Boston's Leading Mobile Mechanics

Information Tools –

Today's cars have a diagnostic system called On-Board Diagnostics II or OBD II.   This keeps track of the workings of the engine systems and the transmission.   When this system generates a Diagnostic Trouble Code or DTC, our mechanic can look up the code definition reading and find what the car trouble is.   Another information tool that our mechanic uses is the diagnostic flow chart. It gives us a step-by-step guidance for testing issues difficult to diagnose.   Diagnostic flow charts give the information we need to find the problem by eliminating what works.   Factory service bulletins can also be helpful in pinpointing trouble in a vehicle. These TSBs identify potential safety hazards and give us the information necessary to fix them.   Such bulletins make us aware of manufacturing defects and part failures and these can pinpoint hard-to-repair issues for certain cars.

Scanning Tools –

All newer cars have a special plug for On Board Diagnostics II, or OBD-II under the dashboard, where we can interface with the vehicle to check emissions and other critical car systems.  The trouble-code readers are scanners that interface with the OBD-II plug and read the manufacturer's Diagnostic Trouble Codes.   These readers are tuned for the different makes of cars and trucks and they come with software.   After scanning the problem, the scanner is plugged into a computer to let us know exactly what the problem is, the possible cause, the repair instructions and the approximate cost.   We also use other diagnostic scanning tools to check emission problems and brake functioning.

Other Diagnostic Tools –

We have auto mechanic tools that include vacuum test kits which test the vacuum that the engine generates when it's running and they pinpoint any blockings or breaks in the vacuum line.  This vacuum test kit also comes with a brake-system bleed attachment, which shows whether the brake fluid needs to be refilled.  We have fuel pressure gauges to find any problems with the pressure in the fuel injection system.   We use a test light as a diagnostic tool to show any problems in a vehicle's electrical circuits.   This light is used for testing wires, fuses and for checking the surface charge of a vehicle's batteries.   For computer-related circuits, we use a voltmeter or multi-meter. The IR or infrared meter uses an infrared beam to check the temperature and show engine cylinder misfires, cooling system and air conditioning problems and also works to show exhaust system and heater malfunctions.   Another diagnostic tool that we use is an air-pressure gauge to check the tire pressure of the car's tires.