Diagnostic scan, fault code read and report (warning light on): how much does it cost?

Q: How much does diagnostic scan, fault code read and report (warning light on) cost in New Zealand?

Typically NZ$70–NZ$140 including GST at a NZ$120 an hour workshop rate (A$80–A$150 in Australia at A$140 an hour).

Typically NZ$70–NZ$140 in New Zealand and A$80–A$150 in Australia, including GST. Most cars.

	Parts (trade)	Labour	Sublet	Total incl GST
New Zealand	NZ$0–NZ$0	0.5–1 h	—	NZ$70–NZ$140
Australia	A$0–A$0	0.5–1 h	—	A$80–A$150

Totals use a standard workshop rate of NZ$120 or A$140 an hour and a 25% parts markup, plus GST. Your workshop's rate and parts prices will differ.

What affects the price

Full-system scan and code interpretation. Retail NZ$70-145 / A$100-180 incl GST. European, hybrid or multi-system faults take longer; intermittent electrical faults are billed by the hour.

Other electrical repairs

12 V battery replace, standard flooded (small / medium car)NZ$190–NZ$330
12 V battery replace, standard flooded (SUV / ute / 4WD)NZ$290–NZ$500
12 V battery replace, EFB / AGM start-stop (Japanese / Korean)NZ$340–NZ$710
12 V AGM battery replace with battery registration / coding (European)NZ$440–NZ$830
Alternator replace (small / medium car, petrol)NZ$510–NZ$1,020
Alternator replace (SUV / ute / diesel)NZ$750–NZ$1,560
Alternator replace (European, smart charging)NZ$930–NZ$2,130
Starter motor replace (small / medium car)NZ$500–NZ$970
Starter motor replace (SUV / ute / European)NZ$780–NZ$1,850
A/C evacuate, vacuum test and regas (R134a, older cars)NZ$150–NZ$290

Researched by Credov in October 2026 from NZ and Australian parts suppliers and workshop price guides. Typical ranges, not quotes: ask a workshop for a quote before you rely on a price. All repair costs.