Car repair shops often can't crack diagnostic code

ARLINGTON, Virginia (AP) -- At least a couple of times a week, mechanic Ernie Pride tells customers at his independent repair shop he can't fix their cars because he doesn't know what's wrong with them. Go to the dealer, he advises.

Good article, and one that I can identify with.

I have a scanner for my OBDII cars and an old OBDI scanner as well. The current problem I have is that I get code readings that tell me exactly what is wrong, but not in a meaningful way that will allow me to fix the problem.

If I get code 0174, I know I have a lean condition in my engine, but it doesn't tell me why it is lean and there aren't any books I have found or websites that tell me the things to check or troubleshooting sequence to determine the problem or what to adjust so that things are in balance again.

Some things are obvious, such as when a scan code tells you a component failed or when the problem like a mis fire of a spark plug is obviously the plug needs to be changed or the wires need to be changed.

There are SAE standard codes, but there are all kinds of company proprietary codes and it would be nice as the owner of the car to know what they are since I can read them.

I got the thing, so I could figure out what the car was telling me when the "check engine" light came one besides giving a mechanic $50 to $75. My $170 scanner has paid for itself.

Some members of Congress worry that higher-priced dealer repair shops are using the codes to corner the repair market.

The government should send thank you cards to every crook and con or overly greedy industry who gives them a chance to expand their power, be the big protector hero, and increase the public's dependency and loyalty.

Helm Service and Overhaul manual that I bought for my truck. I've also gotten them on the internet for other vehicles.

What I have gotten off the internet are the SAE standard codes, not the vehicle proprietary ones.

I am also curious about your Helm Serice and Overhaul manual, does it have troubleshooting sequences based on codes? I use to own books that had troubleshooting sequences, such as if this operates go to step 16, check this and if it works go to step 29. I could see where the scan codes could help you mover right along especially combined with engine status information. However, I haven't seen any such books.

Please tell me more about your Helm Service book. Thanks

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