Dealer-level diagnostics
Warning light on? Let’s find out why.
A fault code tells you where to start looking — not always what’s wrong. We read the codes and live data with dealer-level equipment, then test to confirm the cause before recommending a repair.
What diagnostics involves
More than plugging in a code reader
Modern vehicles have dozens of control modules monitoring everything from the engine and gearbox to the brakes, airbags and emissions system. When something falls outside its expected range, a fault code is stored and a warning light may come on.
Dealer-level equipment lets us talk to those modules properly: reading and clearing codes, watching live sensor data while the engine runs, and running component tests that generic code readers can’t.
The code is the starting point. A misfire code, for example, could be caused by a coil, a plug, an injector, a wiring fault or a mechanical problem. Testing to find the actual cause is what saves you from paying for parts you didn’t need.
Warning signs
Signs your vehicle needs a check
A red warning light usually means stop as soon as it’s safe to do so. An amber light means get it checked soon. If you’re unsure, check your handbook or call us.
- Engine management light on or flashing
- DPF, glow plug or emissions warning
- Limp mode or a sudden loss of power
- Rough idle, misfires or hesitation
- Gearbox, ABS or stability control warnings
- Higher fuel consumption without explanation
- Starting problems or intermittent faults
- Electrical faults after work or part replacement
Help us help you
What to tell us when you enquire
The more we know, the faster we can narrow things down.
- Make, model, engine and registration
- Which warning lights are showing, and any messages on the dash
- When the problem happens — cold, hot, at speed, under load
- Whether it’s constant or comes and goes
- Any recent work, parts fitted or previous diagnosis
- Whether the vehicle is safe to drive, or needs recovering
Some faults take time. Intermittent problems and electrical faults can need further testing, and not every fault can be pinned down in a single visit. We’ll keep you informed and agree any additional time with you first.
The process
From warning light to answer
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Describe the symptoms
Call or send an enquiry with your vehicle details and what you’ve noticed.
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Scan & live data
We read codes across the vehicle’s modules and look at live data with dealer-level equipment.
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Test & confirm
We carry out tests to confirm the cause, rather than guessing from a code.
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Explain & quote
You get a clear explanation of the fault and the options, with a price for the repair.
Questions
Diagnostics questions
If your question is about a specific vehicle, the quickest answer is usually a call.
Can I arrange a diagnostic check?
Yes. We use dealer-level diagnostic equipment to read fault codes and live data, then investigate the cause. Booking a diagnostic check is the right first step if you have a warning light or a fault you can’t pin down.
Will a diagnostic check find the fault straight away?
Fault codes point us in the right direction, but they don’t always identify the failed part on their own. Some faults — especially intermittent ones — need further testing. We’ll explain what we’ve found and what the next step is before going further.
My DPF warning light is on. What should I do?
Check your handbook first — some vehicles ask for a sustained drive to allow a regeneration. If the light stays on, returns quickly, or the vehicle goes into reduced power, get it checked. Continuing to drive with a blocked DPF can lead to more expensive problems. See our DPF cleaning page.
Talk to Retroworks
Get the fault found properly.
Book a diagnostic check at our workshop or at your location.
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