Shiftech
Car diagnostics
Has a warning light come on? Is the car behaving unusually? Electronic diagnostics identify the cause before any repairs are carried out.
A modern vehicle contains dozens of control units that manage the engine, gearbox, braking system, airbags and air conditioning. When a fault occurs, it is recorded as a fault code in the memory of the relevant control unit. Our OBD fault code reading and clearing service offers an effective solution for understanding and resolving your vehicle’s problems. At Shiftech, we carry out this diagnosis at our centres in France, Luxembourg, Belgium and Réunion, for all makes, from €50 including VAT.
Diagnosis
What is an automotive electronic diagnostic test?
Electronic diagnostics involves reading the information recorded by your vehicle’s control units using a specialised tool – the ‘diagnostic kit’ – which is connected to your car’s OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) socket.
Since the OBD standard became widespread, every vehicle has been fitted with a self-diagnostic system that constantly monitors the operation of its components. As soon as a parameter falls outside its normal range, the system records a fault code (DTC, Diagnostic Trouble Code) and, depending on the severity, illuminates a warning light on the dashboard.
Using advanced diagnostic tools, we are able to quickly identify the error codes stored in your car’s OBD system. Our tool goes beyond a simple readout: it also allows us to view real-time sensor readings (temperature, pressure, air-fuel ratio, engine speed, etc.), access data frozen at the time of the fault, and carry out certain actuator tests. It is this comprehensive scan that transforms a simple code into a genuine, actionable diagnosis.
Electronics
When should you carry out an electronic diagnostic test?
A warning light comes on in the dashboard. The ‘Check Engine’ light, a flashing glow plug light, the ABS light, the ESP light, the airbag light… Each warning light corresponds to one or more systems. Diagnostics identify which ones and why.
Abnormal vehicle behaviour. Loss of power, jerking, erratic idling, difficulty starting, excessive fuel consumption, switching to limited performance mode: these are all symptoms whose cause is often stored in the control unit’s memory.
Before buying a second-hand vehicle. A diagnostic check reveals any faults that are present or have recently been cleared, and provides an objective picture of the vehicle’s electronic condition.
Before engine remapping. This is a standard procedure at Shiftech: before any optimisation, we check that the engine and its associated systems are in good working order, to ensure we never remap a vehicle that already has a fault.
After a service or for a routine check-up. To confirm that no faults have arisen, or simply to carry out an electronic health check.
How Shiftech Works
What does a diagnostic assessment at Shiftech involve?
01Connection to the OBD socket
02Reading all the ECUs
03Analysis of fault codes and troubleshooting
04Interpreting the results and clearing minor fault codes
01. Connecting to the OBD socket
Our technician connects the diagnostic tool to your vehicle’s OBD socket, which is usually located under the steering wheel. The tool establishes communication with all the control units.
02. Reading all control units
We don’t limit ourselves to the engine control unit: the diagnostic scan covers all systems (engine, gearbox, ABS/ESP, airbags, air conditioning, comfort electronics) to provide a comprehensive overview.
03. Analysing fault codes and troubleshooting
Thanks to our expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, our technician interprets the fault codes, checks sensor readings in real time and analyses the data recorded at the moment the fault occurred. A fault code does not always directly indicate the component at fault: it guides the investigation. The technician’s experience makes the difference between replacing a component at random and identifying the true cause.
04. Interpretation of results and clearing of minor fault codes
Once the codes have been identified and their cause understood, we clear them where appropriate, thereby eliminating warning lights and restoring the vehicle to optimal working order. We clearly explain the cause of the problem, its severity and any repairs that may be necessary, to give you peace of mind on the road.
Pricing
Electronic diagnostics from €50 incl. VAT. This service includes connection to the OBD port, reading the fault codes, analysis by our technician, and clearing the codes where appropriate.
Electronic diagnostics are also included in our maintenance packages: the Essential Package (from €290 incl. VAT) includes a full electronic diagnostic, an oil change, oil filter replacement, fluid top-ups, a 15-point inspection, and a road test.
The diagnostic is carried out by appointment and generally takes less than an hour, excluding in-depth investigation.
Electronic diagnostics
Dashboard warning lights and faults
- Reading the ECU fault codes
- Report on the fault codes present
- Identifying the source of faults
- Interpretation of results by a technician
- Clearing the fault codes (where appropriate)
- Multi-brand, petrol and diesel
By appointment · less than an hour
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The diagnosis identifies the faulty system and provides precise guidance for the investigation. A fault code does not always directly indicate which part needs replacing: it indicates an anomaly which the technician interprets, drawing on sensor readings and their experience. This prevents parts from being replaced unnecessarily.
No. Clearing a code without addressing its cause merely masks the symptom temporarily: the fault will reappear if the underlying cause persists. Clearing the code only makes sense once the cause has been addressed, or to distinguish a one-off fault from a permanent one.
Yes, our tools are multi-brand and cover the entire vehicle fleet, both petrol and diesel, across engine, transmission, braking and electronic systems.
From 50 € including VAT for a diagnostic check only (reading, analysing and clearing fault codes). It is also included in our ‘Essentiel’ car maintenance packages, starting from 290€ including VAT.
Yes, the assessment is carried out by appointment at the Shiftech centre of your choice. Book an appointment directly online.
Our additional maintenance services
Car servicing and repairs
Our ‘Essential’ and ‘Serenity’ packages for comprehensive car servicing, including oil changes, filters, checks and electronic diagnostics.
Automatic gearbox oil change
Maintenance of your automatic gearbox using the MotulEvo process, often recommended when a gearbox fault is detected during diagnostics.
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