Serial Diagnostics

We have three phases to fault diagnostics* and these are:

• Stage 1. Code Check
• Stage 2. Data Stream and Analysis
• Stage 3. Pin to Pin Measurements (Component Measurement)

Our equipment includes but is not limited to:

• X431 Diagnostic Tester
• Bosch KTS 570 Diagnostic Tester
• Bosch EsiTronic
• Sun Diagnostics DGA 2500 Gas Analyser (MOT Approved)
• Bosch FSA 450 (4 Channel Digital Scope)  
• Advanced Diagnostics MVP (Immobiliser Dedicated)
• Innovate LM-1 LM3 Data logger

Stage One: we use our diagnostic equipment to connect to your vehicles serial port and retrieve fault codes giving you details on the fault with your vehicle (if any faults have been recorded within your vehicles ECU) a print out is also provided, this service shouldbe selected if the engine management light is or has been illuminated. The cost for this service is £18.80 inc. vat Fixed! We will also offer advice if needed. (Maximum time on vehicle 0.5hr)

Inoperative Lambda Sensor (hego sensor)

Stage 2: we use our diagnostic equipment to connect to your vehicles serial port and retrieve fault codes giving you detail on the fault with your vehicle, we also retrieve the live readings from various components in real-time, road testing and data stream analysis may be needed, and as above a print-out is also provided, the cost for this service is £56.40 including vat Fixed! We will also offer advice if needed. (Maximum time on vehicle 1.5hr)

Stage 3: is a much deeper level of diagnostics which may incorporate the use of wiring diagrams and component pin-pin testing. This type of testing is usually required for faults that do not appear on the stage one or two testing or cannot be rectified within the stage 1 or stage 2 testing. Due to the nature of this testing we are unable to fix a price so we charge at an hourly rate of £32.00 + vat and if you take into account our level of specialised expertise and equipment we are sure you will agree this is a very reasonable fee when compared with the dealership and other less able independent workshops, we also realize that this  type of testing and charging structure can be a concern so you can tell us the maximum amount of time to spend on diagnostics capping the maximum price at a level to suit your budget.

‘Complex Oscilloscope Diagnostics’

Bosch FSA450 4 Channel Scope

Due to the complexities with modern vehicles not all faults can be found using ‘Serial Diagnostics’ and for this type of situation more specialized knowledge and equipment is needed.

Here at Nitro Performance Ltd our ‘Head Technician’ Paul Froggatt has been trained at the Bosch International Training Center London and also the Lucas International Training Center in Tamworth giving the company a definitive edge over our competitors, and giving you an alternative to simply swapping components to cure problems which can be very expensive.

Component Testing

Ignition Analysis

Common situations that would require this level of diagnostics would include,

• Engine Tuning
• Ignition Analysis (secondary & primary)
• Engine Efficiency
• Engine Misfires
• Electrical Component Testing
• Fuel Consumption Faults (emissions)
• Current Consumption (battery drains, starter motor current etc)
• In Fact almost any electrical diagnosis where the serial diagnostics does not give answer to your vehicle problem.

 There are many garages out there offering diagnostics at various levels and prices, so how do you know if the garage you are using are competent at what they do? To start of why not ask what qualifications the technician has and what experience they have? Just because they have a purchased a scanner doesn't mean they are competent after all would you trust a mate who has purchased a sharp knife to carry out surgery? Diagnostics can be expensive and time consuming, depending on the nature of the fault, it is important that the technician is properly trained and has access to the correct equipment and information in order to offer you a cost effective service.

For more information on our diagnostics abilities or to discuss a problem you have have with your vehicle please call us on 01246 230200