Posts Tagged: mechanic diagnostic fee

What’s a fair mechanic diagnostic fee

Mechanic diagnostic fee If your check engine light is on and you take it to a shop, they’ll charge you a mechanic diagnostic fee. Many times it can be as much as $145. Yet auto parts stores will read the trouble codes for free. So why do shops charge so much if it’s as simple as plugging in a code reader? First, auto parts store use a $39 code reader and those scan tools can’t read anything other than generic powertrain codes. That means they can’t read manufacturer specific codes, … Read More