Car Diagnostics in Churston

A dashboard light that stays on is the car telling you something is wrong, but not always what. Between Paignton and Brixham, a lot of Churston driving is short hops, and short hops are hard on batteries and charging systems, so electrical faults often show up there first.

At Automaster, we carry out full vehicle diagnostics and auto electrical repairs on petrol and diesel cars. Our garage is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from Churston and the surrounding area come to us when a fault needs finding properly rather than guessing at.

What does a diagnostic scan actually tell you?

We connect diagnostic equipment to the car and read the fault codes stored by its control units. A code points to a circuit, a sensor or a system that has reported something outside its normal range. It is a starting point, not a parts list.

For example, a code about an oxygen sensor can come from the sensor itself, its wiring, an exhaust leak or an engine running problem. Reading the code is quick. Working out which of those is responsible is the real diagnostic work, and that is what you are paying a technician for.

• Reads stored and pending fault codes
• Checks live data from sensors
• Narrows the fault to a circuit or component
• Does not name the failed part by itself

Which warning lights should I take seriously?

The engine management light means the engine control unit has logged a fault. If it is steady and the car drives normally, get it checked soon. If it flashes, or the car is running roughly, ease off and have it looked at promptly, because a misfire can damage the exhaust.

Red lights need more urgency. A red battery or charging light suggests the alternator is not charging. Red oil pressure or temperature lights mean stop driving. Brake and airbag lights also call for a proper check. If a light makes the car unsafe to drive, do not carry on.

Is it the battery, the alternator or the starter?

A slow, weak crank usually points to a tired battery, while a click and nothing else can be the battery, the starter or a poor connection. If the car starts after a jump but dies again, the alternator may not be charging. We test all three before replacing anything.

We handle car battery replacement, alternator replacement and starter motor work. The right battery type depends on the vehicle, especially if it has stop-start, and some cars need the new battery registered with the car's systems.

• Battery load and charge testing
• Alternator output checks
• Starter and cable inspection
• Wiring and earth connections

Do you cover Churston, Brixham, Paignton and Dartmouth?

Yes. Drivers from Churston, Brixham, Paignton, Dartmouth and across Torbay bring their cars to us at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. If you are not sure whether we can look at your fault, describe it when you ask for a quote and we will say what we can do.

We also deal with reversing cameras, parking sensors, alarms and immobilisers. If your key will not start the car, or the alarm keeps sounding for no reason, tell us exactly what happens and when.

Why do intermittent electrical faults take longer?

A fault that is there every time can be traced in a set order. One that comes and goes is harder, because the car may behave perfectly while it is with us. Damp connectors, chafed wiring, loose earths and failing sensors all cause this kind of problem.

That is why the time spent on a quote or repair depends on how repeatable the fault is. Useful details include whether it happens cold or warm, in the wet, over bumps or after a long run. The more you can tell us, the faster we can narrow it down.