Auto Diagnostic Services
Find the Problem Before Replacing Parts
Warning lights, unusual noises and electrical problems can have many possible causes. At Hollywood Garage West, we diagnose the problem first so we can recommend repairs based on facts—not guesses.
From check engine and ABS warning lights to strange noises and inoperative vehicle functions, our technicians use professional diagnostic equipment, testing and real-world experience to determine what's actually happening with your vehicle.
A Trouble Code Isn't a Diagnosis
Modern vehicles can provide a tremendous amount of information when something goes wrong—but reading a trouble code is only the beginning of the diagnostic process.
A trouble code identifies the system where the vehicle has detected a problem. It does not necessarily prove that a particular part has failed.
At Hollywood Garage West, we use diagnostic information as a starting point. From there, we perform the appropriate testing to identify the actual cause of the problem before recommending parts or repairs.
This fact-based approach helps us avoid unnecessary parts replacement and gives you a better understanding of what your vehicle actually needs.
Offered Diagnostic Services
Check Engine Lights (CEL)
Diagnosis of check engine lights, trouble codes and related drivability concerns.ABS & Brake Warning Lights
Diagnosis of ABS and brake-system warning indicators.Tire Pressure Warning Lights
Diagnosis of TPMS warning lights and tire-pressure monitoring system concerns.EVAP System Problems
Diagnosis of evaporative emissions system faults and related check-engine lights via smoke testing.Battery, Starting & Charging Problems
Diagnosis of battery-related problems, starting concerns and charging-system issues.
Electrical Problems
Diagnosis of electrical issues and vehicle functions that have stopped operating properly.Windows & Accessories
Diagnosis of inoperative power windows and other vehicle functions.Unusual Noises
Investigation of irregular noises while driving, braking, turning or operating the vehicle.Other Vehicle Problems
If something isn't operating, sounding or behaving the way it normally does, we can begin by determining what's causing it.
Not seeing your needs on the list?
Feel free to reach out and see if we can help!
Our Process
Start With the Concern
Good diagnostics begin with understanding the problem. We'll start with the symptoms, warning lights or changes you've noticed in your vehicle.
Gather the Data
Depending on the concern, our technicians may use computer-based diagnostic software, physical inspection, electrical testing or other appropriate testing procedures to gather information about the problem.
Test — Don't Guess
We use the information we've gathered to narrow down the cause of the problem. Our goal is to have fact-based evidence supporting the diagnosis before recommending repairs.
Explain What We Found
Once we've identified the problem, we'll explain our findings and recommend the appropriate next steps.
You Decide How to Proceed
We will let you know what we've found and what the recommended repair involves along with an estimate before moving forward with additional work.
How Much Does Vehicle Diagnosis Cost?
Most diagnostic concerns at Hollywood Garage West begin with approximately one hour of diagnostic labor at the current labor rate.
Some problems can be identified within that initial diagnostic time, while more complicated issues may require additional testing. If additional diagnostic time is necessary, we'll communicate with you before proceeding so you're aware of the additional cost.
Diagnostic time isn't simply a charge to “read a code.” You're paying for the technician's time, equipment, testing and experience required to determine why the problem is occurring and what should actually be repaired.
Finding the cause before replacing parts can ultimately save money by avoiding unnecessary repairs.
More Than Just a Code Scanner
Proper vehicle diagnosis requires more than simply connecting a code reader and replacing the part mentioned in a trouble code.
Hollywood Garage West uses professional computer-based diagnostic software and testing equipment to help diagnose both modern vehicles and many older vehicles.
Depending on the problem, diagnosis may involve computer data, physical inspection, electrical testing, smoke testing or other procedures needed to isolate the cause.
Different problems require different testing methods, equipment and diagnostic techniques to identify the actual cause.
The equipment gives us information. The diagnosis comes from interpreting that information and testing the system to determine what's actually wrong.
Schedule Your Diagnostic
We make scheduling easy
We're available by phone during business hours from 8 AM–5 PM Monday through Friday.
Prefer to schedule online? You can request an appointment anytime.
FAQs
Does a check engine light tell you which part needs to be replaced?
1.
Not necessarily. A diagnostic trouble code identifies a fault detected within a particular system or circuit, but it doesn't always prove that a specific component has failed. We use the code and vehicle data as a starting point and perform additional testing when necessary to determine the cause before recommending repairs.
Can you diagnose problems even if there isn't a warning light?
2.
Yes. Not every vehicle problem will trigger a warning light or store a trouble code. We also diagnose physical and electrical concerns such as unusual noises, starting problems, inoperative windows and any other vehicle functions that aren't working properly.
How much does vehicle diagnostics cost?
Most diagnostic concerns at Hollywood Garage West begin with approximately one hour of diagnostic labor. More complicated problems may require additional testing and diagnostic time. If additional time is necessary, we'll communicate with you before proceeding so you're aware of the additional cost.
3.
Can you diagnose battery and starting problems?
4.
Yes. We diagnose battery-related concerns as well as starting and charging-system problems. Rather than automatically replacing a battery or other component, we'll test the system to help determine the source of the problem.
Can you diagnose EVAP leaks?
Yes. We diagnose EVAP system problems and can use smoke-testing equipment when appropriate to help locate leaks that may be responsible for a check engine light or EVAP-related faults preventing your vehicle from passing emissions testing.