Car Diagnostics in Liverton

Liverton is a village on the edge of Dartmoor, near Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey, on the A382 side of the area. Many local journeys are on faster roads where a sudden warning light, a loss of power or a flat battery feels more serious than it would in town.

Automaster is the garage at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes. We carry out vehicle diagnostics and auto electrical repairs on petrol and diesel cars, and this page sets out what that involves in plain terms.

A warning light came on while I was driving: what should I do?

Look at the colour and the symbol. A red oil can, a red thermometer or a red brake symbol means pull over safely and stop the engine. Do not carry on in the hope that it clears. Steering and airbag warnings should also be checked rather than ignored.

An amber engine light on a car that still drives normally gives you time to arrange a check. A flashing engine light, or one with noticeable power loss and rough running, deserves a more urgent response, since continuing to drive can harm the exhaust and engine.

• Red warning: stop safely
• Flashing engine light: reduce speed and get it checked
• Amber and steady: arrange a scan
• Battery light: charging system fault

What can a diagnostic scan tell you about my car in Liverton?

A scan reads the fault codes held in the car's control units and shows live readings from its sensors. That is valuable, but limited. The code identifies a circuit or system under suspicion; it does not name the faulty part.

A misfire code, for example, can result from a spark plug, an ignition coil, an injector, a vacuum leak or a wiring fault. Narrowing it down means testing, and that is where the time goes. It is also why we ask for a quote based on the symptoms rather than naming a part in advance.

Alarms, immobilisers and key problems

If the car cranks but will not fire, a warning light shows a key or lock symbol, or the alarm sounds with nobody near, the immobiliser or alarm system may be at fault. Causes include a weak key battery, a faulty receiver, a wiring fault or a flat car battery upsetting the system.

Because these systems vary between makes, we need the vehicle details before we can say what is possible. Tell us what happens when you try to start the car.

Car battery, alternator and starter motor replacement

We replace batteries, alternators and starter motors, but only after testing shows the part is the problem. A battery that fails a load test is replaced; a battery that is flat because the alternator is weak will be flat again if the real fault is ignored.

Alternator faults often show as dimming lights or a battery warning while driving. Starter faults show at the moment you turn the key. Either way, the car can leave you stranded, so do not leave a known fault for long.

Do you work on cars from Liverton and nearby?

We do. Drivers from Liverton, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Bickington and Hexworth bring their cars to Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL for diagnostics and electrical work.

Reversing cameras and parking sensors are included, as are sensor replacement and wiring repairs. If you are unsure whether your fault is electrical, ask for a quote and describe it.