Car Diagnostics in Ivybridge

Ivybridge sits on the southern edge of Dartmoor beside the A38, with strong commuter traffic heading for Plymouth and steep roads up to the moor. Commuting cars rack up regular miles, and electrical wear tends to show up at the worst moment.

Automaster at Longcombe Cross near Totnes provides full vehicle diagnostics and auto electrical work on petrol and diesel cars and vans. We look at warning lights, battery and charging faults, starter problems, sensors and wiring.

What should a commuter do when the engine light comes on?

If the car drives normally, you can usually finish the journey, but book a check soon. If the light flashes, the car is shaking, or there is a loss of power, ease off and get it looked at rather than carry on at motorway speeds.

Make a note of how the car behaved. Tell us when you ask for a quote, as it helps us decide where to start.

One more tip for commuters: if the fault appears only at certain times, such as first thing in the morning or after a long queue, say so. A fault that depends on temperature or load is far easier to trace when we know the conditions.

Will a diagnostic scan solve the problem on its own?

A scan is the first step. It reads fault codes, and each code points to a circuit or system, not a specific part. A misfire code, for instance, could be a coil, a plug, an injector or a wiring fault.

After the scan we test, measure and inspect. That extra work is why diagnostics is more than plugging in a reader.

Battery and charging problems with daily mileage

Daily commutes usually keep a healthy battery topped up, so a flat battery points to a fault: a worn battery, a weak alternator or something drawing current while parked. We test all three.

Signs of an alternator on its way out include flickering lights, a battery warning light and electrics that behave oddly at idle.

• Battery test under load
• Charging output check
• Parasitic drain check

Starter motors, sensors and wiring repairs

A starter that clicks, grinds or fails now and then can be replaced once testing confirms it. We also replace faulty sensors and repair wiring, including damaged connectors.

Hill starts and stop-start traffic put a lot of strain on a starter, so wear tends to build over time. Intermittent faults can need longer, as the problem has to be reproduced.

Do you cover Ivybridge, and how do I get a quote?

Yes. Automaster is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL, and we welcome drivers from Ivybridge, South Brent, Ermington, Modbury and Kingsbridge.

Ask for a quote with your car's details, the symptoms and any warning lights. We may need to see the car before confirming the work.