Guide to Automotive Diagnostic Tests for Students of Online Automotive School

[Skip to content](#primary) * [Learn Online](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/ "Learn Online") [FRANÇAIS](https://www.ecoleauto.com/) * [Programs](#) + [Toronto, ON](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/auto-mechanic-schools-toronto/) - [Automotive Mechanic](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/auto-mechanic-schools-toronto/become-auto-mechanic-toronto/) - [Automotive Service Operations](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/auto-mechanic-schools-toronto/automobile-repairing-service-training/) - [Automotive Parts and Warehousing](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/auto-mechanic-schools-toronto/automotive-parts-jobs/) - [Transportation Operations and Dispatching](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/auto-mechanic-schools-toronto/transportation-operations-dispatching/) - [Auto Detailing](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/auto-mechanic-schools-toronto/auto-detailing-toronto/) - [Business Manager](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/auto-mechanic-schools-toronto/business-manager-training-toronto/) - [Automotive Sales and Leasing](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/auto-mechanic-schools-toronto/toronto-car-salesman-salary/) + [Cambridge, ON](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/cambridge/) - [Automotive Service Technician](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/cambridge/automotive-service-technician/) - [Automotive Service Operations](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/cambridge/automotive-fixed-operations/) - [Transportation Operations & Dispatching](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/cambridge/transportation-operations-dispatching/) - [Auto Detailing](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/cambridge/auto-detailing-training/) - [Automotive Service Advisor](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/cambridge/automotive-service-advisor/) - [Automotive Technology](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/cambridge/automotive-technology/) - [Ozone Awareness Certification](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/cambridge/ozone-depletion-cfc/) + [Montreal, QC](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-mechanic-school-montreal/) - [Auto Mechanic Careers](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-mechanic-school-montreal/auto-mechanic-career-montreal/) - [Auto Mechanic Certification](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-mechanic-school-montreal/auto-mechanic-certification-montreal/) - [Auto Mechanic Jobs](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-mechanic-school-montreal/auto-mechanic-jobs-montreal/) - [Auto Mechanic Salary](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-mechanic-school-montreal/auto-mechanic-career-montreal/) - [Auto Mechanic Training](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-mechanic-school-montreal/auto-mechanic-training-montreal/) - [Auto Detailing](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-mechanic-school-montreal/auto-detailing/) - [Become an Auto Mechanic](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-mechanic-school-montreal/become-auto-mechanic-montreal/) - [Dispatching & Transportation Operations](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-mechanic-school-montreal/dispatching-transportation-operations/) - [Introductory Course On Hybrid And Electrical Mechanic](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-mechanic-school-montreal/introductory-hybrid-electrical-mechanic/) + [Surrey, BC](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/) - [Auto Body](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/collision-estimating/) - [Auto Parts & Warehousing](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/auto-service-college/) - [Automotive Hybrid technology](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/hybrid-technology-training-vancouver/) - [Automotive Service Consultant](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/automotive-service-advisor/) - [Automotive Service Operations](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/auto-repair-and-service-training/) - [Automotive Service Technician](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/auto-mechanic-training-vancouver/) - [Automotive Technology](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/automotive-technology-training-vancouver-program/) - [CFC Regulation Air Conditioning](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/cfc-regulation-air-conditioning/) - [Dispatching & Transportation Operations](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/dispatching-transportation-operations/) - [Auto Body Estimating in Vancouver](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/collision-estimating/) - [Game Based Automotive Technology Training](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/game-based-automotive-technology-training/) - [Refinishing Prep and Auto Body Technician](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/auto-body-repair-technician/) - [Refinishing Prep Technician](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/auto-body-paint-school/) + [Online Training](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/) - [Air Conditioning](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/online-a-c/) - [Brake Systems & ABS](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/online-brake-systems-abs/) - [Diesel Engine Operation, Service and Repair](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/diesel-engine-operation-service-repair/) - [Dispatching & Transportation Operations Online Program](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/dispatching-transportation-operations-online/) - [Distance Auto Body Collision Technology & Estimating](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/estimating-courses-online/) - [Distance Automotive Business Manager](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/?post_type=program&p=25739) - [Distance Automotive Mechanics Technician](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/auto-mechanics-online-course/) - [Distance Transportation Safety Supervisor](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/?post_type=program&p=25755) - [Electrical Advanced](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/online-electrical-advanced/) - [Electrical Fundamentals](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/online-electrical-fundamentals/) - [Engine Performance – Fuel Injection](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/engine-performance-fuel-injection/) - [Engine Performance – Sensor and Ignition System](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/engine-performance-sensor-ignition-system/) - [F&I Course Objectives](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/?post_type=program&p=25798) - [F&I Manager Careers](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/?post_type=program&p=25739) - [Heavy Vehicle Systems (Basics and Advanced)](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/heavy-vehicle-systems-basics-advanced/) - [Heavy Vehicle Systems (Specialist)](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/heavy-vehicle-systems/) - [Hybrid & Electric Vehicles](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/online-hybrid-electric-vehicles/) - [Suspension