A warning light can be cleared in seconds. A computer scan shows what the car’s systems have been reporting before you buy.
What the dashboard doesn’t tell you.
Modern cars store trouble codes for the engine, transmission, emissions, and often other systems. A seller can clear the check-engine light right before you arrive, and it can stay off for days. Our scan checks for stored and pending codes and whether the car’s self-tests, called readiness monitors, are complete. Incomplete monitors can mean codes were cleared recently.
Tip: A scan is only as useful as the person reading it. We explain what any codes mean in plain language and whether they point to a cheap fix or a bigger problem.
How We Check It
1. Connect the scan tool
We plug into the car’s diagnostic port, called OBD-II on cars built from 1996 on.
2. Read the codes
Stored, pending, and permanent codes from the engine and transmission, plus other systems the tool can read on that car.
3. Check readiness monitors
Incomplete monitors can mean the battery was disconnected or codes were cleared recently.
4. Match it to the car
We compare the codes with what we see and feel during the inspection and test drive.
What the Diagnostic Scan Covers
The scan is part of every inspection. Coverage of some systems depends on the vehicle.
- Check-engine light status
- Stored trouble codes
- Pending trouble codes
- Permanent codes
- Emissions readiness monitors
- Signs codes were recently cleared
- Transmission codes, where supported
- ABS and brake codes, where supported
- Airbag (SRS) codes, where supported
- Live engine data, where supported
- Battery and charging voltage
- Warning lights at start-up
Warning signs you can spot yourself
- Check-engine light on or flashing
- Warning lights that don’t light up briefly at start-up
- Several dash lights on at once
- Rough idle or stalling
- A seller who says the light “just needs a sensor”
Red flags that mean slow down
- Readiness monitors not set on a car that “runs perfect”
- Misfire codes
- Transmission or overheating codes
- Airbag light on
- Battery recently disconnected with no explanation
Inspection Pricing
This check is part of every PPI Mechanic inspection. Pricing is flat: $199 for cars, SUVs, and trucks, $279 for luxury and sports cars, and $399 for exotic and collector cars. We confirm the price before you book. See pricing.
Why Tampa Buyers Choose PPI Mechanic
A mechanic comes to the car, checks it before you pay, and tells you what they found in plain language.
- Based in Tampa, serving Tampa Bay
- We come to the car: dealership, private seller, or auction lot
- We don’t sell cars, so our opinion is independent
- Flat prices: $199, $279, or $399
- Findings you can use to negotiate or walk away
- Book online in a couple of minutes
Computer Diagnostic Scan FAQ
Can’t I just buy a cheap code reader?
A basic reader shows engine codes. It won’t always show pending codes, readiness monitors, or other systems, and it doesn’t tell you what the codes mean for this car. Our scan is checked against the car itself.
What are readiness monitors?
Self-tests the car runs while it’s driven. Clearing codes or disconnecting the battery resets them. Several incomplete monitors on a car that’s been driven normally is a warning sign.
If there are no codes, is the car fine?
Not necessarily. Many mechanical problems never set a code. The scan is one part of a full inspection, not a replacement for it.
What’s the difference between stored and pending codes?
A stored code means the car confirmed a problem, which usually turns on the check-engine light. A pending code means the car saw a possible problem but hasn’t confirmed it yet.
Where do you inspect the car?
Wherever the car is in Tampa Bay: at the dealership, the seller’s home, or an auction lot. The seller needs to agree to the inspection.
How much does an inspection cost?
$199 for cars, SUVs, and trucks, $279 for luxury and sports cars, and $399 for exotic and collector cars. We confirm the price before you book.
See what the computer remembers.
Book online in a couple of minutes. Tell us the year, make, and model and where the car is, and we confirm the inspection with you.
Serving Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Wesley Chapel, and the rest of Tampa Bay. See all service areas.