Vehicle Diagnostics

Any parts store can plug a code reader into your vehicle.  HOWEVER...

...that rarely gets you to the heart of what's wrong with your vehicle or what needs done to correct it. 

Scanning "CHECK ENGINE" lights with a code scanner is a tactic used to sell you products or services you may or may not need. 

OBD-2 diagnostic codes are simply one component that can help build an overall profile of your vehicle's health and how to get it in fully functional order.  You wouldn't go to the pharmacist for a check-up - it's the same with your 4-wheeled companion!

Why choose Wenatchee's Car Guys at PastPower Automotive?

Here at PastPower Automotive, we understand the how's, why's, and what's of the health of your vehicle - and the how's, why's, and what's of analyzing root causes for failure. 

With top-level scan tools & diagnostic equipment on hand - we can observe real-time running data, test component & system functionality on command, and interpret multiple points of data to point us to trouble. 

Using tried and true analog diagnostic equipment (For instance: compression testers, leak down gauges, and pressure gauges) - we can then verify & confirm our findings - presenting you with an accurate description of the true problem & a gameplan for remediation!

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Engine Repairs

The engine is the heart of your vehicle. If it suffers, your car suffers!

Engine repairs can be scary, since if the car doesn't run - you can't use it at all! Now, a typical engine needs the three basics - fuel, an ignition source, and compression. 

(As your wise ol' grandpappy might have said, "Ya gotta have the mix, the spark, and the squish to get the bang!")

However, LOTS of components are needed in a modern internal combustion engine to make those 3 simple things come to the party:

• Internal Engine Components - these would be the parts you can't see inside the cylinders & crankcase of the engine - where the magic happens! These are components like pistons, piston rings, connecting rods & rod bearings, crankshafts, main bearings, oil pumps & more.
  
  
• Cylinder Head Components - Cylinder heads are bolted down on top of the rows of cylinders that make up your car's engine. They seal up the cylinder and control when fuel goes in & exhaust gas comes out. This is where you would typically find intake & exhaust valves, lifters, rocker assemblies, variable valve or variable lift (VVT or VVL) solenoids, one or more camshafts, cylinder head gaskets, and much more.
  
  
• Timing Components - Engine timing is what keeps the combo of fuel, ignition, and compression in sync for combustion to occur properly. When you hear about timing belts, timing chains, timing chain guides, timing tensioners, camshaft phasers, timing gears, or timing sprockets - this is how they come into play.
  
  
• Cooling System Components - Basically, your engine runs by harnessing a controlled stream of explosions. (Pretty cool when you think about it that way, right?!) 
  
  However, explosions mean heat - which must be properly managed or bad things happen. That is why engines require cooling - typically using a special-formulated mixture paired with water. Parts for this system include radiators, cooling fans, water pumps, coolant hoses, thermostats - to name a few.
  
  
• Fuel & Air System Components - Whether your vehicle uses gasoline or diesel, you still need air and fuel to do the BANG! thing. 
  In order fuel and air into the cylinders requires a number of different items, a few of which include intake manifolds, fuel pumps, fuel injectors, air flow sensors, a throttle body, and much more.
  
  
• Ignition components - In gasoline engines, once you have fuel in the cylinder and you squeeze it, you need an ignition source to make the boom happen! Hence the need for parts like spark plugs, spark plug wires, ignition coils, and distributors.
  
  (In a diesel engine, things work a little bit differently. However, parts like glow plugs give diesel engines the help they need for efficiently burning that type of fuel.)
  
  
• Engine Management - As you guessed, like many modern conveniences, your car has a brain. This brain uses a network of sensors to determine key things, like where a particular part is in its rotation, or if fuel is burning in the cylinder efficiently enough - and tries to adjust things behind the scenes to fine-tune operations. Parts of this system would include Engine Control Unit or Computer, crankshaft or camshaft position sensor, coolant temperature sensor, mass air flow sensor, oxygen sensor, etc.
  
  
  

Wenatchee's Car Guys know a few things - and know where to start!

The above list is just a sample of systems we need to understand and be aware of as we work to make your engine run in tip top shape, and there are plenty of other parts & systems that interact. 

However, when you trust PastPower Automotive with fixing the engine in your car, truck, or SUV - you can rest assured knowing that we understand the in-and-out of how things should operate. This way we can identify what isn't working quickly and effectively!

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Transmission & Drivetrain Repairs

Because nothing will grind your gears like...not having any gears at all!

Whether you have an automatic transmission or a manual transmission, or even one of those CVT's (continuously variable transmission)​, your vehicle relies on this important piece of automotive hardware. Its purpose is to distribute the power from your engine to some (or all) of the wheels. 

When the transmission or any of its associated components don't work, well... you aren't going to work! The rest of the drivetrain receives this input from the transmission and is the final step to converting engine power into vehicle motion. 

Does your favorite sports car need a new clutch and flywheel set? What about the transmission fluid & filter change you've been putting off on your trusty work pickup? Or do you need to replace a failed transmission?

Wenatchee's Car Guys can get you into top gear...quick, fast, and in a hurry!

The friendly professionals at PastPower Automotive can shift towards getting you back on the road. We are geared towards knowing how to remedy any transmission issues that come our way - you might say we'll come in... clutch!

(OK, OK - no more puns!)

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Brakes, Steering & Suspension Repairs

The only thing more important than going... is stopping (and turning!)

The parts of your car that are hidden underneath & out of sight typically experience a rough life. Brake, steering, and suspension components typically are forgotten about by most vehicle owners until grinding noises, uncomfortable steering feel, or worse occur. Unfortunately - when those things start happening, you need to schedule an appointment ASAP to deal with them. The safety of you, your passengers, and others on the road could be at risk!

