Academic

A RIGHT TO REPAIR YOUR CAR BILL: Since the advent of congressionally mandated computers in vehic?

By Glenn Reynolds

A RIGHT TO REPAIR YOUR CAR 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. That has forced automotive repair shops to invest in expensive computer databases and scanners that allow us to read complex codes to diagnose problems.

Yet, despite the investment of thousands of dollars in diagnostic equipment, computers and training by independent service garages, 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.

It is a long-running battle that most consumers are unaware of as their local mechanics quietly struggle to locate those codes against a determined auto industry unwilling to part with them.

This goes back to the scanner point a reader made the other day.

Full post as published by Instapundit.com on September 16, 2009 (boomark / email).