Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Diagnostic Test Drive
When servicing vehicles, the vehicle antilock brake and traction control system, test drives will be necessary to allow all tests to be run, and all system functions to be enabled and exercised. A test drive may also be required to duplicate specific DTCs covered in this section. The diagnostic system check (including test drive) should be run when vehicle repairs are complete in order to verify the repair.
The diagnostic test drive will vary for ABS/TCS problems.
- Read the Diagnostic Aids and the Conditions for Setting the DTC.
- Reconnect any previously disconnected components.
- Start the engine.
- Drive the vehicle under the following conditions for at least 10 minutes. At no times should any unlawful or unsafe maneuvers be performed.
- Highway driving.
- Rough roads.
- Verify customers concern and duplicate driving conditions.
- With the engine still running use the scan tool and check for any DTCs. If any DTCs are set, perform the appropriate DTC table.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.