Automotive diagnostic software

[RobertBrown]

I question the outlay of money to buy software that is not going to be used frequently enough that it will result in a cost savings to the consumer. $200 sounds like a huge ripoff to me. What are people going to do with the software, and on how many vehicles? Is it of REAL use?

In this case it seems not, however the OBD2 diagnostic is a standard, the same for all vehicles. If you have ever tried to pinpoint a problem with the emissions system, you quickly realize it's impossible with out comprehensive software. When you factor the cost of the sensors, or the houly labor rate for the dealer or any qualified mechanic with the proper diagnostic equipment, 200$ isnot much money for an effective system.
Wish i had one.....

 

[Ariena]

RB makes a lot of sense.
The hourly rate of today's dealerships is out of sight. At around $200, you would make that back very shortly if you were able to tell the dealer the error code. This saves you the cost of him diagnosing your vehicle, and prevents him from telling you it is something more costly.
If cost is not in the equation, I would suggest a Siemens diagnostic system. They are handheld and read not only digital signals but also analog signals (if they are applicable in your situation). They also provide a SER which will tell you exactly when it went wrong and how it has affected anything else.

 

[JDgreen]

RB makes a lot of sense.
The hourly rate of today's dealerships is out of sight. At around $200, you would make that back very shortly if you were able to tell the dealer the error code. This saves you the cost of him diagnosing your vehicle, and prevents him from telling you it is something more costly.
If cost is not in the equation, I would suggest a Siemens diagnostic system. They are handheld and read not only digital signals but also analog signals (if they are applicable in your situation). They also provide a SER which will tell you exactly when it went wrong and how it has affected anything else.

I am skeptical the dealer would accept YOUR OWN testing of the system, and agree YOU discovered the correct error code....they are in business to make as much $$ as possible and I am sure the majority of them would say "well, we still have to check it with our equipment".

 

[Ariena]

I am skeptical the dealer would accept YOUR OWN testing of the system, and agree YOU discovered the correct error code....they are in business to make as much $$ as possible and I am sure the majority of them would say "well, we still have to check it with our equipment".

That dealer wouldn't stay in business long, unless he can scam gullible people into having their vehicles diagnosed. But then as you're aware, there's a sucker born every minute.

 

[Mower manic]

That dealer wouldn't stay in business long, unless he can scam gullible people into having their vehicles diagnosed. But then as you're aware, there's a sucker born every minute.

Your information is way outdated, it's acually every 15 seconds, every 20 seconds in Canada.....

 

[Ariena]

Good One!!!

 

[KennyV]

The only reason to have your own diagnostic equipment ... to do the repairs yourself....
I own a Lot of things, I have Never bought things I wanted to make money ... I get the things I want ... because I want them.
If you do not like repairing your own equipment, you will not have any reason to own the things necessary to determine what you need to do... :smile:KennyV

 

[Grass ala Mowed]

In my area, Advance Auto will scan your vehicle for free; that is the number one reason I have not bought my own scanner, despite wanting one.

The hard part is figuring out what the code really means. For example, if you get a code indicating that the manifold pressure (vacuum) is reading low, you have to make sure that the vacuum really isn't low (gasket leak, late timing, burned valves, etc.) or that you don't have bad wires (found a wire harness on a replaced engine rubbing on the CV joint; repaired the wires and all the codes cleared, before replacing the "bad" sensor.

This is where computer controlled cars get their bad rep and where a good shop can save you money because the auto parts store will not take back electronic parts when you're done "easter egging."

 

[jamesslcx]

Hey guys , none of the diagnostic machines eliminate good old common sense, you still have to follow step by step procedures to find the fault in any system be it electrical, mechanical etc. The best machine and software is hardly more than a guide to point you in the right direction. But with todays vehicles we need all the help we can get.