Symptom Malfunction CheckList

This Checklist is intended for you to fill it and bring it to a Professional Technician.
 It is not for you to do it yourself.
Trained Technicians have the equipment, tools and know-how to do a job properly and safely.
This Checklist is to provide information that could assist Technicians identifying a problem on your vehicle.
Do not assume all conditions described here apply to your vehicle.
See your car dealer for more information.
Download Excel file of this Checklist!

Engine - Driveability
Date:  
Vehicle Mileage:  
Symptom:
 
Is your warning Lamp On?
How often does symptom occur?
Condition of road when symptoms occur:
Is there any noise?
Describe any sounds or noise:
Location of sound or noise
 
Hard to start Backfires
Idle is Rough M.I.L. / Service Engine Soon Light comes On
Hesitates or Stumbles Pings or knocks
Engine Misses / Stalls Excessive oil consumption
Poor power Poor fuel economy
Sulfur / Rotten Egg / Odor Other:
 
When do Symptoms Occur?
 
Hot Intermittently
Cold When accelerating or decelerating
Underload Other:
 
Additional Comments (Driveability):
 
Transmission
Date:  
Vehicle Mileage:  
Symptom:
 
Doesn't shift properly Shudder, surge, etc. at highway speed
Won't shift at all Engine starts in gears other than "P" or "N"
Won't shift into overdrive Describe any leaks or noise:
When do Symptoms Occur?
 
Hot Intermittently
Cold Accelerating or Decelerating
Underload Other: 
Additional Comments (Transmission):
Electrical
Date:  
Vehicle Mileage:  
System Affected:
 
Radio or RDS Windshield wipers and/or washers
CD or tape player Dashboard instruments
Heated seats "Service Engine Soon" light
Speakers (front or rear) Vehicle phone or OnStar
Key entry or personalization features Light bulb (location) 
Power seat controls or windows Other:
 
Symptom:
 
Doesn't work Burning smell or other odor
Controls don't work Player won't eject
Noisy (static or other) Other:
 
When do Symptoms Occur?
 
Hot Intermittently
Cold Frequently
Just after starting Other:
 
Additional Comments (Electrical):
 
Air Conditioning - Heat - Ventilation
Date:  
Vehicle Mileage:  
System Affected:
 
Air Conditioning Vent
Max Air Fan or blower
Heat Automatic Temperature Control
Defrost Other:
 
Symptom:
 
Doesn't work Insufficient heat or cold
Controls don't work No air comes out of vents
Odor Rapid cycling
Noisy Other:
 
When do Symptoms Occur?
 
Hot Intermittently
Cold Frequently
Just after starting Other:
 
Additional Comments (A/C, Heat, Vent):
 
Brakes - Steering - Suspension
Date:  
Vehicle Mileage:  
Symptom:
 
Vehicle pulls right - when: Soft ride
Vehicle pulls left - when: Uneven tire wear
Vibration when: ABS light on
Excessive play in steering Brake light on
Erratic steering when braking Traction control light on
Suspension bottoms out Other:
 
Hard to Steer:
 
Requires extra effort Steering wheel off center
Wanders Other:
 
Brake Pedal:
 
Requires extra effort Noise (squeaking)
Pulses Hard
Excessive travel Mushy
 
When do Symptoms Occur?
 
Parking maneuvers Intermittently
Cold Frequently
Accelerating Other:
 
Additional Comments (Brake/Steering):
 
Noise - Leaks
Date:  
Vehicle Mileage:  
Area of Noise:
 
Engine compartment Doors
Front suspension Console
Rear suspension Dash area
Instrument panel Front doors
Front seat Rear doors
Rear seat Other:
 
Area of Leak or Wind Noise:
 
Windshield Driver front door
Rear window Driver rear door
Sunroof Passenger front door
Other: Passenger rear door
 
When do Symptoms Occur?
 
Parked on a hill (facing uphill or downhill) Intermittently
Cold Frequently
Highway speed Raining or car wash
Other:  
 
Additional Comments (Noise/Leak):