National Auto-Tec - Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is post-accident electrical diagnosis and do I need it after a minor collision?

Accepted Answer

After any impact we scan every module in the vehicle, not just the ones showing a warning light. Sensors, connectors and wiring behind the bumper or guard can be damaged without anything appearing on the dash, and a stored fault can stop the car passing a roadworthy or cause a system to fail later.

Even on a low-speed knock it is worth doing. A pre-repair scan also gives your insurer a documented record of what was faulty before work started, which makes the claim much easier to settle.

Question 2

Can you reset airbag warning lights and crash data after an accident?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We diagnose the SRS system first to find why the light is on, because the light is the symptom rather than the fault. That can be a deployed module, a damaged clockspring, a crash-locked control unit or a broken connector under a seat.

Where the module is serviceable we clear the stored crash data and reset it. Where it is not, we supply and code a replacement. We never simply clear the code and hand the car back: if the underlying fault is still there the airbag may not fire when it is needed.

Question 3

What is module programming and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

Modern vehicles run dozens of control units that need to be told what car they are fitted to. Programming writes the manufacturer software onto a module; coding sets the options for your specific vehicle, such as which mirrors, lights or driver assistance features it has.

You need it when a module is replaced, when a used or second-hand part is fitted, after a software recall or update, and when adding factory equipment such as towing electrics. We use manufacturer-level tools and maintain a stable power supply throughout, because a voltage drop mid-write can leave a module unusable.

Question 4

Can you program keys for prestige and European vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We cut and program keys and proximity remotes for most European and prestige makes, including cases where all keys have been lost. Depending on the make and model this is done through the diagnostic port or by working directly with the immobiliser module.

We verify ownership before starting any key work. Bring photo identification and proof that the vehicle is yours, such as the registration papers in your name.

Question 5

What is a ghost immobiliser and how does it protect my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

A ghost immobiliser stops the engine starting until a PIN sequence is entered using buttons the car already has, such as the steering wheel or window controls. There is no key fob and no aftermarket keypad, so a thief has nothing to find, clone or relay.

It works over the vehicle's own data network and does not cut into the factory wiring, so it will not affect your warranty. It is particularly effective against relay attacks and key cloning, which are how most late-model vehicles are stolen now.

Question 6

Do you service EV and hybrid high voltage systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work on high voltage systems on electric and hybrid vehicles, including battery and charging faults, isolation testing, contactor and cabling issues, thermal management problems and the 12V systems that sit alongside them.

High voltage work is done under the correct safe-working procedure with insulated tooling and proper isolation before anything is touched.

Question 7

What is EV depower and reinitialise?

Accepted Answer

Depowering is the controlled shutdown and isolation of a vehicle's high voltage system so that panel, mechanical or structural work can be carried out safely. The pack is disconnected, the system is proven dead and the vehicle is tagged.

Reinitialising is the reverse: the system is inspected, insulation resistance is tested, the pack is reconnected and the vehicle is brought back up and verified. Most repairers cannot legally begin work on a damaged EV until it has been depowered, so we work directly with panel shops and tow operators on this.

Question 8

Can you supply and program TPMS sensors without fitting them?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We supply sensors programmed to your exact vehicle and send them out ready for your tyre fitter to install, which suits tyre shops and workshops that do not have a TPMS tool.

If you would rather we handled the whole job, we can also come to you, fit and relearn the sensors to the vehicle, and confirm every position is reading correctly.

Question 9

What does a pre-RWC electrical inspection cover?

Accepted Answer

We check the electrical items a roadworthy inspection will fail you on before you book the test. That covers all exterior lighting and alignment, indicators and hazards, brake and reverse lights, horn, wipers and washers, and any warning lamp that should not be illuminated, including ABS, SRS and stability control.

You get a written list of what needs attention and a quote for the work. It is far cheaper than failing a roadworthy and paying for a re-inspection.

Question 10

Do you offer fleet electrical maintenance contracts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We run scheduled maintenance and priority call-out arrangements for fleets, with consolidated monthly invoicing and reporting on each vehicle.

Because we come to your yard or depot, vehicles are not off the road travelling to a workshop. Talk to us about vehicle numbers and how quickly you need a breakdown attended, and we will put together terms that suit the operation.

Question 11

What areas do you cover and is there a call-out fee?

Accepted Answer

We cover Melbourne's northern and western suburbs and the CBD, including Coburg North, Brunswick, Preston, Reservoir, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Broadmeadows, Campbellfield, Craigieburn, Fitzroy, Carlton, Sunshine, Footscray and Thomastown.

Call-out is quoted with the job rather than charged as a surprise on top, and it varies with distance and what the work involves. Ring us with your suburb and what the car is doing and we will give you a figure before we book anything in.

Question 12

What warranty do you provide on your work?

Accepted Answer

Our workmanship is warranted, and parts we supply carry their manufacturer's warranty. You get documentation of what was done, including scan reports where diagnostic work was involved.

If something we worked on is not right, call us and we will come back to it. Terms vary depending on the job, so ask when you book and we will tell you exactly what applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

01What is post-accident electrical diagnosis and do I need it after a minor collision?

02Can you reset airbag warning lights and crash data after an accident?

03What is module programming and when is it required?

04Can you program keys for prestige and European vehicles?

05What is a ghost immobiliser and how does it protect my vehicle?

06Do you service EV and hybrid high voltage systems?

07What is EV depower and reinitialise?

08Can you supply and program TPMS sensors without fitting them?

09What does a pre-RWC electrical inspection cover?

10Do you offer fleet electrical maintenance contracts?

11What areas do you cover and is there a call-out fee?

12What warranty do you provide on your work?

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