced engine performance.
Sensor Function Testing
Modern engines rely on numerous sensors to operate efficiently. This diagnostic service tests all engine sensors including mass airflow sensors, oxygen sensors, temperature sensors, and position sensors. It ensures all sensors are providing accurate data to your engine's computer for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
Drivability Diagnostics
This comprehensive diagnostic approach combines computer analysis with real-world driving conditions to identify problems that may only occur during actual vehicle operation. It helps diagnose intermittent issues, vibrations, noises, or performance problems that might not be apparent during stationary testing.
Common Engine Diagnostic Warning Signs and Symptoms
Common Engine Diagnostic Signs and Service Schedules
Check Engine Light
Signs of Failure:
- Illuminated check engine light on dashboard
- Light flashing (indicates severe issue)
- Light appearing intermittently
Service Schedule: Have codes read immediately when light appears. Regular scanning recommended during annual maintenance.
Compression Test
Signs of Failure:
- Difficulty starting
- Loss of power
- Rough idle
- Increased fuel consumption
Service Schedule: Test every 60,000 miles or when experiencing power issues.
Fuel System Analysis
Signs of Failure:
- Hard starting
- Hesitation during acceleration
- Stalling
- Poor fuel economy
Service Schedule: Fuel system cleaning every 30,000 miles; inspection every 15,000 miles.
Vacuum Leak Testing
Signs of Failure:
- High idle speed
- Whistling noise
- Poor engine performance
- Rough idle
Service Schedule: Check during annual maintenance or when symptoms occur.
Oil Pressure Test
Signs of Failure:
- Oil pressure warning light
- Engine noise
- Higher engine temperature
- Poor performance
Service Schedule: Check during every oil change (typically every 5,000-7,500 miles).
Emissions Testing
Signs of Failure:
- Excessive exhaust smoke
- Failed emissions test
- Check engine light
- Poor fuel economy
Service Schedule: As required by state law (typically every 1-2 years) or when symptoms occur.
Timing Belt/Chain Inspection
Signs of Failure:
- Ticking noise from engine
- Engine misfiring
- Oil leaking from timing cover
- Engine won't turn over
Service Schedule: Inspect every 60,000-100,000 miles (refer to manufacturer specifications).
Cylinder Power Balance Test
Signs of Failure:
- Engine misfire
- Rough running
- Vibration
- Loss of power
Service Schedule: Test when experiencing performance issues or during major tune-ups.
Note: These are general guidelines. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific maintenance schedules and follow manufacturer recommendations.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.