Auto Diagnostics / Check Engine Light

Auto Diagnostics & Check Engine Light in North Phoenix

A Warning Light Tells You There's a Problem. It Doesn't Always Tell You What Part to Replace.

Your check engine light comes on. Your truck starts shaking. The engine develops a misfire. Maybe you've already taken your vehicle somewhere, replaced a part—or several parts—and the original problem is still there.

That's when good diagnostics matter.

At H. Smith Automotive, we believe the first step shouldn't be guessing which part to replace. It should be understanding why your vehicle is having the problem in the first place.

A diagnostic trouble code gives us valuable information about what your vehicle's computer is seeing, but a code isn't always a diagnosis. The same symptom or trouble code can have several possible causes.

We use the symptom, vehicle data, testing, inspection and our experience to work toward identifying the actual cause before recommending a repair.

Diagnose. Don't Guess.

Can you diagnose an intermittent electrical problem?

Yes.

Intermittent electrical problems can be particularly frustrating because the vehicle may behave perfectly normally by the time it arrives at the shop.

That's why the details you give us matter.

Does the problem happen when the vehicle is hot or cold?

After it sits overnight?

While driving?

When you hit a bump?

Only when the A/C or another system is operating?

Does a warning light appear?

The more we know about when and how the problem occurs, the better starting point we have.

We combine that information with vehicle data and electrical testing to work toward identifying the cause.

Is a flashing check-engine light safe to drive?

A flashing check-engine light can indicate an active problem, such as a severe misfire, that could potentially cause additional vehicle or catalytic-converter damage.

Don't ignore a flashing check-engine light.

If your vehicle is shaking, running poorly, losing power, overheating or otherwise behaving abnormally, safely stop driving and have the vehicle evaluated.

If you're unsure whether it's safe to continue driving, call us before you do.

Can H. Smith Automotive diagnose problems the dealership couldn't find?

We specialize in diagnostic problem-solving, including vehicles with intermittent symptoms and problems that have already been evaluated or repaired elsewhere.

That doesn't mean every difficult problem has an immediate answer.

It means we're willing to approach the vehicle by testing, gathering information and looking for the cause rather than simply replacing parts based on assumptions.

If you've previously heard:

“We couldn't duplicate the problem.”

“That's just what they do.”

“Let's replace this and see what happens.”

…and you're still experiencing the original problem, bring us the vehicle along with any previous repair orders or diagnostic information you have.

Sometimes the most valuable information you can give us isn't what someone thinks is wrong.

It's exactly what the vehicle is doing.

What Happens When You Bring Your Vehicle to H. Smith Automotive?

1. Tell Us What You're Experiencing

Don't worry about diagnosing the vehicle for us.

Tell us what it does.

When does it happen? What does it sound or feel like? Is the vehicle hot or cold? Does it happen at a certain speed? Does towing or acceleration make it worse?

Those details matter.

2. We Diagnose the Problem

Depending on the concern, diagnosis may involve scanning vehicle systems, evaluating data, testing electrical circuits or components, inspecting mechanical systems and performing other appropriate tests.

Not every problem requires the same diagnostic process.

3. We Explain What We Find

Once we have enough information to identify the problem and recommend the next step, we'll explain what we found and discuss the repair with you.

4. You Decide

Our job is to give you the information you need to make a good decision about your vehicle.

You've Already Paid to Replace Parts. Let's Find the Problem.

If your check engine light is on, your vehicle is misfiring, you've developed an electrical problem, or you're dealing with an issue another shop hasn't been able to resolve, we'd love the opportunity to help.

H. Smith Automotive serves drivers throughout Desert Hills, Anthem, Tramonto, New River and North Phoenix, conveniently located near I-17 and Carefree Highway.

Whether you drive a daily commuter, work truck, diesel, European vehicle or classic, our approach starts the same way:

Understand the problem before recommending the repair.