#Automotive
What is a Ford diagnostic test, and when is it necessary?
How much does Ford charge for a diagnostic test?
Generally, while independent repair shops could charge less for diagnostics, they may lack Ford-specific knowledge. But it may not be that important if the problem turns out to be minor, like a loose gas cap (fault code P0456).
Do Ford diagnostic fees vary by location?
Can I refuse to pay the diagnostic fee?
Is the Ford diagnostic fee covered under the warranty?
Is it worth paying the diagnostic fee?
Here you go – now you have your answer or at least a general idea of what exactly might be wrong with your vehicle.
Ford diagnostic fee: When to expect it & estimated costs
TL;DR: Diagnostic scans for your Ford can cost over $100 each time – with no guarantee it’s covered by warranty. OBDeleven 3 offers an easy, affordable at-home alternative, helping you pinpoint issues and make informed decisions.
Many car owners tend to raise their eyebrows upon receiving the bill after a visit to a repair shop. While sometimes the reason could be the price tag, other times it’s the diagnostic fee line written in there.
What is that diagnostic fee, how much does it cost, and when should you expect it? Keep on reading to get your answers.
What is a Ford diagnostic test, and when is it necessary?
A diagnostic test is a scan of the car’s engine control unit (ECU) to detect and identify problems. A technician will use a special diagnostic tool, such as an OBD2 scanner, to read Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) generated by a vehicle’s systems in response to issues.
Running a diagnostic scan is a completely normal practice in dealerships and car repair shops, so it should not come as a surprise. Technicians conduct tests in almost all cases once you show up, unless it’s just regular maintenance like changing tires or topping up oil.
But what exactly does the diagnostic test and fee cover?
Essentially, you’re paying the technician’s hourly rate for their tools, time, and expertise in interpreting or decoding ECU reports. But you shouldn’t trust all technicians blindly.
Some shop owners may try to use your car diagnostic test to convince you that your car trouble is catastrophic, to inflate the repair cost, and push you to spend more. That’s why it’s important to check reviews and work only with trusted mechanics.
There's also a great tool that can help you avoid such deceit. With OBDeleven 3, our pocket-sized OBD2 scanner, you can quickly double-check diagnoses before committing to any repair. Trust issues or not, it’s super useful whenever something’s off with your car.
How much does Ford charge for a diagnostic test?
Typically, a diagnostic test at a repair shop or dealership will cost you somewhere between $100 and $200. However, the price is never set in stone and can range from $75 to as much as $255.
The final fee depends on a variety of factors, such as the dealer or shop you choose, its location, and even the car in question. For the most part, a diagnostic fee over $300 may be considered unusual and is worth seeking additional explanation for.
So, what determines the final price then?
So, what determines the final price then?
Ford itself doesn’t set these charges – each dealership, garage, or repair shop decides how much the fee is individually. It could be influenced by:
- Location & competition in the area
- Tools used
- Mechanic’s expertise
- Type or model of Ford you have
- Whether it’s an independent shop or a dealership
Or... anything else. Most dealerships will treat a diagnostic test as an hourly rate. Truth is, businesses or mechanics themselves will choose how much their time is worth.
Generally, while independent repair shops could charge less for diagnostics, they may lack Ford-specific knowledge. But it may not be that important if the problem turns out to be minor, like a loose gas cap (fault code P0456).
Our best advice would be to double-check reviews on Google or Yelp, use repair estimation tools, or look up forums for the best quality-to-price ratio in your area.
Quick tip: It’s worth checking out special offers at your local repair shops, especially if your car does not have a suitable warranty to cover the bill. Some dealerships may waive the diagnostic fee if the customer decides to have the repair done at their facility.
Do Ford diagnostic fees vary by location?
In more expensive states or major cities, the cost for Ford diagnostics can be higher than in smaller towns or more rural regions. But it’s not a strict rule and should be taken with a grain of salt.
For example, RepairPal shows that in some areas of California, you can expect to pay a range between $171 and $250, while in Wyoming, Oregon, or Vermont, you may be more likely to get a bill between $71 and $104.
What about the Big Apple? Interestingly enough, some districts in New York may be lucky enough not to cross the $210 mark and even keep it under $150.
We checked ZIP codes in different US states and mapped an overview showing how much a scan of a 2019 Ford F-150 would cost there:
No matter the fee, once you add the costs of repairs and even replacement parts if they are needed, the final bill can stack up quickly.
Can I refuse to pay the diagnostic fee?
While you’re free to challenge and question any fee in your repair bill, it’s essential to do so in advance. It’s best to review how the diagnostics fee and warranty work will be handled before proceeding with any mechanical work.
It’s also a good idea to ask the dealer for any additional costs to be confirmed in person or via a phone call, if possible.
Is the Ford diagnostic fee covered under the warranty?
There is no straight answer – it depends on the situation and your specific warranty terms and conditions. This is where reviewing the fine print of your warranty claim will help you understand what is covered and what is not.
Some Ford dealers may offer free diagnostic services for specific issues, such as error codes, during the vehicle warranty period. But it’s not a guarantee by any means.
How do Ford dealers typically approach this?
Some dealerships may treat the diagnostics fee as a security deposit, for example, $100. If the test shows that the issue is covered under warranty, it might be refunded. In the case of an extended warranty, that $100 could be treated as a deductible. Yet again, this is not uniform practice.
Suppose the diagnosed problem falls outside the scope of your warranty, extended service plan, recall, customer satisfaction program, or anything of the sort. In that case, you’ll most likely have to pay diagnostic fees out of pocket. This is because when there isn’t a warranted issue found, dealerships usually don’t get compensated.
In other words, if the problem turns out to be something small like a dirty air filter or a weak battery, you may be left with a hefty diagnostic fee that you could’ve easily diagnosed or even resolved by yourself. Sometimes, it may even be just a weird fluke that never shows up again.
Is it worth paying the diagnostic fee?
If you’re not bothered by a higher price and don’t want to do anything yourself, then the short answer would be yes.
That said, if you’re not afraid of a bit of DIY, then paying for an in-shop diagnostic scan might not be worth it. There are cheaper alternatives out there that can help you save by doing easy at-home diagnostics. Here’s where OBDeleven 3 enters the chat again.
OBDeleven 3 is a compact Bluetooth OBD-II scanner that connects directly to your smartphone. It offers full access to the car’s systems, helping you diagnose issues and clear faults with a few simple taps on the mobile app.
So, let’s say that pesky check engine light is acting up again. If you own an OBDeleven 3, here’s how diagnose it yourself:
- Plug it into your car’s OBD port
- Run the scan
- View the fault codes
- Read about them right in the app or do an additional Google search
Here you go – now you have your answer or at least a general idea of what exactly might be wrong with your vehicle.
From here, you can decide whether you’d like to take your car to the shop or fix it on your own. You’ll also be able to have a more informed discussion with your technician, and perhaps even have the upper hand in repair cost negotiations.
The best part?
If your Ford breaks down again, you’ll have this pocket-sized tool ready and just rerun a quick scan for free. No $100, $150, or $200 diagnostic fee each time a dashboard light appears.
Note: Advanced OBDeleven diagnostics are currently available ONLY for Ford Group vehicles from the US.
Disclaimer: Advice, how-to guides, and car care tips on our blog are intended as helpful resources for general maintenance and repairs. While we strive for accuracy, the information is provided to the best of our knowledge and should be used at your own discretion and risk.
Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or consult a certified mechanic for specific repair details and safety procedures.
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