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Right To Repair - A Hot Issue or Big Problem?

133 messages,  Last post on Oct 06, 2009 at 3:25 PM

You are in the Automotive News & Views Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & claires

What is this discussion about? Electrical


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#48 of 133
Re: The "Code" is only the first step [elroy5] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Jul 16, 2007 (9:24 pm)
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Replying to: elroy5 (Jul 16, 2007 5:28 pm)

There isn't a computer in the world that can tell you exactly which component has failed. Someday maybe.
#49 of 133
Re: The "Code" is only the first step [Mr_Shiftright] by elroy5
Jul 18, 2007 (5:25 pm)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jul 16, 2007 9:24 pm)

That would be great. The car would display exactly what is going out. Ex: Your battery is about to go out. Estimated time of demise, one month. It would give you time to shop for another battery. Of course a car this smart would not be affordable, at least not by me.
#50 of 133
Re: The "Code" is only the first step [elroy5] by 0patience
Jul 24, 2007 (5:36 pm)
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Replying to: elroy5 (Jul 18, 2007 5:25 pm)

Sometimes the first step should be a visual inspection.
I've tried to get this through many young mechanic's heads that no matter what, a visual inspection should be the first check, then if it is a performance issue [check engine light on], then pull the code and do another visual inspection.
 
I have had many vehicles that the check engine light was on and the visual inspection caught the broken vacuum hose or disconnected sensor connector.
 
And even guys who have dealt with the same vehicles over and over need a good diagnostic chart for trouble codes.
#51 of 133
Re: The "Code" is only the first step [0patience] by rockfish1
Jul 24, 2007 (6:27 pm)
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Replying to: 0patience (Jul 24, 2007 5:36 pm)

And even guys who have dealt with the same vehicles over and over need a good diagnostic chart for trouble codes.
 
Do you have suggestions on manuals or websites that have "Good Diagnostic Charts" that will help when multiple or intermittent codes are showing.
#52 of 133
Re: The "Code" is only the first step [rockfish1] by 0patience
Jul 25, 2007 (4:39 pm)
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Replying to: rockfish1 (Jul 24, 2007 6:27 pm)

Absolutely. At teh risk of coming off as an advertisement.........
 
http://www.alldatadiy.com
$24.95/year for the first vehicle, $14.95/month per additional vehicle or renewals.
This is the same factory information that shops have.
 
Another site is Autozone.com, there is a ton of repair information on that site, but you have to search it pretty good.
 
Check out Steve's page.
http://www.carspace.com/guides/Online-Repair-Manuals
#53 of 133
Re: The "Code" is only the first step [0patience] by rockfish1
Jul 25, 2007 (6:41 pm)
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Replying to: 0patience (Jul 25, 2007 4:39 pm)

Thanks for the site info.
I have found that some tech forums on specific models can provide pretty good repair help. I have been successful asking questions about Saturn ION and Dodge Grand Caravan.
#54 of 133
Re: The "Code" is only the first step [rockfish1] by 0patience
Jul 25, 2007 (7:01 pm)
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Replying to: rockfish1 (Jul 25, 2007 6:41 pm)

The one word of caution about vehicle specific sites.
Remember that most of those sites are enthusiasts, not mechanics.
 
So use a bit of caution in what information you often get.
There are so many times that the group of guys, I deal with, run into people who were told to replace this and that and find out that they should have done the diagnostics instead of listening to people who are weekend mechanics. A prime example is several people who post a reply to a check engine light to check the gas cap.
 
While the gas cap loose can turn the light on, that is their answer for everything.
#55 of 133
Re: The "Code" is only the first step [0patience] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Jul 26, 2007 (7:04 am)
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Replying to: 0patience (Jul 25, 2007 7:01 pm)

I think the vehicle specific sites are much better for asking about the LOCATION/PRICE/FAILURE RATE of components than they are at Internet diagnostics. It's hard enough diagnosing a REAL car in front of you, much less trying to do it remotely.
 
Sometimes I go to the automotive section of Yahoo Answers just so I can butt in and say "NO DON'T DO WHAT'S POSTED HERE!!!"
 
But here at Edmunds, the advice tends to be far more sober, even if it sometimes leaves something to be desired. People are trying to be helpful and that is commendable. It's up to the car owner to judge the offerings.
#56 of 133
Re: The "Code" is only the first step [0patience] by euphonium
Jul 26, 2007 (8:10 am)
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Replying to: 0patience (Jul 24, 2007 5:36 pm)

They had a brand new Trek, gas powered, motor coach and the "Check Engine" light was on. I was asked of my opinion.
 
First, I made a visual check under the hood and the only thing I could find was the coolant overflow was needing fluid. After adding some H2O to the overflow container, the "Check Engine" light was off. You're right, visual 1st.
#57 of 133
Re: The "Code" is only the first step [Mr_Shiftright] by 0patience
Jul 26, 2007 (4:17 pm)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jul 26, 2007 7:04 am)

But here at Edmunds, the advice tends to be far more sober, even if it sometimes leaves something to be desired.
 
That is where quality moderation comes in.
 

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