Clear, structured diagnosis for EV electrical and mechanical faults
At Kinghorn Electric Vehicles, diagnosing faults is a structured process designed to identify the root cause of a problem — not guesswork.
This applies to both electronic faults and mechanical issues, including warning lights, charging faults, suspension noises, brake noises, steering concerns, and other faults that require investigation.
Modern vehicles are increasingly complex, and accurate diagnosis takes technician time, specialist equipment, technical research, and experience. For that reason, all time spent investigating a fault is chargeable as diagnostic labour.
1. Initial diagnostic booking
When you contact us with a fault that requires investigation, we will explain that the vehicle needs to be booked in for an initial diagnostic session.
This initial diagnostic session is charged as a minimum of 1 hour, even if the first diagnostic scan only takes a few minutes. This is because the technician’s time is also spent:
Analysing the diagnostic report
Interpreting fault codes and test results
Investigating possible causes
Reviewing technical information
Consulting specialist technical support where required
Our aim in this first hour is to identify the cause of the fault, or at least determine the correct next step.
2. What may be included during diagnosis
Depending on the type of fault, the initial diagnostic work may include some or all of the following:
Road test of the vehicle where appropriate
Visual inspection
Diagnostic scan using professional equipment
Live data analysis
Mechanical testing
Investigation of noises, vibration, warning lights, or performance issues
Review of technical information
Consultation with specialist technical support where required
Not every vehicle will require every step, but diagnosis often involves a combination of testing, inspection, analysis, and research.
3. Mechanical faults as well as electronic faults
Diagnostics is not limited to plugging in a diagnostic machine.
Many faults require mechanical investigation, including:
Suspension knocks and rattles
Brake noises or vibration
Steering issues
Wheel bearing noise
Drivetrain vibration
General running or handling concerns
In these cases, diagnostic time may involve road testing, workshop inspection, dismantling where necessary, and technician investigation to determine the source of the problem.
4. If further diagnostic time is required
Some faults can be identified within the initial hour. Others are more complex and may require additional diagnostic time.
If further investigation is needed, we will contact you and explain:
What we have found so far
Why additional time is required
The estimated additional diagnostic time needed
No additional diagnostic work will be carried out without customer authorisation.
Customer authorisation process
Initial diagnostic authorisation
By booking the vehicle in, the customer authorises the initial 1 hour diagnostic session.
This can be agreed by phone, email, or in person.
Additional diagnostic work
If further diagnostic time is needed after the initial hour:
We will update you on the findings
We will explain what additional work is required
We will advise the likely extra time required
You may initially give verbal approval by phone or in person, however:
Email confirmation is required before any additional diagnostic work begins. Even if verbal go-ahead has already be given.
This gives both you and us a clear written record of what has been authorised.
Repair authorisation
Once the fault has been confirmed, we will provide an estimate for any repair work required.
Email confirmation is required before repair work begins
even if verbal approval has already been given.
Please reply promptly
To avoid delays, we ask customers to provide email confirmation as quickly as possible once we have updated them.
If written confirmation is not received promptly:
Work may need to pause
The vehicle may need to be moved out of the workshop
Progress on the job may be delayed
Prompt approval helps us keep your vehicle moving through the workshop efficiently and return it to you as soon as possible.
Why diagnostic time is chargeable
Diagnostic work is skilled labour. It involves more than just connecting a machine to a vehicle.
You are paying for:
Technician time
Specialist knowledge
Testing and inspection
Interpretation of results
Technical research
Access to specialist equipment and support
Identifying the correct repair path
Charging properly for diagnosis helps avoid guesswork, unnecessary parts replacement, and wasted cost.
Important information
Please note:
All diagnostic work is subject to a minimum 1 hour charge
Diagnostic time is chargeable whether the fault is electronic or mechanical
Additional diagnostic time requires customer approval
Email confirmation is required before additional diagnostics or repairs proceed
Diagnostic charges still apply even if you decide not to proceed with repairs
Some faults may require extended investigation, especially intermittent issues
Common issues we diagnose
We regularly investigate faults such as:
Warning lights
Charging faults
Battery and EV system faults
Suspension noises
Brake noises
Steering concerns
Electrical faults
Running issues
Intermittent faults
Noises, vibration, and drivability concerns
