Requesting a Diagnostic Report After a Freightliner Inspection
As a valued customer, if you have paid a mechanic shop to perform a diagnostic on your Freightliner, you have the right to request a diagnostic report. This article explains the process, what you can expect, and how to handle your specific requests for detailed documentation.
Understanding the Diagnostic Process
The diagnostic process for a Freightliner, or any vehicle, is not as straightforward as plugging in a machine and waiting for it to spit out the problem. Technicians use diagnostic tools to pull any stored codes from the vehicle, which are usually non-printable and require manual interpretation. The diagnostic tool provides only a starting point for what might be amiss; the actual diagnosis is a manual process involving thorough testing and troubleshooting techniques.
Pull of Error Codes and Initial Diagnosis
For example, if the check engine light on a Freightliner is on, a tech would start by connecting a scan tool. Once connected, a code such as P0141 - Bank 1 Sensor 2 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction - is retrieved. At this stage, the tech would manually diagnose the problem checking for power and ground, following repair manuals for a step-by-step process. The diagnostic scanner is a tool, not a machine that automatically diagnoses the issue.
What to Expect from the Diagnostic Fee
Typically, if a mechanic shop performs a diagnostic on your Freightliner, the service may come with a written summary of codes and repairs, likely on the invoice. However, a detailed diagnostic report is not a standard offering, which might lead to confusion. It is important to understand the service you are paying for and to ask for a comprehensive report if that is your preference.
Customs and Fees
At many businesses, including electronics repair services, a diagnostic fee is charged. The fee covers the technician's time to analyze and diagnose the issue thoroughly. In some cases, the fee is non-refundable if work is completed, as part of the business's expenses.
Example of Diagnostic Report Request
A customer might request a detailed list of all defective components found during the diagnostic process, complete with their location numbers on the PCBs and a list of suppliers. However, at most establishments, including the one mentioned in the case study, such an in-depth list is not provided to avoid unnecessary costs.
Why Detailed Reports Rarely Come with Diagnostic Services
The request for a detailed list can lead to higher costs due to the extensive labor and materials involved in thorough diagnostics. Additionally, as previously mentioned, electronic repairs cannot be done via a simple step-by-step guide due to the interconnected nature of components. Identifying and repairing issues can often involve multiple steps, and sometimes failures in one component can impact others, complicating the process even further.
Overhead Costs and Customer Expectations
Beyond the diagnostic process, there are numerous additional expenses associated with running a repair business. Overheads include tools, test equipment, diagnostic tools, repair parts, chemicals, and the physical space to conduct repair work. Further, certain repair shops may dedicate more resources to a single repair, but it is not always cost-effective to do so unless there is significant business potential.
Conclusion
While requesting a diagnostic report is reasonable, bear in mind that such a document often comes at an additional cost. The diagnostic process is a manual and time-consuming task that involves a deep understanding of the equipment and often requires multiple steps to diagnose issues accurately. Understanding these factors can help you better communicate with your mechanic shop and set appropriate expectations for the services and documentation you receive.
If you are looking for a detailed report, it is recommended to explicitly request one and discuss the costs involved. However, if the primary goal is to receive a quote for the required repairs, a simple invoice with the diagnosis and repair estimates may be sufficient.