Car Diagnostics in Ermington

Ermington is a South Hams village in the River Erme valley, reached by narrow country roads and used by commuters heading for Ivybridge and Plymouth. Early starts and a regular run mean a car needs to fire up every time.

At Automaster, our garage near Totnes, we offer diagnostics and auto electrical repairs on petrol and diesel vehicles. Drivers from Ermington, Ivybridge, Modbury, South Brent and Kingston bring cars to us.

What happens when you run diagnostics on my car?

We connect a scan tool, read the stored codes and review live data from the engine and other systems. We then test the circuits and components the codes point to, because a code is a pointer and not a parts list.

The result is a clear picture of what is failing, so you can decide on repair with the facts in front of you.

If the car has recently had a battery, a belt or any electrical accessory fitted, mention that as well. Those details can point straight to a loose connection or a drain, and they save repeating tests we have already thought through.

Why is my battery warning light on?

A red battery symbol means the charging system is not working as it should. The alternator, its drive belt, a wiring fault or the battery itself could be responsible. Keep driving to a minimum, as the car will run down the battery and stop.

On narrow valley roads with few places to pull in, stop as soon as it is safe if the car is losing power.

Early starts, cold mornings and starter trouble

A commuter who sets off before dawn will notice a slow or clicking starter before anyone else. Common causes include a weak battery, corroded terminals and a worn starter motor.

We separate these by testing. Replacing a battery will not help if the starter is the culprit, and the reverse is also true.

• Clicking when the key is turned
• Slow, heavy cranking
• Starter spinning without engaging
• Intermittent no-start

Sensors, parking aids, alarms and wiring faults

Sensors for the engine, ABS and parking systems can fail or give odd readings. We test the sensor and its wiring, then replace only what has failed. Reversing cameras, parking sensors, alarms and immobilisers get the same treatment.

Country lanes can mean brushed hedges and damp, and both can damage wiring or connectors. Intermittent problems take extra time to trace.

Do you cover Ermington, and how do I ask for a quote?

We do. Automaster is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL, and we see drivers from Ermington and the neighbouring Ivybridge, Modbury, South Brent and Kingston areas.

Ask for a quote and give us your car's make, model and year, a description of the fault and any lights showing.