Diagnostic testing gets to the bottom of why the “check engine” light suddenly appeared on your dashboard. However, getting one done at your Ford dealer during your next preventive maintenance visit can benefit your Ford in unexpected ways.
Preventing Big Repairs
Not every issue flashes a warning sign on your instrument panel. A diagnostic test will communicate with your Ford’s onboard computer and identify hidden problems before they turn into costly repairs. For instance, there could be a minor issue with the engine, such as running on too much air and not enough fuel due to a dirty mass airflow sensor. If left unchecked, this could eventually grow into bigger problems, causing engine misfires that damage the catalytic converter.
To start the test, a technician will connect a scanner to your vehicle’s OBD-II port and read data from the vehicle’s ECU (engine control unit) and other modules. Any stored or active DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) will be obtained and translated to find the source of the trouble. For instance, the code “P0301” indicates a misfire in cylinder 1, which is typically caused by a faulty spark plug or ignition coil.
Optimizing Engine Performance
Engine trouble such as faulty oxygen sensors or fuel injector issues can reduce the power output. Your vehicle’s engine power output depends on several components, including multiple sensors, the catalytic converter, piston rings, valves, and head gaskets. If any of these are not functioning optimally, you will not get the horsepower and torque you paid for. In most cases, you will begin to feel that the throttle is starting to get less responsive.
Maximizing Fuel Efficiency
Fuel system and emission tests are included in a full test. Fuel system issues, like clogs or leaks, disrupt the engine’s precision. A bad air-fuel mix will cause your Ford to burn through fuel much quicker, racking up higher gas bills. Additionally, faults like misfires can waste fuel since the engine is not burning the fuel completely.
Ensuring Safety on the Road
Faulty components that compromise safety, such as brake and airbag malfunctions, are immediately noticeable thanks to the warning lights. What you may not always be aware of are issues with systems like your vehicle’s steering angle sensor. An OBD-II scanner can access the steering control module through the vehicle’s port and detect underlying problems. A poor calibration can cause unexpected understeering or oversteering in dire situations.
Don’t skip preventive maintenance if you wish to keep your Ford on the road for a long time. Schedule a service appointment at Paul Clark Ford in Yulee, FL, and have a Ford-certified expert inspect your vehicle.
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