Services

Diesel Service

We have extensive experience with diesel engines ranging from VW-s turbo diesels/TDIs from the 90s all the way up to current Mercedes OM642 /OM651, BMW M57, and Audi/Porsche 3.0 V6, Land Rover/Jaguar diesel engines and that makes us the perfect choice to look after your diesel powered vehicle.

Today's very complex and troublesome diesel engines especially the adblue/DEF variety need proper diagnostic techniques and oem testers if one hopes to be successful in repairing them.

Nox sensors, adblue heaters, urea injectors, DPF regeneration, SCR converters are all components and systems that were introduced only in the last decade or so in order to make these engines emission compliant.

The requirements for a clean diesel has led to increased complexity. Simple tasks like replacing an air filter is not a DIY task anymore as it requires resetting using specialized equipment. Replacing an NOX sensor is nothing like an oxygen sensor in the ICE engines, requiring resetting and programming.

Special engine oil (low ash) must be used on all diesel engines
for optimal, long term DPF life and fuel economy. Don't settle for just "synthetic" oil, make sure it conforms and is diesel approved by your vehicle's manufacturer.

Whether you are looking for a place to service your diesel powered vehicle or are having issues with loss of power , diagnose your check engine light or Adblue warning light is on, we can help you sort out your problems at a lesser cost than the dealer but with comparable efficiency and quality.

Heavy build up on this Mercedes diesel engine's intake manifold will reduce power and worsen fuel economy triggering your CEL.

Diagnostic Service

What does diagnostic mean and how it gets charged to the customer

Diagnostic in the automotive industry means the process of identifying the cause of a malfunction by combining testing equipment, experience and logical deduction. The end of the diagnostic tests leads to the conclusion: diagnosis.

The malfunction could be anything, from an electrical issue (such as headlight not working), emission/drivability (such as check engine light on), performance (lack of power), mechanical in nature (engine noise), suspension (rattle over bumps), steering (vehicle pulls to one side), HVAC issues (A/C not cooling) and others. Sometimes malfunction in one vehicle system leads to malfunctions in another (e.g. oil leaks can lead to alternator failure).
One of the most common question we get from customers is: how much is the going to cost? The answer is: anywhere between one hour and several hours labor time. There is no fix/flat rate for diagnostic work. We usually start with an initial one hour diagnostic and if the diagnosis isn't concluded during that time, we ask approval for additional diagnostic time. Also, diagnostic time is not waived once the repair process is approved.

Check Engine Light (CEL) Diagnostic

One of the most common diagnosis requests is the check engine light being on (CEL). The engine light is usually triggered when the malfunction leads to an increase in the gas emissions but not always. This could be something as simple as an ageing oxygen sensor or a complex engine misfire.

Most shops will charge a higher hourly rate for diagnostic since it requires the highest level of technical skill and the most investment in specialized diagnostic equipment.

At German Automotive (and most other shops) when dealing with a check engine light we are going to start with one hour/$150 fee. If the diagnostic takes less than 30 minutes we will only charge half an hour. This happens with very simple problems like a loose fuel cap.

During the first hour we road test the vehicle (if there is a drivability concern as well such as a misfire and lack of power). We want to confirm whether the symptom is present at the time of the diagnostic tests.

If the vehicle isn’t experiencing drivability concerns then we’ll proceed with the reading of the faults stored in the on board diagnostic system (OBD). This is commonly called a “scan”, or “checking for faults with the computer”.

In the best case scenario, once the error faults are read the specialized testing equipment will present the technician with a guided diagnostic test plan. Ideally, once the test plan is followed and suggested tests are executed a conclusion will be displayed.

Most common problems are identified during the first one or two hours of the diagnosis process but complex diagnostic procedures can take several hours. Usually we call the customer to request additional diagnostic time if the approved initial hour is not enough.

Often times, depending on the nature of the malfunction there will be no guided tests available in which situation the diagnostician will use his knowledge and experience in troubleshooting the issue. This makes the diagnostic process more difficult and thus less efficient.

