Car Diagnostics in Totnes

Life in Totnes is hard on a car's electrics. Short hops down from the steep Fore Street area, cold starts, stop-and-go traffic on the A385 and A381 approaches and long gaps between runs all take their toll on batteries, starters and the wiring that links everything together.

At Automaster, our garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, we carry out full vehicle diagnostics and auto electrical work on petrol and diesel cars and vans. If a light has come on or something simply stopped working, we start by finding out why before any parts are fitted.

What does a diagnostic scan actually tell you?

A diagnostic scan connects a reader to the car's diagnostic socket and pulls out the fault codes stored by its control units. It is a very useful starting point, but a code points to a circuit or a system, not to a part that needs replacing. A code for an oxygen sensor, for example, can be caused by the sensor itself, its wiring, an exhaust leak or a fuelling problem.

The scan tells us where to look. The testing that follows, with a meter, live data and a close look at wiring and connectors, tells us what is actually wrong.

What do the common dashboard warning lights mean?

An amber engine management light means the engine control unit has logged a fault that affects emissions or running. The car may drive normally, but it should be checked. A red battery light means the charging system is not keeping up, and a red oil or temperature warning means stop driving and switch off.

Other lights you may see include ABS, airbag, power steering and, on diesels, the particulate filter light. Each points to a different system, so bring the car in rather than clearing the light and hoping.

• Amber engine light: get it checked soon
• Red battery light: charging fault, do not rely on the car
• Red oil or temperature light: stop driving
• ABS or airbag light: system may be disabled

Is it the battery, the alternator or the starter?

A car that clicks, cranks slowly or will not start is often blamed on the battery, but the starter motor and the charging system can look identical from the driver's seat. Testing the battery under load, checking what the alternator is putting out and looking at the starter circuit separates one from another.

Drivers who only do short runs in and around town may find the battery never gets a full recharge, which is worth mentioning when you ask for a quote.

Sensors, parking aids, alarms and wiring faults

We also deal with sensor faults and replacement, reversing cameras and parking sensors, and alarms and immobilisers that stop a key working or keep a car from starting. Parking sensors that bleep constantly, or a camera that has gone dark, are often down to a damaged sensor, a connector or a break in the wiring.

Wiring repairs can take time because a fault that comes and goes has to be caught in the act. Allow for that when planning the visit.

Do you cover Totnes, and where do I bring the car?

Yes. Automaster is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL, and we work on cars from Totnes itself as well as from Dartington, Buckfastleigh, South Brent and Paignton. Summer visitors who break down while staying in the area are also welcome to ask.

For a quote, tell us the make, model and year, what the car is doing, which lights are showing and whether the fault is constant or intermittent.