A lot of guys are asking for help on various topics, and I would like to add some information to this forum to maybe aid in diagnosing things.
When you are reporting a concern, please report the following:
1. Vehicle Year/Make/Model - There are so many different options on vehicles, it's REALLY hard to pull stuff out of the air to help repair it.
2. Vehicle Engine - again, lots of stuff different from engine to engine, some have their own little quirks that are well known, and easy to diagnose knowing the engine type.
3. Please DESCRIBE the problem - as best as you can - don't just put "It Won't Start". Please SPECIFY - It cranks, but will not start, it just goes 'CLICK' when i turn the key to start, it doesn't do anything when i turn the key to start.
4. Please inform us if any warning lights are on when the concern is happening - this can be an invaluable resource to determine if your problem is electrical, mechanical, or otherwise.
5. Please describe when the concern occurs - Does it happen all the time? Cold? Hot? When it's raining?
6. Please list any basic checks you have already performed, or any recent repairs done on the vehicle - this can also shed a little light on what may be going on.
7. Please list any modifications done to the vehicle - something even as simple as a K&N air filter. ANY aftermarket modifications, please list 'em.
About the only other thing I can add, is if your car still has basic warranty, please take it to the dealership first. A lot of dealers have a lot of VERY qualified technicians that REALLY know how to repair vehicles right. It's a lot easier for a mechanic to diagnose your car IN PERSON, especially for free, like under warranty. :smile:
Don't be afraid to ask questions, just please try and help the guys helping you help you by giving the entire picture. I see too many times at the shop I work at, on a repair order "Car does something sometimes"...THANKS - I need a little more info than that Mr. Service Writer.
This is not an attempt to scare people away from posting here, just trying to make it a little easier having some basic guidelines to aid in diagnosis.
Moderators/Admins - I hope this is not out of place.
Anyone have anything constructive to add, please feel free to do so.
Regards
Moose
When you are reporting a concern, please report the following:
1. Vehicle Year/Make/Model - There are so many different options on vehicles, it's REALLY hard to pull stuff out of the air to help repair it.
2. Vehicle Engine - again, lots of stuff different from engine to engine, some have their own little quirks that are well known, and easy to diagnose knowing the engine type.
3. Please DESCRIBE the problem - as best as you can - don't just put "It Won't Start". Please SPECIFY - It cranks, but will not start, it just goes 'CLICK' when i turn the key to start, it doesn't do anything when i turn the key to start.
4. Please inform us if any warning lights are on when the concern is happening - this can be an invaluable resource to determine if your problem is electrical, mechanical, or otherwise.
5. Please describe when the concern occurs - Does it happen all the time? Cold? Hot? When it's raining?
6. Please list any basic checks you have already performed, or any recent repairs done on the vehicle - this can also shed a little light on what may be going on.
7. Please list any modifications done to the vehicle - something even as simple as a K&N air filter. ANY aftermarket modifications, please list 'em.
About the only other thing I can add, is if your car still has basic warranty, please take it to the dealership first. A lot of dealers have a lot of VERY qualified technicians that REALLY know how to repair vehicles right. It's a lot easier for a mechanic to diagnose your car IN PERSON, especially for free, like under warranty. :smile:
Don't be afraid to ask questions, just please try and help the guys helping you help you by giving the entire picture. I see too many times at the shop I work at, on a repair order "Car does something sometimes"...THANKS - I need a little more info than that Mr. Service Writer.
This is not an attempt to scare people away from posting here, just trying to make it a little easier having some basic guidelines to aid in diagnosis.
Moderators/Admins - I hope this is not out of place.
Anyone have anything constructive to add, please feel free to do so.
Regards
Moose