Alignment](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/online-alignment/) * [Locations](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/locations/) + [Toronto, ON](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/auto-mechanic-schools-toronto/) + [Cambridge, ON](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/cambridge/) + [Montreal, QC](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-mechanic-school-montreal/) + [Surrey, BC](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/) + [Online Training](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/) * [Learn more about our school policies](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/student-services/) + [Toronto, ON](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/auto-mechanic-schools-toronto/student-services/) + [Cambridge, ON](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/cambridge/student-services/) + [Montreal, QC](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-mechanic-school-montreal/student-services/) + [Surrey, BC](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/student-services/) * [International Students](#) + [Montreal, QC](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-mechanic-school-montreal/admissions-policies/international-applicants-montreal/) + [Toronto, ON](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/auto-mechanic-schools-toronto/admissions-policies/international-students/) + [Surrey, BC](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/admissions-policies/international-students/) - [Why Study at ATC](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/welcome-to-atc-surrey/) - [Applying as an International Student](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/applying-as-an-international-student/) - [Visa and Study Permit Information](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/visa-and-study-permit-information-for-international-students/) - [Maintaining Your Study Permit and Student Status](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/maintaining-your-study-permit-and-student-status/) - [Why Study in BC](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/why-study-in-british-columbia/) - [Why Study in Canada?](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/why-study-in-canada/) - [Living in Surrey](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/international-student-in-surrey/) - [Working During Studies](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/guide-for-international-students/) - [Programs for International Students](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/intl-students-programs/) - [Location of ATC Surrey](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/location/) - [Contact Us](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/contact-us/) - [English Requirements](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automechanic-auto-body-school-surrey/english-language-requirements-for-international-students/) * [About Us](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/about-us/) + [Why ATC](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/why-atc/) + [Testimonials](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/testimonials/) + [Partners](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/partners/) * [Montreal](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/blog/category/locations/montreal/) # A Guide to Automotive Diagnostic Tests for Students at Online Automotive School Think that diagnostic tests only need to be done once the check engine light switches on? Think again. Regularly performing diagnostic tests on vehicles can help to quickly determine whether or not they will need repairs. Testing can also help drivers avoid any situations that could cause the vehicle to break down and leave them in no man’s land.  With car diagnostics becoming increasingly computerized, it’s easier than ever to detect issues before any disasters can happen. Nonetheless, being proactive is the best policy here, and performing frequent diagnostic tests on cars can help clients catch problems early, keep maintenance costs down, and enjoy smoother, problem-free driving. Here’s what you need to know about automotive diagnostic tests. ## Car Diagnostic Tests: What They Are, and How They Work The purpose of diagnostic tests is to identify issues in various components that are causing a car not to function properly. These are performed using software that can detect the problems in a quick and efficient manner, looking at areas of the vehicle — such as the engine — to find problems.  Modern diagnostic tests are usually done by connecting a computer system to the car, which can read information from various in-built microchips and processors. In a typical test, a scanner is plugged into the vehicle’s OBD-II (on-board diagnostics) outlet. This will produce data detailing any errors the car’s computer system has recorded, before a verification test is performed to test the state of the vehicle’s different systems. ## What Happens Next, and What Do Certain Codes Mean? Once the test is done, the results will show what issues are present within the vehicle, and produce different codes relevant to certain issues. They can also draw on data points tagged by the computer in order to more clearly display the issues that need to be rectified.  Diagnostic codes for OBD-II systems are often labelled with a letter at the beginning for different components — for example, a “C” for chassis (e.g. C0031: Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor), or “P” for powertrain (e.g. P0138: O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage). Of course, [**online automotive school**](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/auto-mechanics-online-course/) students should remember that diagnostic tests don’t always give the full picture. Sometimes, an automotive technician may perform further inspection on the vehicle, such as conducting a road test, in order to find a problem the system has not been able to identify.  ## The Benefits of Diagnostic Tests for Online Automotive School Students One of the biggest rewards of diagnostic testing for both clients and auto workers is the breadth of problems they can find, which can include issues with a vehicle’s oil tank, brakes, exhaust system, combustion engine, transmission, ignition, and fuel injector.  Before diagnostic tests, those with [**auto careers**](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/auto-mechanics-online-course/) would have to carefully examine cars manually to find issues, which was not cost-friendly, as well as being very labour-intensive. These tests can also provide auto technicians with information concerning the vehicle and its history, which can be helpful when determining the best course of action for repairs.  **Want to take courses with an** [**online auto training centre**](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/automotive-online-training/auto-mechanics-online-course/)**?****Contact Automotive Training Centres for more information!** * [auto careers](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/tag/auto-careers/) * [online auto training centre](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/tag/online-auto-training-centre/) * [online automotive school](https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/tag/online-automotive-school/) [Request Information](/request-information/) #### Did you know that ATC is a proudly Canadian owned college with over 35 years of experience? **Start your new career!** [Request Info](#) ## Start your new career! #### Form is submitting