Intermittent and random 'No Code' problems are perhaps the most difficult to fix on modern cars and trucks and at best sometimes rely on speculative or 'best guess' assessments as to the nature of the problem. No code drivability problems are best described as when your car runs bad for no apparent reason. No 'check engine light' on the dash comes on and no trouble codes are stored in the car's computer memory.

As our customer we want you to understand how we approach these problems, what we will do to fix them and how you'll pay us for our time.

We employ a 'strategy based ' method of diagnostics somewhat like your Doctor.

We evaluate the symptoms, form a hypothesis and test for problems.

Mechanics and Doctors are both involved in diagnosing complex albeit different systems. Doctors do enjoy one advantage however, as the human body remains relatively unchanged for several thousand years.

Cars change every year!

First we will ask you to provide us as much information as you can about your car's symptoms.

When do you notice the problem? When you first start out and the car is not warmed up or after you've driven for several miles and the car is hot. Does it happen as you 'give it the gas' or when you're 'off the gas' and slowing down. Does it happen only at a certain speed or while your turning?

Any information you provide is helpful in identifying your problem.

Next we'll drive your car and see if we can duplicate your concern. When no diagnostic codes are present we need to view the live data coming from your car's various computer systems as the fault is occurring in order to fix the problem. This may involve several test drives before the fault manifests itself. If the car won't malfunction during testing it's impossible to diagnose and repair the problem.

Once we've established the conditions required for the fault to occur we'll test the various systems involved. If we encounter any questionable components in the systems under evaluation we will replace them, We've found replacing suspect components, while not always correcting the immediate problem, saves time and your money in the course of the completed repair.

Normally the problem can be isolated to a defective part and repaired if that's your wish.

We realize most folks are uncomfortable entering into an open ended contract for diagnostics. While we aren't able to tell you the cost of repairs at the onset, we can limit the amount of money you'll spend for diagnosing your problem.

Here's how it works:

We offer diagnostics in hourly increments. When you come in you determine how many hours of diagnostic labor you're willing to invest in your car. For example if you authorize us to perform no more than four hours of diagnostic labor, at current labor rates you won't spend more than $240 +tax.

The first hour is applied to basic code retrieval and test driving (which may actually take several hours or days) and the remainder of the time is applied to actual component testing. If we identify your problem in two hours your charge will be $120 + tax. If we complete the four hours of testing and are not sure of your car's problem we'll provide you with a summary of the testing and known good systems and those still to be considered. It's your option whether to authorize further testing.

We've found this to be the fairest and most effective way to approach these very difficult diagnostic dilemmas.