Light just came on? Bring it in or pop the hood at home and call us with the code. We diagnose for free, explain what it means in plain English, and quote the fix before any work starts.
Modern cars throw codes for everything. Here are the ones we see daily and what they usually mean.
Catalytic converter efficiency. Sometimes the cat itself, sometimes upstream O2 sensor.
Lean fuel mixture. Often a vacuum leak, MAF sensor, or fuel pressure issue.
Engine misfire. Plugs, coils, injectors, or compression. We pinpoint which cylinder.
EVAP leak. 80% of the time, it's a loose or bad gas cap. Cheap fix.
Coolant temp below thermostat regulating temp. Almost always a stuck-open thermostat.
Communication errors between modules. Could be a bad ground, wiring, or failing module.
We never charge you to read a code. If you authorize deeper testing, you know the price first.
| Service | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| OBD-II code scan | FREE | Read codes, explain what they mean, quote the fix |
| Diagnostic deep-dive | $120 – $180 | Smoke test, scope traces, live data — only if needed and authorized |
| Electrical diagnosis | $150 | Tracking down phantom drains, wiring faults |
| ABS / SRS / TPMS scan | $60 | Beyond standard OBD-II — uses dedicated scanner |
| Pre-purchase inspection | $120 | For used-car buyers; full scan + visual + test drive |
No mystery, no upsell. Here's exactly what happens when you bring the car in.
We plug in our scanner, pull every code, and check pending codes too. Free, takes 5 minutes.
We tell you what the code means in plain English — and which possible causes are most likely on your specific vehicle.
If you want the fix, we quote the exact price before doing anything. You decide whether to proceed.
If the light is steady — usually yes for a short drive, but get it scanned soon. If the light is flashing — pull over and call us. A flashing light means active misfire that can damage the catalytic converter quickly.
They're fine for the basic code, but they don't pull pending codes, freeze-frame data, or manufacturer-specific codes. We do, and we don't try to upsell you parts you don't need.
Hugely variable. Loose gas cap = $0. O2 sensor = $200–$350. Catalytic converter = $600–$1,800 depending on car. We always quote before starting.
If it's the same code within 30 days, come back — we'll re-diagnose at no charge. We back our diagnostic work.
We can, but we won't recommend it. Codes come back when the underlying issue persists. For smog test prep, the right move is to fix the cause and let the readiness monitors complete naturally.
