Engine diagnostics in Sacramento. Check engine light on? We find the cause.
A code reader tells you which sensor complained. It doesn't tell you why. Our ASE-certified technicians test the circuit, the part and the conditions behind the code so you fix the cause once. On most vehicles the $175 fee comes off the repair.
Credited toward the repair if we do the work. European $200, diesel $250, also credited
Drop it off, we do the rest
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Drop off when we open
Walk in or book. Leave the vehicle with us for the day. Intermittent problems sometimes need longer, and we tell you if they do.
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We test, not just scan
Full-module scan, live data, freeze frame, then hands-on testing of the circuit and the part the code points to.
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You get the findings
What it is and what can wait, with photos. If you'd like us to do the repair, we prepare an estimate from the findings and the diagnostic fee is credited toward it.
What the diagnostic includes
- Full scan of all modules, not just the engine
- Live data, freeze frame and circuit testing
- Emissions and EVAP system diagnosis
- Misfires, rough idle, stalling and no-start
- Written findings and photos. Estimate prepared if you want us to do the repair
Common things we find
Failed oxygen sensors, catalytic converters below efficiency, EVAP leaks (often a gas cap or a cracked hose), ignition coils and plugs causing misfires, vacuum leaks, and wiring chewed by rodents. Some are cheap. Some aren’t. Either way you know exactly what it is and what it costs before you decide.
Diagnostics and your smog check
If your check engine light is on, the vehicle won’t pass the smog check. We generally recommend running the test as-is so we have the full result. If it fails, we can diagnose the vehicle and determine what needs to be corrected before the next test. If we do the repair, the re-test is free.
Need a tow? Give us a call. We work with trusted towing partners and can help you arrange service to the shop.
A/C, cooling and everything else
Warm air from the vents is its own diagnostic; see A/C repair. An overheating engine starts with the cooling system. For a rough-running engine that’s simply due for plugs and filters, a tune-up may be all it needs.
Engine diagnostics questions
How much is a diagnostic?
$175 on most vehicles. European vehicles are $200 and diesels $250 because they take longer. In every case the diagnostic fee is credited toward the repair if you have us do the work.
Do you do a free check engine light scan?
A quick code read only tells you which sensor set the code, and parts stores do that for free. What we do is the diagnostic: testing why the code set, so the right part gets replaced. That's $175, and it comes off the repair.
How long does it take?
Plan to leave it for the day. Most diagnostics are finished the same day. Intermittent faults can take longer, and we tell you if we need to keep it.
Why not just clear the code?
It comes back, and if you're due for a smog, a recently cleared code means the readiness monitors aren't complete and the car fails.
Can I smog my car with the check engine light on?
It will not pass. We generally recommend running the test as-is so we have the full result. If it fails, we can diagnose the vehicle and determine what needs to be corrected before the next test. The diagnostic is a separate service from the smog.
What customers say about this service
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars“I came to smog mart on Stockton blvd and florin road for a diagnosis and a no start inspection they found problems with wiring in the dashboard caused from rats chewing through the wiring the fixed all the wiring and...”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars“I've owned my Scion xB for over two years now and it's never given me any major issues until recently. On my commute to work the car started shaking and stalled in the middle of the freeway but luckily I've veered off...”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars“Smog Mart is a great place to go to if you have any problems with your car and you can’t figure it out. They are very knowledgeable and great with customer service! They diagnosed my car without making it hard and ho...”
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars“DEREK AND THE SMOG MART TECHNICIAN DID AN EXCELLENT JOB OF ANALYZING, DIAGNOSING AND RESOLVING THE SMOG ISSUE OF MY VEHICLE.”