Automotive vocabulary · Diagnostics, Service and Repair
Diagnose
Meaning in automotive, with examples
/ˌdaɪəɡˈnoʊs/verbCore term
In automotive, diagnose means: To find the cause of a fault by checking the symptoms, reading data and testing parts step by step, before any repair is made.
In Turkish: arıza teşhis etmek, arızayı tespit etmek, teşhis koymak
How it is used
A core verb in every workshop. You diagnose a fault, a noise or an electrical problem; the noun is diagnosis, and workshops charge a diagnostic fee. Technicians often just say diag.
Example sentences
It took us two hours to diagnose the intermittent electrical fault.
Don't replace any parts until you've diagnosed the problem properly.
Common collocations
diagnose a fault
diagnose the problem
hard to diagnose
misdiagnose
Related terms
diagnostic trouble codeA standard code stored by a control unit when it detects a fault, such as P0300. The first letter shows the system: P for powertrain, B for body, C for chassis and U for network.
scan toolA handheld device or laptop software that connects to the vehicle's diagnostic port to read and clear fault codes, view live data and run tests on control units.
check engine lightThe amber engine-shaped warning light on the dashboard that comes on when the engine or emission control system detects a fault and stores a code.
misfireA failure of the fuel and air in one or more cylinders to burn properly. The engine shakes, runs rough and loses power, and unburned fuel can overheat the catalytic converter.
