Diagnostic Fee: labor quote guide
Typical labor time (approximate)
About 0.5 to 1.5 hours. Many shops charge about 0.5 to 1.5 hours at their labor rate for initial diagnosis, with more time approved for complex or intermittent faults.
Disclaimer: Hour ranges are rough, general estimates for common cars and light trucks, not figures from a published labor guide. Real time varies widely with the vehicle, engine, drivetrain, rust and condition. Check your labor guide (e.g. your shop's subscription) for the exact vehicle before quoting.
Opens the labor-quote calculator prefilled; add your rate, parts and tax. For the full customer document, use the estimate & invoice generator.
FAQ
Should the fee be credited toward repairs?
That's a common policy that helps close jobs. Decide on your policy and state it on the estimate.
Just read the code for free?
A code is a starting point, not a diagnosis. Charge for real testing time, and explain the difference to the customer.
What tools help?
A capable scan tool with live data and bidirectional controls speeds diagnosis. See ScanToolMatch for options.