Vehicle diagnostics & electrics in Bindlach
A warning light only tells you that something is wrong, not what. The fault memory gives you a code, but even that is often just a symptom. A „lambda sensor“ fault can be a faulty sensor, a broken wire, a marten bite or a leaking exhaust. Here in Bindlach we do not just read the codes, we look for the cause. That saves you paying for parts that were never broken.
We work with diagnostic equipment for all common makes and with the manufacturers‘ wiring diagrams and reference values. Customers from Bayreuth and the district often come to us after a first read-out at a petrol station or with a printout full of fault codes. We turn that into a clear answer: what is broken, what the repair costs, what can wait.
What we do
- Reading the fault memory: engine, gearbox, ABS/ESP, airbag, air conditioning, comfort electronics, all control units, clearing faults after a repair
- Warning lights: engine management light, ABS, airbag, charging, particulate filter, tyre pressure, service indicator
- Battery and charging system: battery test, quiescent current measurement on a flat battery, alternator and regulator, starter motor, battery replacement with registration
- Lighting: headlights, rear lights, bulbs, xenon and LED, headlight alignment
- Sensors and actuators: lambda sensors, camshaft and crankshaft sensors, air mass meter, throttle body, ignition coils
- Wiring and connectors: broken wires, marten damage, corrosion on plugs and earth points, loose contacts
- Comfort electronics: window motors, central locking, seat heating, wipers, interior lighting
- Motorcycle electrics: charging system, starter motor, lighting, wiring harnesses
What we do not do: clear fault codes and hope the light stays off. If the cause has not been found, we tell you so honestly and discuss how we carry on looking.
How it works
1Appointment and description of the fault
Tell us when the fault appears: cold or warm, under acceleration, only in the rain, constantly or now and then. Details like that save a lot of searching. If the car is no longer driveable we collect it: within a radius of 30 kilometres for 150 euros plus VAT. Takes one phone call.
2Diagnosis in the workshop
Reading the codes, checking live values, a test drive, targeted measurements at the component. A simple read-out with an explanation takes about 20 to 30 minutes. A thorough search for an intermittent fault is charged by the time it takes, usually one to two hours, and we agree the limit with you beforehand.
3Result and repair
You get a clear answer with an estimate. If you decide to go ahead, we order the parts and book an appointment. After the repair the fault memory is cleared and a test drive confirms that the fault has really gone. Takes from one hour, depending on the repair.
Frequently asked questions
The engine management light is on, can I keep driving?
If it is yellow and steady you can usually drive carefully to the garage. If it is flashing or red, stop and call us, because engine damage is a real risk. With the oil pressure or coolant temperature light the rule is: stop immediately, engine off.
What does reading the fault memory cost?
A short read-out with an explanation of the fault codes costs 40 euros including VAT as a fixed price. A detailed search is charged by the time it takes, and we tell you in advance how much time we plan for it. Repairs are only carried out after an estimate and your go-ahead.
How long does the diagnosis take?
A simple read-out about 20 to 30 minutes, a fault search with measurements one to two hours. Intermittent faults sometimes need a longer test drive or a second attempt, and we agree that with you.
I had the fault cleared and now it is back. Why?
Because clearing it does not fix the fault, it only resets the display. A fault that comes back has a cause. We look for that and fix it, and then the light stays off as well.
My battery keeps going flat, do I have to replace it?
Not necessarily. Often the battery is fine but something is drawing current while the car is parked, or the alternator is not charging properly. We test the battery, the charging system and the quiescent current before we replace anything.
Can you read all makes?
Yes, our diagnostic equipment covers all common car and van makes, plus motorcycles. On very new vehicles that need manufacturer authorisation we will tell you if something can only be done by the franchised dealer.
Related services
- Car repair – when a part has to be replaced after the diagnosis
- Air conditioning service – checking the air conditioning when the blower or the cooling gives up