What’s in an AAMCO Vehicle Courtesy Check?
The AAMCO Vehicle Courtesy Check is a thorough review of all major systems in your car. We check to make sure you are completely up to date on recommended factory maintenance and your car is safe and efficient. AAMCO is one of the most trusted names in car care.
- Transmission/Clutch
- Engine Performance
- Brakes
- Steering
- Shock Absorbers
- Heater/Air Conditioning
- Instruments/Controls
- Headlights/Fog Lights
- Brake/Back-up Lights
- Interior/Warning Lights
- Turn Signals/Flashers
- Fluid Level/Condition
- Drive Belt
- Battery
- Starter
- Charging System/Alternator
- Idle Speed
- Engine
- Intake System
- Fuel Delivery System
- Ignition System
- Computer Systems
- Cooling System
- Steering/Front Suspension
- Brakes
- Rear Suspension
- Engine Mounts
- Transmission Mounts
- Engine Seals
- Transmission Seals
- Clutch/Transmission Linkage
- Driveshaft
- U-Joints
- Drive Axles
- CV Joints
- Exhaust System
- Rear Axle
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1. Vehicle Courtesy Check 101
2. Benefits of Performing a Vehicle Courtesy Check?
3. What Does It Test?
4. What Happens Next?
5. AAMCO Can Help!
6. More From Our Blog
Car Vehicle Courtesy Check 101
When you take your car to the mechanic, they will typically hook up a machine to your vehicle in order to determine the issues going on. Your car is essentially one giant machine that uses a computer to regulate everything going on internally. This tool uses software that accesses your car’s reporting and computer system which is where all faults and errors are logged. Performing this simple test can tell a mechanic a lot about the condition of your engine and can help to pinpoint areas that require attention.
Related Article: Preventative Car Maintenance Infographic
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What Are the Benefits of Performing a Vehicle Courtesy Check?
Well, let’s say you’re driving home on the weekend and you notice that your car’s engine is slightly misfiring. A few moments later you notice that the check engine light has come on. You may already know that your spark plugs need to be replaced, but the typical driver may not know this. These tests are extremely helpful because they allow the mechanics to immediately pull the error log from the computer in your vehicle. This eliminates a lot of the guessing that used to go into the diagnosing car troubles, which in turn saves you time and money. Minor issues can be found and corrected long before they become a big project.
What Does the Vehicle Courtesy Check Test?
The very first thing we will do is plug the scanner into your OBD-II port. This will produce a report with the computer codes, freeze frame data, computer software version numbers, and critical data and sensor information. There is a lot more to running these tests than just pulling codes because this does not offer all of the information available. Next, we’ll run a verification test. This portion will test that systems like engine vacuum and back pressure, the ignition system, and the emissions systems are functioning properly.
Failure in many of these basic systems can often cause the check engine light to display, so addressing it early is critical to resolving the issue. All manufacturers require that circuit and component pinpoint testing is completed in order to make an absolute diagnostic determination. This involved working through wiring diagrams, performing electrical and/or mechanical tests, performing bi-directional control tests, and visual inspections of suspect areas.
Don’t GEt Shaken up by Car Problems
No matter the season, AAMCO Colorado is staying open, practicing safe healthy measures, in order to provide essential car maintenance and diagnostic services to help our communities. Stay safe, and get your car maintained here.
What Happens Next, After the Diagnostic?
Once we have all of the data from the tests, we will begin researching these issues. We will check Technical Service Bulletins and hotline information to determine whether this has been determined to be a pattern failure, meaning that it is a known issue that regularly occurs on your make and model. This does not eliminate the need for the test but rather works in tandem with the Vehicle Courtesy Check. If it is a reported issue, there may be more information reported that could be contributing to the problems you’re experiencing. Once we have analyzed these results, we will move onto repairing the vehicle. Repairs could range from replacing parts, rewiring or replacement of important systems, updating the vehicle’s computer, or cleaning parts under the hood.
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AAMCO Colorado Can Diagnose Any Car Repair and Car Maintenance Issue
AAMCO Colorado offers to diagnose your vehicle with a FREE Vehicle Courtesy Check. We offer the Best Nationwide Warranty, so schedule an appointment at your favorite AAMCO Colorado location today and get your car back in shape!
If you are having car troubles find your local AAMCO Colorado and call or book online today to visit us today.
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Recent Posts
Categories
- AAMCO Diagnostics Center
- Air Conditioning
- Blog
- Brakes
- Brakes, Tires, & Suspension
- Check Engine Light
- Colorado Automotive Advice
- Community Involvement
- Electrical
- Electrical
- Engine
- Exhaust System
- Featured Articles
- Infographic
- Maintenance
- Muffler
- Muffler & Exhaust
- news
- Oil Change
- Online Mechanic
- Radiator
- Radiator & Cooling System
- Safety
- Services
- Suspension
- Suspension System
- Total Car Care
- Transmission
- Transmissions
- Videos
I just LOST POWERSTEERING IS A ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC NECESSARY
Michael,
If any system in your car behind functioning incorrectly we suggest stopping by for a diagnostic test. Unfortunately, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have.
Thanks,
AAMCO Colorado
can a diagnostic tell where you are losing or why your burning oil?
Keith,
Our diagnostic services are very comprehensive. We utilize the AAMCO Vehicle Courtesy Check process to thoroughly review all the systems in your car and provide you with an accurate diagnosis for any problem your car may be having.
Thanks,
AAMCO Colorado
Do you have any places in California by Newman?
Tarena,
AAMCO is a national chain with locations in most states. We suggest looking for a service center nearest to you directly on the AAMCO website – found here: AAMCO Locations
Thanks,
AAMCO Colorado
Would a basic diagnostic charge cover basics like checking the main fuse while troubleshooting? Or does checking the main and easily accessible fuse only fall under your $130 “advanced” diagnostic?
Paul,
We do offer a free diagnostic check which checks through all the systems in your car. You would need to contact your AAMCO Colorado shop of choice for any specific information on pricing.
Thanks,
AAMCO Colorado
I have a 5.7 HEMI in my 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X. 650 miles on it. Engine is making noise like ticking, Diesel engine sound. Car vibrates at certain speeds. I believe I have broken exhaust manifold bolts. Going back to the dealership twice in 4 days. They supposedly used the diagnostics. I don’t believe them one bit. Would diagnostics catch broken bolts is my question?
Dave,
Every mechanic or dealership may have a different definition of what diagnostics include. You can learn more about the AAMCO Vehicle Courtesy Check process here. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have. You can also contact one of our mechanics directly by using our Ask A Mechanic feature.
Thanks,
AAMCO Colorado
What does it mean when they say they have to run a separate diagnostic for each issue I have with the car ie brakes, transmission etc.
Marna,
Different systems in your car have different testing, different attributes that your mechanic should want to test out. Since no two car system works exactly the same, each system has different sets of tests and standards. Unfortunately, we can not diagnose your vehicle without seeing it in one of our service centers. If you are local to Colorado stop by one of 14 Colorado AAMCO Service centers and we can perform a free diagnostic check on your vehicle where we can access any repair needs your vehicle may have.
Thanks,
AAMCO Colorado