Ford diagnostic fee: When to expect it & estimated costs

TL;DR: Diagnostic scans for your Ford can cost over $100 each time – with no guarantee it’s covered by warranty.  offers an easy, affordable at-home alternative, helping you pinpoint issues and make informed decisions. 
 

Many car owners tend to raise their eyebrows upon receiving the bill after a visit to a repair shop. While sometimes the reason could be the price tag, other times it’s the diagnostic fee line written in there. 
 

What is that diagnostic fee, how much does it cost, and when should you expect it? Keep on reading to get your answers.  
 

A diagnostic test is a scan of the car’s engine control unit (ECU) to detect and identify problems. A technician will use a special diagnostic tool, such as an OBD2 scanner, to read  (DTCs) generated by a vehicle’s systems in response to issues.
 

Running a diagnostic scan is a completely normal practice in dealerships and car repair shops, so it should not come as a surprise. Technicians conduct tests in almost all cases once you show up, unless it’s just regular maintenance like changing tires or topping up oil.
 

But what exactly does the diagnostic test and fee cover? 
 

Essentially, you’re paying the technician’s hourly rate for their tools, time, and expertise in interpreting or decoding ECU reports. But you shouldn’t trust all technicians blindly. 
 

Some shop owners may try to use your car diagnostic test to convince you that your car trouble is catastrophic, to inflate the repair cost, and push you to spend more. That’s why it’s important to check reviews and work only with trusted mechanics. 
 

There's also a great tool that can help you avoid such deceit. With OBDeleven 3, our pocket-sized OBD2 scanner, you can quickly double-check diagnoses before committing to any repair. Trust issues or not, it’s super useful whenever something’s off with your car.