Information to Include for Diagnoses

[Piece_By_Piece]

Hi all, I was wondering if there was a current post somewhere that outlines information to include when asking questions to try and diagnoses your vehicle's problems. I had made a list for myself, and would like to see information like this "stickied" on the FAQ or Newbie section if it is not there already. I have noticed many posts that are seeking answers, but do not include a very complete overview of their vehicle's current condition.

Please let me know where to find this info if you know where it.

Thanks!

 

[luv2rallye]

There may have been but I don't remember where anymore.
When posting your problem always put a very short description phrase in the header (eg. White smoke out exhaust on acceleration). Then in the body specify year, make, model (eg. 99 Eclipse GSX), auto/MT, mods (eg. 6 bolt, ECMLink, upgraded turbo), miles, detailed description of problem, when it started happening, what you've tryed.

So many people don't put the year/make/model so we can't help them properly because things are very different depending on this.

 

[Piece_By_Piece]

thanks for the response! This was the list I compiled:

1. Year/Make/Model/Engine/Transmission

2. Repairs/Modifications done to the vehicle (e.g aftermarket parts installed, clutch replaced, system deletions, etc)

3. Last Known Time the Car Ran normally (include details)

4. Description of the issue (include a video that captures the issue happening):
- Sounds (mild or severe; description of sound)
- Vibration/Shaking (When?)
- Responsiveness to driver inputs (hesitation/stumbling/lacking power, unresponsive, etc)
- Check Engine Light or other indicator lights illuminated (intermittent?)
- Rough Idle (pattern/range of RPM fluctuations;surging;stalling)
- How long the engine will run before dying (if applicable)
- poor fuel economy
- misfire (intake/exhaust)
- hard/fails to crank/start (specify in detail)
- smoke from exhaust (color of smoke)

5. Circumstances when the issue is apparent:
- Cold/Hot Engine Temperatures (open/closed loop)
- Idle/Cruise/WOT/Acceleration/Deceleration/Coming to a stop
- Intermittently
- Before/during a startup attempt
- Ambient Temperature Outside (if applicable)



6. Diagnostic Tests already performed and the results of the testing (include units/terminal pin #s/etc)

Please let me know if I missed anything and I can modify the list!