Professional Diagnostics — At Your Location
When your check engine light comes on, it's your car's way of telling you something needs attention. But a warning light alone doesn't tell you what's wrong — it could be anything from a loose gas cap to a failing catalytic converter. That's where professional diagnostics come in.
At Auto Repair Mobile Mechanic, we don't just plug in a code reader and hand you a printout. Our ASE-certified technicians use professional-grade OBD-II scanners, live data analysis, and hands-on testing to identify the root cause of your vehicle's problem. We come to your home, office, or wherever your car is in Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and surrounding areas.
Our Diagnostic Process
Here's exactly what happens when you book a diagnostic service with us:
- Step 1 — Listen to you: We start by asking about your symptoms — what you're experiencing, when it started, and any patterns you've noticed. Your observations are valuable diagnostic information.
- Step 2 — Code scan: We connect our professional OBD-II scanner to read all stored and pending trouble codes across every module, not just the engine computer.
- Step 3 — Live data analysis: We monitor real-time sensor data while the engine runs — fuel trims, oxygen sensor readings, coolant temps, misfire counts, and more. This tells us what the engine is actually doing vs. what it should be doing.
- Step 4 — Component testing: Based on the data, we test specific components — voltage checks, resistance tests, vacuum tests, pressure tests — to confirm the actual failing part.
- Step 5 — Root cause confirmation: We verify the diagnosis to make sure we're fixing the actual problem, not just a symptom. This prevents the frustrating cycle of replacing parts that don't fix the issue.
- Step 6 — Clear explanation and quote: We explain what's wrong in plain English (no jargon), show you the data, and provide an honest repair estimate.
Common Issues We Diagnose
- Check engine light / service engine soon — the most common reason for a diagnostic visit
- Rough idle or engine misfires — spark plugs, coils, injectors, vacuum leaks
- Poor fuel economy — oxygen sensors, fuel system, air intake issues
- Stalling or hesitation — fuel delivery, ignition, or sensor problems
- Transmission shifting problems — solenoids, sensors, fluid condition
- Electrical system malfunctions — parasitic draws, module communication errors
- EVAP system codes — gas cap, purge valve, charcoal canister leaks
- O2 sensor and catalytic converter codes — efficiency issues, sensor failure
- ABS and traction control warnings — wheel speed sensors, module issues
- No-start conditions — fuel, spark, compression, security system diagnosis
Symptoms That Mean You Need a Diagnostic
- Check engine light, ABS light, or other warning lights illuminated
- Engine running rough, shaking, or vibrating
- Unusual noises — knocking, ticking, whining, or hissing
- Car stalls at idle or when stopping
- Noticeable decrease in power or acceleration
- Fuel economy suddenly dropped
- Strange smells — burning, rotten eggs, gasoline
- Car won't start or starts hard
- Smoke from exhaust — white, blue, or black
Why Our Diagnostics Are Different
Many shops charge $100+ for a "diagnostic" that's really just reading a code with a basic scanner — the same thing a $30 tool from the auto parts store does. Then they recommend replacing the part the code mentions, which doesn't always fix the issue because a code points to a system, not a specific part.
Our diagnostics go deeper. We use professional scan tools with bi-directional control, meaning we can command specific components to activate and test their response. We analyze freeze frame data to understand exactly what was happening when the code set. And when you book a repair with us, the diagnostic fee is typically credited toward the repair cost.
Why Mobile Diagnostics Make Sense
- No driving with warning lights — some issues can cause further damage if driven
- Convenient for no-start conditions — if the car won't start, we come to it
- See the process firsthand — we show you the data on our scanner screen
- Faster than drop-off shops — no waiting for "your turn" in the queue
- Honest answers — we have no incentive to upsell unnecessary repairs
Diagnostic Pricing
- Basic diagnostic (single system): $75–$120
- Comprehensive diagnostic (multi-system): $120–$180
- Electrical system diagnostic: $100–$180
- No-start diagnostic: $90–$150
Diagnostic fee applied toward repair cost when you choose to have us perform the work. All quotes provided before any repair begins.
Service Areas
Fort Lauderdale area: Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Hollywood, Plantation, Sunrise, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Davie, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Boca Raton
Tampa area: Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Temple Terrace, Carrollwood, Lutz, Plant City