“Drivability” notes the running (driving) condition(s) of your vehicle. Through extensive training, equipment and experience harmoniously combined we can accurately diagnose your vehicles running problems. Through the use of diagnostic scan tools, oscilloscopes, lab scopes, multi-meters and gas analyzers we are able to us electronic digital data to isolate the failing system(s) and hands-on pin-point test the failing component(s). Once diagnosed the failure can be estimated and repaired minimizing the costs of guesswork.

P&M Automotive ASE Certified technicians diagnose your cars problem right the first time. We diagnose all Foreign & Domestic cars and trucks in Salem Oregon. Call or Schedule your appointment online.

The “Service Engine Soon” light appears when your car has detected that an engine component has stopped functioning correctly. It can be alarming when we see this warning light pop up on our dashboard, but in most cases, it does not require you to drop everything for an emergency trip to the auto repair shop. However, a thorough diagnosis is necessary, so do schedule an appointment as soon as you have a reasonable opportunity. Many times, the problem is emissions related and the the vehicle will continue to drive normally for a while because the computer adjusts for the issue. This often results in lower fuel economy, higher emissions and unsatisfactory performance, which begs to be addressed sooner rather than later.  Potential causes vary greatly, whether it be a stuck thermostat, problem with the oxygen sensors, fuel injectors, anti-lock braking system, or many other potential problems. P&M Automotive will hook your vehicle up to a scanner, read a trouble code, and determine the exact issue followed by an immediate estimate of the repair.

It starts as a smell. The unmistakable odor of burning insulation. Shortly thereafter a wisp of smoke curls out from under the dash. Then comes the similarly unmistakable pop of a fuse blowing. At which point your radio cuts out. Or maybe it’s the windshield wipers that stop–or the engine itself. It may well be that the source of the short is obvious, like that wiring dangling under the dash. On the other hand, you may need to do some serious troubleshooting to find the source of the problem.

A short circuit occurs when an energized conductor touches either the frame or body of the car or another wire. Shorts to ground usually will have low enough resistance to draw sufficient current to blow the fuse. If the short is to another circuit, you may see things like the dome light coming on when you hit the turn signals. You may discover a wiring harness or multiprong connector meltdown, caused by the heat liberated from a short or high-resistance connection.

Moreover, not all wiring problems are shorts: Open and intermittent connections also can make your life difficult.

Properly functioning airbags are essential when you’re on the road. Making sure your airbag is working well gives reassurance that you and your passengers are safe. If your dashboard indicates an alert to your airbags, let us help you diagnose the problem without delay. So, check to see if your airbag system is operating correctly. The majority of today’s cars can do an airbag diagnostic test, which checks that all the circuits and sensors of the airbag are functioning. If the system detects any issues, it gives a signal through the airbag indicator by flashing the light several times, giving the specific problem the test has detected. These flashes are codes, each having its own meaning. P&M will read these codes and determine the appropriate steps to get your airbag system to a properly functioning and safe condition.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) assists drivers in maintaining vehicle control and helps prevent wheel lock during emergency stop situations or on slippery surfaces. In this, drivers can maintain steering control and have the ability to stop in the shortest possible distance under most conditions. An ABS warning light means the ABS system has been deactivated because of a self-diagnosed fault. Although normal braking should remain functioning, a wheel could “lock up” when applying the brakes, allowing your vehicle to “go into a spin” or otherwise lose control. The vehicle should, however, be safe to drive provided ABS system is not relied upon, as in a situation that calls for panic braking, or on a wet, icy or otherwise slick surface. There are many unforeseen circumstances on the road, and a poorly functioning ABS deserves immediate attention. There are other variables and potential causes for the ABS warning light, and we will rule out every option to diagnose the issue needing to be addressed.