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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
That is where quality moderation comes in.
I agree with you that you can not just blindly follow somebody's suggestions. You do have to do research and use a lot of common sense but for some problems that seem to be endemic with a car these site specific forums are helpful.
Find multiple sources pointing to the same problem.
The same part is ID'd - the ignition switch.
When I get the part from Saturn and the parts guy says yet we have lots of those.
And when the part is replaced the problem is solved.
I am happy
steve
Both these units are $3,000-4,000
The other option is the OTC3762 Air Bag/ABS Scan Tool which is about $1500.
The Tech 2 is made for GM, so it will do far more than just airbags.
Got a Technical Question?
Sounds like you lost a window regulator to me...
Fact is, modern cars are very complex and represent a significant investment on the part of the motor co's.
Alot of proprietary info goes into a modern car.
It is the same in alot of other products.
Only their maker is equipped to fix them.
Given how fast cars are changing, esp as more esoteric powerplants come along, it will be virtually impossible for a DIY'er or an Indy mechanic to fix a car,let alone service one.
I don't know how auto makers could make anything "illegal". They could void warranties if a DIY'er tries to "FIX" or upgrade parts under warranty. As for routine maintenance prohibition, a lot of tire companies, oil changers and independents would be quite upset.
At one time [a very long time ago], some of the manufacturers were pushing for repairs to be done by certified/licensed mechanics, such as is done in some countries.
But they met quick resistance by groups who pretty much shoved the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act in their faces, so it was dropped as quickly as it was mentioned.
Given how fast cars are changing, esp as more esoteric powerplants come along, it will be virtually impossible for a DIY'er or an Indy mechanic to fix a car,let alone service one.
I have to disagree with that. They are complex, there is no question about it, but the aftermarket tooling is keeping a fairly decent pace with them.
Add to the fact that Indy shops are paying for that training more and more every day. I don't work for a dealer, yet I go to GM and Ford training every year.
It is the same in alot of other products.
Only their maker is equipped to fix them.
But a lot of DIYers still fix alot of other products.
There are mechanics out there who would love to require auto owners to not be able to work on their vehicles, but they are the same ones who would do their own plumbing and electrical in their house. Even though a licensed elctrician or plumber is required, homeowners are not required to be licensed in most states.
So those types of people are hypocrites.
They could void warranties if a DIY'er tries to "FIX" or upgrade parts under warranty
Nope, they can't. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act specifically prohibits them from doing that.
They can void warranties for using inferior parts or non-approved aftermarket parts, but they cannot void a warranty, because someone does their own repairs and service, provided the repairs are done properly.
Add to the fact that Indy shops are paying for that training more and more every day. I don't work for a dealer, yet I go to GM and Ford training every year.
no offense, but current ford's and Chevy's are pretty simple cars compared to a BMW, Volvo, Mercedes.
Evena Prius.
No indy mechanic can gain the same proficiency as a dealer mechanic that only works on 1 brand of car.
Next, there are the computer issues.
Most lux and even soem immport makers have their own dedicated computer networks.
You either have to buy theri machine, or subscribe to their network.
It isn't cheap either way.
Most indy mechanics bring us the cars that require software work,and that is most Volvo's after 2000.
This isn't about changing oil, or rotating tires.
That is simple and likely to stay that way.
Fixing a broken car is complicated and getting more so every day.
no offense, but current ford's and Chevy's are pretty simple cars compared to a BMW, Volvo, Mercedes.
I have Volvo Factory traiing every year too.
I understand what you are saying and agree in some parts, but that is that mentallity that dealers have that is irritating to the rest of the industry and why the right to repair act was even started.
As for the software work, since Volvo requires access to their main systems to reprogram, I guess they have everyone by the (you know whats). Indies can't very well do something that the manufacturer won't supply to the outside market.
I guess I don't know anything about fixing cars, so I'lll shut up.
Really? Where do you do your training?
As for the software work, since Volvo requires access to their main systems to reprogram, I guess they have everyone by the (you know whats). Indies can't very well do something that the manufacturer won't supply to the outside market.
Volvo will supply it. For a helluva fee.
Most indy's can't/won't spend the money for it.
Which is why we end up doing all their computer work.
Sooner or later, this approach will trickle down to the mass marketed cars.
Lux makers like Volvo, Lexus, Benz etc are at the forefront of this, but it will find its way to Honda's and Chevy's.
I guess I don't know anything about fixing cars, so I'lll shut up.
Relax, there are still plenty of old cars to fix.
Yeah, I'm old school - I guess a wireless download right to the car on Tuesday nights at 3 am would be ok. :P
Portland and Seattle mostly.
Other times, they bring in some folks from Volvo on site to do the training.
Volvo will supply it. For a helluva fee.
Most indy's can't/won't spend the money for it.
Which is why we end up doing all their computer work.
