DIAGNOSTIC LABOR TIMES
RECOMMENDED LABOR TIMES FOR DIAGNOSTIC
SERVICES
As an independent adviser to the automotive repair
and maintenance industry through our many widely used
publications, we believe that repair shops are entitled
to charge for time spent diagnosing vehicle malfunctions
and discrepancies and in preparing an estimate to effect
necessary repairs.
Many car owners are unable to technically describe
the complaint to a service technician; the technician
must sometimes make a road test to determine the exact
problem. Such diagnosis and estimation requires time,
experience and in many cases the use of expensive testing
equipment.
The following listed operations and times are given
as ShopKey's recommendations of diagnostic and estimation
times.
DIAGNOSTIC TIMES MENU
SUBJECT or COMPLAINT
$TIME, hr.
AIR CONDITIONING
Includes: Check refrigeration system with manifold
gauges and leak detector. Check compressor clutch, compressor
and drive belt. Test temperature at A/C outlets.____
1.0
COOLING SYSTEM/OVERHEATING
Includes: Pressure test for external coolant leaks
or head gasket leak. Inspect belts and hoses. Test radiator
cap. Add additional time if necessary, to test thermostat._____
.4
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Includes: Adjust quadrant and throttle linkage; pressure,
stall and road test.___ 1.0
CHARGING SYSTEM
Includes: Test and inspect alternator, regulator,
battery, cables and drive belt.______ .6
CHASSIS VIBRATION
Includes: Spin all wheels (on vehicle). Inspect U-joints
and entire drive line.________ .6
EMISSION TEST
Includes: Test engine exhaust on qualified equipment
for compliance with federal and/or state emission standards.____
.7
ENGINE PERFORMANCE - ANALYZE
Includes: Check on scope and exhaust gas analyzer.
Add .3 if necessary to road test. ____________ .7
FUEL PUMP
Includes: Test pressure and capacity (volume). Inspect
fuel lines and hoses. Inspect fuel tank cap. ___ .5
HARD COLD START, STALL
Includes: Inspect carburetor choke linkage and fast
idle linkage for binding or accumulation of foreign
deposits. Inspect choke thermostatic coil. Check on
scope if necessary. ___ .5
ROAD TEST
Includes: Drive at highway speeds, if necessary._______
.3
ALIGNMENT CHECK
Refer to appropriate manufacturer for specific application shown in front suspension. |
