Diagnostic labor is the time a technician spends figuring out a problem on your vehicle. This can include many different forms of testing to locate the source of your concern and analyze how to remedy it. This takes a technician that has undergone a variety of in depth training. In the majority of cases, this diagnostic fee will not be waived when repairs are performed.
Today's vehicles have multiple on-board computers and sophisticated fuel, entertainment, and safety systems. As these expenses cannot be charged directly to a repair order as they occur, these costs are included in the diagnostic labor rate. Below is a practical list of some of these charges imposed on us:
Tire sensor reprogramming software
Vehicle repair and labor information software
ABS diagnostic software
Online/manufacturer technical service bulletins
Safety recall information
Fuel system diagnostic tools
OEM wiring diagrams with connector, ground, power distribution, and splice information
Charging system diagnostic software
Maintenance tables to view manufacturer recommended service interval data
Constant training of technicians on most updated information
Every vehicle that comes in will be charged a minimum of a half hour diagnostic labor for each symptom. There are four different levels that determine how much labor is charged.
Initial testing/inspection of issue. Examples include the following:
Noise complaints (belts squealing, clunking, etc.)
Testing cooling system (radiator, water pump, etc.)
Charging system testing (battery, alternator, and starter)
Brake inspections (pulsation, noise, etc.)
Suspension inspections (most vehicles) Starts at 0.5 hour
Initial testing/inspection of drivability concerns and emissions systems. Examples include the following:
Check engine light / other warning messages
Engine issues (misfires, surging, hesitation, etc.)
Transmission issues (problems shifting, whining, etc.)
A/C diagnostics
Emissions diagnostics (smoke testing, leak detection, etc.) Starts at 1.0 hour
Advanced drivability diagnostics and electrical diagnostics. Includes advanced pin point testing of problem area or tracing wiring issues on electrical systems. Also includes issues that occur intermittently. Starts at 2.0 hours
Includes all previous levels. For in depth testing of issues not covered under initial two hours. Also includes multiple system diagnostics. Starts at 3 or more hours