Interesting. Beings as the programming is sent from Volvo to the dealer's computer to the vehicle through an interface. Curious as to how an independant can get Volvo to do that, when they won't even do it for large fleets who make the provisions part of their contract.
Besides, you are using the arrogance of the "luxury" vehicle manufacturers, which is why the Right to Repair act was started in the first place.
The idea that ONLY the dealer mechanics should be able to fix their brand of vehicles.
Hmm.
I don't think that you know how Volvo does their software downloads.
Which, if you were factory trained you would know.
Volvo uses VIDA, which is an internet based system.
That means anyone who can access the web address, and get Volvo's operational software downloaded to their PC or laptop can use the system.
See what I mean about Indy's not being up to spec?
People screw up their computers all the time because they try to change something and don't know how to do it.
Cars are not different. They are just rolling computers.
Imagine how pissed you would be if you downloaded, say a software update for the suspension module and you Xenon headlights went off aim. Which has happened.
Without the proper training, you would know that you have to re-calibrate the headlight aiming.
Volvo( or any other car co.) simply can't take the time to make their software idiot proof, or lay person friendly.
Nor can they set up the necessary hot lines so cutomers can fix what they screw up.
sometimes it can take the dealer days to hear from volvo baout a software issue.
That means anyone who can access the web address, and get Volvo's operational software downloaded to their PC or laptop can use the system.
Yep, seems that both VIDA and VCADS Volvo will not allow downloads outside of the dealer's computers. Or at least they haven't. That was the information that we were provided.
If that has changed in the last year, then that is good to know.
That is arrogance at its best.
To be honest, I pay little attention to the automotive part, mostly because trucks are what I do.
If it weren't for the truck portion of Volvo, they'd be just another car to me.
The whole point of this thread is the "Right to Repair Act".
Not, "I can puff my chest up further than you".
So, if you want to get back on track with the discussion, that would be nice. If not, then I am wasting my time with this discussion.
You are a shining example.
Volvo Truck is completely separate from Volvo Cars.
They have different owners,different everything.
You have a little info, on a completely different company,and you are not applying it properly.
You are welcome to have your opinion.
You're right, I don't know anything at all.
I bow to your almighty knowledge of cars, you sure told me.
However, I sure don't want another regulatory body in place, so I don't know how to solve the issue.
Perhaps you'd require at least an automotive degree in order to get a business license?
You can't (theoretically) do commercial electrical contract work without a license, so why can you work on brakes commercially with zero zip zilch training?
And defense of "free market" doesn't work for me so well, because any fool can hang a sign out that says "Brake Experts" with no supervision or penalty unless they kill someone.
State certifications should b required, just like electricians, plumbers, etc.
Funny thing is, I had to get a license to work on LP/Natural gas plumbing on some of the trailers, but don't have to have it to work on LP powered engines.
Makes a lot of sense.
At least you know that you are dealing with licensed, competent people.
At least you know that you are dealing with licensed, competent people.
Unless it is a VW dealer... :P
Why you ask? Mr. Perry (of Perry Homes, THE major homebuilder in the state of Texas) is a state senator who formed an oversight committee to establish laws regarding homebuilding and engineering. Guess who chairs the committee? Yep, Mr. Perry.
So basically, you have to work for Perry Homes for 12 years in order to go into business for yourself. By that time, you're either way up the food chain and thinking about retirement, or you're intending to be a support asset for Perry Homes.
I could easily see the same thing happening to mechanics.
And by the way, dealer mechanics are not licensed.
Certified by the manufacturer maybe, but not licensed.
Very few states require any kind of "license" by mechanics and those are DEQ certifications.
Let me ask you this...........
Do you ever do your own electrical work at home?
Do you ever do your own plumbing work?
Do you do your own auto repairs at home?
Do you do your own carpentry work?
If you do any of these things, you are a hypocrite.
And I am curious. Are you referring that since I am not a dealer mechanic, that I am not competent?
I don't do my own plumbing, or auto repair(even though I could do that)
You are also not paying attention to what I am saying.
If you own an older car, taking it to a competent independent mechanic isn't a bad idea.
For newer cars, esp lux cars given their complexity it is BEST to have the dealer service and repair them.
Now, almost anyone can change oil, but most people cannot deal with the complex electronics of modern cars.
I have simply seen too many people who thought they could fix their own cars screw them up.
We had a guy who had an indy stereo company replace the sound system in his S60R, which isn't easy to do.
Fried his entire wiring harness, which is easy to do.
Bottom line, if you have a 10 yr old Honda, anyone can fix it. But, if you spend big boy money on a big boy car,spend a little extra and have the people who are trained to deal with it, fix it.
Some states have "Clean Air", vehicle emissions testing or EPA testing.
Depends on the state.
Why is that? uhm
What proof do you have for this assertion?