• Brake Systems - Whether your vehicle has drum brakes or disc brakes, they need to be checked periodically and serviced when the friction material has been used up or other signs of failure are present. This includes things like rotors, brake pads, brake drums, brake shoes, brake calipers, caliper brackets, brake hoses and lines, master cylinders, and brake boosters.
  
  
• Steering Systems - Although most modern vehicles use power steering, there are different setups to get the job done. Between rack-and-pinion steering, steering boxes, and more - there are a variety of different components that can be used. There are also differences between electric power steering, and good ol' belt-driven power steering pumps. 
  
  
• Suspension - We could get really nerdy about all the different types of suspension used on vehicles in the last 30-40 years, but suffice to say, there are a lot of components at play with a bunch of variation in the best ways to maintain & service them. Things like shocks, struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, and sway bars are just a few terms you might be familiar with. 

Let Wenatchee's Car Guys keep you on the road...and out of the backside of the car in front of you!

Keeping you safe is something we don't joke about! At PastPower Automotive, our goal is that our customers' vehicles transport them to their intended destinations safely.  We care about you and your family, and that leads to our commitment to quality work.

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Maintenance & Fluids

Keeping up on fluids and maintenance can be overwhelming! 0W-20, ATF, DOT 3...WTF?!? 

Although a vehicle might be the second-most expensive investment someone can make in their lifetime, keeping up with all of the scheduled maintenance and ensuring filters & fluids are clean can be a bit overwhelming. Don't let it be! The more effort you put into ensuring that your vehicle stays up to date on maintenance typically pays off in the long run with a smaller risk of big-ticket repairs. 

Like taking your pet to the vet for a checkup - your car can benefit from these types of inspections at specified intervals.  

 

Wenatchee's Car Guys aim to...Make Maintenance Great Again! 

With periodic reminders, a service checklist, and plain-spoken, honest advice, PastPower Automotive is here to let you know what things to be mindful going forward when we put your vehicle on the proverbial examination table! Be it a simple oil change, a fluid flush, a tune-up or an inspection for peace of mind - give us a call!

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Air Conditioning/Climate Control Repairs

Teeth chattering at 6AM? Windows always fogged? Getting roasted in the summer heat? NO MORE!

Easily, the misery of no working climate control in your car can make simple drives across town the absolute bane of your existence. From becoming a popsicle during a January morning commute to finding out what driving an air fryer must be like in mid-summer, working air conditioning and heat is a not just a luxury - but a necessity. 

Even if the parts that generate what you experience as "cold" and "hot" are working OK - the HVAC control and distribution system inside your dash may not be directing airflow where it is needed.

Whether you have a cheap commuter that is only equipped with heat, to an extra-large SUV with multiple air conditioner control systems for passengers, make sure they are working as efficiently as possible. Otherwise - your passengers might be even more unhappy that you are!

When the heat is on, or Old Man Winter is knocking on your window - come see Wenatchee's Car Guys!

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Electrical Wiring & Computer Module Repairs

HAL 9000 was less complex than the modern automobile - and we saw how THAT turned out!

Did you know that, in some modern vehicles, there is over a mile of wiring stretched throughout them? In addition, some cars have dozens of modules - most of which have more computing power than a Cray Supercomputer from the 1980's! Unfortunately, automobiles don't typically have backup systems for your door locks to work or for your radio to play tunes. 

Needless to say - when something electrical goes wrong, it can go wrong all over & it can take some serious effort to find the problem! When problems arise - you're going to want to have technicians who understand the how & why of modern vehicles. More importantly, you need technicians who will use an analytical process to find and fix the issue at hand.

Wenatchee's Car Guys are wired for success - it's easy to compute why!

At PastPower Automotive, we've had to chase more than our fair share of electrical gremlins over the years. That's why we are confident that our understanding of complex, modern automotive electronics allow us to fix these types of problems - not just fire "the parts cannon" at them. 

Give us an opportunity to "put the smoke back in the wiring!"

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Fleet Maintenance Services

Whether your business is making money moves or making products move - let us keep you in motion! 

Whether you have 2 cars running errands around Wenatchee or Leavenworth, a few trucks hitting jobsites from Cashmere to Coulee City, or a fleet of vans delivering products around North Central Washington, having a sustained fleet management program keeps downtime out of your scheduling and off of your bottom line. 

Developing a routine maintenance schedule, providing fleet tracking assistance, and getting broken vehicles back up & running quickly - you need a partner that will let you focus on your business while they focus on your fleet as part of theirs.​

Wenatchee's Car Guys just might be the fleet solution for your growing business!

As small business owners, the chance to consult with you on a gameplan for managing the vehicle fleet you need to keep business going is an honor and a privilege. 

We can customize a fleet management plan that will fit your budget while also maximizing the value your fleet expenditures. Let us help you maintain a fleet of vehicles that that provide safe & profitable service!

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Pre-Purchase Inspections

Know what you're getting yourself into... before signing the dotted line!

Making a vehicle purchase can be a huge life decision, and such an investment can create anxiety, doubt, and frustration. 

Whether you are putting your hard-earned savings to use or have to go through the process of financing your new auto or truck - having the peace of mind that the vehicle you're purchasing doesn't have major problems lurking is worth its weight in gold.

Have Wenatchee's Car Guys at PastPower Automotive take a look for you!

Helping clients make the right buying decision is not only something we consider as a duty, but something we enjoy! Helping folks get a new vehicle is exciting to us as automotive nerds, and if we can make sure you'll also enjoy the experience - even better! 

Give us the opportunity to schedule a PPI for next vehicle purpose and let's get smiles going all around!