Our goal is always to use the best approach in order to maximize efficiency and lower the diagnostic costs to the customer. To achieve this we assign the diagnostic work to the most experienced and skilled technicians and use the most advanced diagnostic aids and technology.

At German Automotive we have an extensive array of dealer level diagnostic equipment, access to extensive repair information and technical bulletins and we continuously invest in our technician’s training and equipment.

Dealer level diagnostic equipment allows us to identify the problem accurately and efficiently. Generic scanners are much more limited.

Complex drivability malfunctions require complex testing procedures. Here a four channel PicoScope is used to visualize the signals from the camshaft sensors.

Checking the CAN Network communication on a BMW X5

Here we are testing wiring continuity on a VW TDI vehicle. Knowledge is as important as having access to the right information.

Other types of diagnostics (not CEL).

Suspension and steering malfunctions are common and for the most part are less involving than troubleshooting a CEL. These types of problems are easier to solve and usually involve a road test and inspection on the hoist. These inspections can range from half an hour to an hour usually but not always. Sometimes components need to be removed in order to identify the faulty component.

Engine cooling malfunctions. The most usual problems are loss of coolant (leaks) or engine overheating. In case of a coolant leak we usually perform a quick visual inspection and if needed, a coolant pressure test will follow. This reveals the source of the leak (e.g. radiator, hose, etc). Diagnosis for an overheating situation can be difficult if there is no loss of coolant or error faults (CEL). Faulty thermostats, clogged cooling systems, faulty water pumps are a few of the cooling system problems.

Electrical malfunctions can range from a simple bulb failure, to a faulty battery or alternator all the way to damaged electrical wiring, faulty control modules and other electrical components. Not everyone is willing or able to tackle complex electrical malfunctions and it requires a lot of specialized tools and experience to repair these issues successfully and efficiently.

Drivability and performance malfunctions are usually accompanied by fault errors and a CEL. Fuel system problems, engine mechanical problems and other types of faults do not trigger fault errors and make the diagnostic process more difficult. A lot of these problems are caused by a lack of maintenance or abuse (e.g. spark plugs not replaced in time, excessive towing, overloading, etc).

HVAC malfunctions imply either not enough cabin heating or cooling. Faulty blower motors, resistor packs, a/c refrigerant loss are easier to diagnose but HVAC system is complex and non-typical problems can be tricky to solve.

 Smart keys, key fobs, remotes, programming and cutting services

It'd been a few years now that we have slowly started to provide locksmith services, although we didn't really advertise it until now.. We've got increasingly frustrated by being depended on the dealer every time we needed a key fob. First, their prices are very high and the process is slow and time consuming. We've acquired a computerized Dolphin key cutter that's able to cut most European key fob blades and keys along with several programmers that give us the capability to offer smart keys and key fobs at half price or less than the dealer. We can provide you with an extra key fob or even provide you with a key when you've lost all your keys!

We are able to unlock and decode your door lock when no key is available, just tow your car here and we'll take care of the rest.

Tire Service

We also offer tire services, whether your steering wheel shakes at highway speeds and need your tire balanced or you want to get ready for the cold season and install winter tires on your vehicle we are ready to fill your tire needs. Michelin, Pirelli, Continental, Bridgestone, Yokohama, Firestone, Dunlop, Hankook, Toyo are some of the brands that we like but can provide you with much cheaper options for the budget conscious.

Are your tires getting low and looking for a great price on tire replacements? We deal with tire wholesalers and can provide very competitive prices either on factory matching tires or performance upgrades: run flats, performance, all weather or winter tires. Top brand name tires come with 100,000km wear warranty or more, depending on the model.

If you have a slow leak or a nail in your tire we dismount the tire and patch it from inside for a permanent fix. We use quality tire changer and tire balancer and we make sure your expensive wheels don't get dinged or scratched in the process. Those tire pressure sensors also get expensive to replace if they are damaged in the removal process.

Your wheels will be torqued and tire pressures set to manufacturer's specifications. We also provide custom rims or winter rims from Fastco, Montreal. Check out our wheel catalogue when coming in.