Posted on 09/16/2009 12:55:24 PM PDT by Clint Williams
Wannabe Code Monkey sends along an article from the Patriot Ledger about an effort in Massachusetts to pass a "Right to Repair" bill.
"Since the advent of congressionally mandated computers in vehicles more than 15 years ago (for emissions), cars have evolved into complex machines that are no longer just mechanical. Computers now monitor and control most systems in the car from brakes to tire pressure and all the electronics and engine fluids... [and] car manufacturers continue to hold back on some of the information that your mechanic needs in order to properly repair your car and reset your codes and warning lights... Massachusetts is now poised to solve this problem and car-driving consumers should pay attention this fall when the Massachusetts Legislature takes up landmark legislation that would force manufacturers to respect the right of consumers to access their own repair information. The legislation, known as Right to Repair, is seen by car manufacturers as a threat to the lucrative service business in their dealerships and they are massing their lobbyists on Beacon Hill in an effort to defeat it."
What is really interesting is that when you purchase a car, you do sign a PURCHASE contract. I have not seen a software license contract. So as such, the software in the car BELONGS to you.
The state of Masshole, concerned about the consumer? Whooda thunk it? It just can’t be true — they must have some different hidden agenda.
No, not pro consumer...anti business. And that fits very well in Massachusetts. (former bay-stater here)
BULLSTEIN! As a former dealer, this is nonsense. Any repair shops can purchase the technical hardware and software, along with tools to repair GM, Ford, Mopar, etc. Many don’t want to make the investment, some don’t want to pay for the necessary training of people, but all have access.
Makes my 1976 Chevy dually and my 1979 Buick wagon even more valuable every day......
I saw this problem coming years ago. Lock up the consumer so that nothing can be done on their car unless it is done at a dealership.
Now that NObama has sucessfully closed hundreds of dealerships across the country, some p0eople in the Western parts of the USA must drive hundreds of miles to get to a dealership.
It is also putting thousands of good mechanics out of business, as they cannot get the correct information to repair your car.
I have a neighbor who was worried about his transmission making noise. I offered to pull the tranny dip stick and check his fluid level. He informed me that IF anyone other than the dealer pulled the dipstick, it would void the warranty on his new car.
That kind of thinking is beyond stupid.
Even a used vehicle has transferable warranties.
I guess this would apply only to persons owning vehicles that are outside of Mfrs warranty.
I’m dealing with this issue right now. My 2004 SUV had four codes pop up on the diagnostic portion of the test. Instant fail. I have two months to get the codes to disappear. I looked up online what the codes were. Something to do for a knock sensor and a lean flow something or other sensor. The Commonweath charged me for the priviledge of failing me for numbers on a computer printout.
If the repair is more than $750 estimated I can get a waiver. The SUV runs just fine. Ridiculous...
As an older vehicle owner, one thing I positively despise is electronic windows, particularly in the driver's seat. Who is so damn lazy that they can't roll a g**d*** window up or down?
While I realize these trinkets might be useful for parents with small children in the back seat, but when (not if) they go, they are a major expense to deal with. When I was a kid, I recall my parents were able to control unauthorized window fiddling by simply yelling at the kids because we knew they meant it.
You a mechanic or a dealer toadie.
My Audi is over 200k miles. Runs great but the on-board computer goes screwy sometimes and I can’t find out what is causing the “check engine” light.
Have you checked your gas cap? My Tahoe had the check engine light come on and then go off, replaced the gas cap and it stopped
I bought a new car in January. It came with a 6 month subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio. On a trip to Florida a few days later my wife and I really came to like that Sat Radio.
Then a few months later I got a letter from my dealer telling me how many miles were on my car and telling me I should come in for my first (of 2) free oil changes; which I did. Freebie Baby!
Then a few months later came another letter, again telling me the mileage on my car and saying I need such-and-such service. Then it dawned on me. The satellite radio contains a clandestine version of something like OnStar like is on GM vehicles. The manufacturer has some sort of deal with Sirius to get the 6 month subscription CHEAP, maybe even FREE, because many people like me will re-up after the first 6 months. I re-upped for a 3 year hitch. The Sirius in my car somehow allows the dealership, or a regional center or the factory to keep tabs on my car, just like OnStar does on GM cars. For instance, if you have an accident in a GM car with OnStar, the next voice you hear will be a Tech on OnStar inquiring whether anyone is injured! Big Brother, Baby!
However, I'm not really bothered if this requirement is imposed on car makers who feed at the public trough. If you want to rob taxpayers to keep your company afloat, then the taxpayers should have a say in how the cars are made.
Original gas cap but the may be a leak in the tank allowing other air in. Thanks, I had not made the association.
I had a Mitsu Diamante with a 'check engine' light problem that would go away for long lengths of time after doing this. It tends to reset the CCM back to defaults.
Almost true, Pup. BMW, and Mercedes Benz software is not really all that open. Bootleg versions are available. (I got'em ) but the updates are not easy!
Plus, the plug-ins can really be weird.
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