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Car repair codes (Check Engine Light) get attention of Congress
dfw.com ^
| 080102
| TOM WEBB
Posted on 08/01/2002 8:50:32 AM PDT by InvisibleChurch
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INRI
To: InvisibleChurch
I've never been to a mechanic that couldn't decode the error. I've also never been to a mechanic that relied on the computer. Sounds like we've got a bunch of 2nd rate mechanics annoyed that they can no longer cover for their own incompetence.
2
posted on
08/01/2002 8:56:38 AM PDT
by
discostu
To: Jhoffa_
They don't call 'em "idiot lights" for nothin'.
To: InvisibleChurch
Got a problem, get a program.
Standard liberal mantra.
To: InvisibleChurch
The car maker's policy of whether their codes are in the public domain or not should be broadcasted so consumers can weigh this fact before they buy the car. After that its the maker's product and they can do whatever they want with the codes.
5
posted on
08/01/2002 8:58:43 AM PDT
by
corkoman
To: discostu
I've never been to a mechanic that couldn't decode the error. I've also never been to a mechanic that relied on the computer. Sounds like we've got a bunch of 2nd rate mechanics annoyed that they can no longer cover for their own incompetence.Having the codes allows the mechanic to diagnose the problem and zero in on just what parts and procedures are needed to fix it much more quickly. This saves you, the customer, both labor and parts costs.
6
posted on
08/01/2002 8:59:29 AM PDT
by
RonF
To: RonF
I think we had this arguement before. Having SKILL allows the mechanic to diagnose the problem. The program is a crutch, good sometimes but your best mechanics almost never need it. Not saying it shouldn't be there, but it's available from the manufacturers at not much cost. Any mechanic that can't afford the program (or the book, some of them just give you a book) there's probably a good reason for it. Any mechanic that HAS to have it, and can't afford is definitely one you should avoid.
7
posted on
08/01/2002 9:03:56 AM PDT
by
discostu
To: discostu
The codes are helpful, for a shade-tree type such as myself. I try to do my own work where I can, and the codes for my car have been invaluable. Then again, I'm an amateur, not a professional, so I do NEED the crutch!
To: Frank_Discussion
For the most part I'm not against the codes. What I am against is pros that can't fix cars without them thinking they have some birthright to help from the government. When I bought a new truck and the salesman told me the thing had 7 computers that would cost anywhere from $500 to $1000 each to replace (and having previous experience with broken car computers I knew that estimate was in line), I then did the math and figured that of the $17,000 for the truck somewhere between $3500 and $7000 was tied up in computers. At that point I started thinking that maybe we're a little to addicted to these computers and their precious codes. But overall I'm pro car computers and their diagnostic codes (and the other things they do, they can be pretty handy). I just think that in the 70s and 80s nobody tried to force Chiltons to give their book away because some mechanics couldn't do their job without it (actually most, Chiltons kicks), I don't see why anybody needs to give away the computer codes now.
9
posted on
08/01/2002 9:24:13 AM PDT
by
discostu
To: InvisibleChurch
My husband took our car to a trustworthy mechanic when our "check engine" light went on. He said we needed a part replaced and he would need to order it.
My husband went home and disconnected the car battery. The light has not come back on since then. Later we bought a manual (we had none) which says to take out the fuse and put it back in.
It turned out our mechanic couldn't get the replacement part. There was a nationwide shortage of the part.
10
posted on
08/01/2002 9:36:10 AM PDT
by
syriacus
To: syriacus
My husband went home and disconnected the car battery. The light has not come back on since then.I forgot to mention, he reconnected the battery a minute or so later. :-]
11
posted on
08/01/2002 9:39:52 AM PDT
by
syriacus
To: InvisibleChurch
I recently had a problem with one of my vehicles. I put a "scan tool" on it, and it spit out 4 "fault codes", only one of which was "defined", the other 3 were proprietary. My cheapo tool gave the actual codes, the couple-thousand dollar job the local mechanic had simply reported 3 undefined codes. We were able to determine the problem by looking at other readings while the car was moving. Problem was a dealer-only part, so I went to the dealer. His manufacturer-provided tool pinpointed the problem without having to drive the car 100 yards or so - he wouldn't sell me the part without making sure it was what I needed, since electrical parts are not returnable.
The codes would be real nice to have, but not as necessary as the congresscritters would leave you to believe. They should NOT pretend to be mechanics, auto engineers etc.
12
posted on
08/01/2002 9:43:05 AM PDT
by
MikeO
To: InvisibleChurch
In one of my previous jobs, I worked on these things. ALL cars now are controlled by onboard computers. The error codes are computer fault codes and many times are not hardware based. For example, if the computer detected something out of spec, it can go to a "limp home" strategy. This is a default calibration that will work in any driving condition. The car will run but will have poor performance and mileage. There may not be anything wrong in the hardware, and if so, you cannot find anything wrong, the car will just run lousy.
To: discostu
The various computers in new cars are not something that the automakers really wanted to integrate into the cars. When congress ratcheted up the CAFE standards for emitions, there were not very many ways they could meet those imposed standards. They could reduce the cars weight, but making a car lighter usually means making it less safe in a crash. They could move to smaller engines, but who would want to by a new car if the engine is smaller and less powerful than the same model from a year or two earlier. The only other way to increase engine efficiency and reduce emitions beyond what had already been acheived in the 1980's was to use on board computers to monitor the engine and transmission and make constant, rapid changes to the fuel delivery, timing, ignition, etc. How else do you think we could have 6 or 8 cylinder engines that produce well over 250 horsepower and still manage to get somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 mpg?
On the issue of the computer fault codes, those will not remain secret for long. Someone who has access to them will eventually post them on the internet. Automakers are wasting time and money trying to keep these secret.
To: discostu
It's more like $20.00 tied up in computers
To: InvisibleChurch
Is there anthing this group of pompous asses will not dive into?
16
posted on
08/01/2002 11:22:08 AM PDT
by
Ragin1
To: discostu
When I bought a new truck and the salesman told me the thing had 7 computers that would cost anywhere from $500 to $1000 each to replace (and having previous experience with broken car computers I knew that estimate was in line), I then did the math and figured that of the $17,000 for the truck somewhere between $3500 and $7000 was tied up in computers.Your salesman, like most, doesn't know what he's talking about.
Your truck doesn't have seven computers and they don't cost $1,000. to replace, they are covered under warranty and can be bought used when the truck ages out of warranty. Sounds like the salesman was either attempting to justify the price of the truck or just blowing hot air and attempting to appear knowledgable. He isn't.
To: syriacus
I'm glad you cleared that up. It sounded like the car was up on blocks in your garage, but dang there's no check engine light on any more!
18
posted on
08/01/2002 12:08:57 PM PDT
by
Gladwin
To: InvisibleChurch
Sure am glad there is nothing pressing facing the country so the Senate has time to entertain things like this.
19
posted on
08/01/2002 12:17:17 PM PDT
by
ksen
To: InvisibleChurch
All you need is an OBDII reader for '96 and later. Earlier rigs need a paper clip :).
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