Car Diagnostics in Modbury

Modbury is a small South Hams market town on the A379, with narrow streets, steep approaches and rural lanes in every direction. A car that stalls on a hill start or refuses to fire in a tight street is a real irritation.

Automaster, at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, carries out full vehicle diagnostics and auto electrical work on petrol and diesel cars and vans. We work on batteries, alternators, starters, sensors, alarms and wiring.

Why has my engine management light come on?

The light means the engine control unit has logged something outside its normal limits. Causes range from a loose fuel cap to a failing sensor or a misfire. The only way to know is to read the code and test.

Steady means arrange a check soon. Flashing suggests a misfire, so avoid hard driving until it is looked at.

Mention anything that happened just before the problem began, such as a wash, a jump start, heavy rain or an accessory being fitted. A short, honest history of the fault is often the quickest route to the real cause, and it stops us repeating tests that have already been done.

What is the difference between a fault code and a diagnosis?

A fault code is a message from the car. A diagnosis is the result of testing what that message means. The code might point to a coolant temperature sensor circuit, but the fault could be the sensor, a wire or a plug.

We use the code to decide where to start, then confirm with tests. Skipping that stage often leads to parts being fitted that did not need replacing.

Slow cranking, clicking and no-start faults

Steep hills and tight streets make a hesitant starter more noticeable. Slow cranking often points to a weak battery or poor connections, while a single click can mean a failing starter or a flat battery.

We test the battery, check the alternator is charging and examine the starter circuit. If a part needs replacing, the cost depends on the car and how reachable the part is, so ask for a quote.

• Test the battery
• Check charging output
• Inspect starter circuit and cables

Wiring faults, parking sensors and reversing cameras

Parking sensors and cameras are handy in narrow streets, and failures are usually down to a sensor, a connector or a break in the wiring. We trace the fault and replace what is needed.

Faults that come and go with weather or road bumps are the hardest to track. That extra time is a real factor in the work involved.

Do you cover Modbury, and how do I reach you?

Yes. We are at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL. Drivers from Modbury, Ermington, Ivybridge, Kingston and Kingsbridge can bring their cars to us.

Ask for a quote and include the car's make, model and year, the warning lights, and how and when the fault shows itself.