The Doctor vs. the Automotive Technician

[user 2204]

Things that make you go Hmmmm....

The Doctor vs. the Automotive Technician

We accept that a doctor will need to schedule some time for us to come into the office so that he/she can examine us. We need to provide some detail as to what is ailing us, so the doctor can focus on the source of the problem. We understand that research and the use of specialized test equipment is necessary, and it will require a trained technician to analyze the data from the specialized equipment.

And yet, we have trouble accepting that all of the above statements are equally true when substituting the word automotive technician for the word doctor…But they are!

We don’t go to the supermarket pharmacy for a free MRI so why do we go to the cut-rate parts house for a free computer scan?

 

[user 2204]

The code reader is not the magic bullet!

Most generic code readers are very limited, only capable of retrieving a diagnostic trouble code from one or two of a vehicle’s control modules and giving a generic definition of the problem, and allowing you to turn off that pesky “check engine” light.

In reality, this service may end up costing you more when all the valuable information is deleted along with the code and corresponding "Check Engine" light.

A customer doesn't usually realize that when he or she hits the delete button on the code reader, they're actually deleting all the viable information that was stored with that code in the computer module. Information such as Good Drive Cycles aka the Good Trip Counter. Also what was the throttle, brake pedal, and other sensors doing when the light came on? Well the comuter tells the tech all this and more, that is until you delete the code.

 

[returnofsid]

But you can go to a supermarket pharmacy, for a blood pressure test or a flu shot...lol

So, what's wrong with a quick code scan, at Auto Zone?

 

[user 2204]

What is really involved in an accurate and cost effective diagnostic process?

All the vehicles manuafatured these days have a vast aray of computers or control modules, all linked together and communicating with each other.

A good example of just how many modules can be on a vehicle lets look at the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country, That van has the capability to run 19 moudules at any given time depending on the vehicles options.

Bet you didn't even think that your drviers and passenger doors can have modules. Look at all the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. Door modules.

 

[user 2204]

Nothing wrong with it. The one thing that is wrong is the fact that the Parts guy is going to try and sell you a part that may or may not fix your problem.

Let' say you have a code P0300 (Mulitple Cylinder Misfire) or better yet, a P0301 (Cylinder #1 Misfire). Now the parts guy is going to most likely sell you a set of spark plugs. But what happens when that doesn't fix your problem because you'r getting a misfire due to a faulty fuel injector?

Diagnostics...

 

[user 2204]

The successful diagnostic process requires:

1. Detailed information from the customer regarding the problem.
2. A well trained and highly skilled technician to navigate the diagnostic and repair process.
3. Information being available that is specific to the vehicle being diagnosed. Such as Chrysler's Dealerconnect.com or All Data Pro for any make of vehicle.
4. A variety of diagnostic equipment and the knowledge on how and when to use any of the machines. It's not as simple as plugging in a computer. You need to know how to read what the computer is telling you and know how to use that data.

Most dealership automotive technicians can spend in excess of $60,000 on tools to aid in the diagnosis and repair of the automobile. While the independent automotive repair tech can spend in excess of $100,000 in tools. Yes dealerships do supply some specialty tools and specialty diagnostic aids, but for the most part the technician still needs to have a wide aray of tools in his box.


And you wonder why it cost $120+ an hour at the dealership? Hmmm...

 

[user 2204]

All just food for thought. Hope you all don't mind and can take what you wish from all my ranting and stuff. I think I really need to get back to work doing what I love. And what I do best too.

 

[DonW]

Here is how I see it. If your going to Autozone to have a vehicle scanned your probably cheap or broke. If your broke you probably cant pay me anyways. If your cheap your a pain in the neck.
I would never compare myself to a doctor since my dad was one of the greatest burn surgeons worldwide and there is no comparing myself to that. I give credit where credit is due. If a guy or gal wants to give it a shot then I say go for, just as I do woodworking or anything else. You may learn the hard way that its not all about codes but 90% of the time the code will steer you to the root of the problem. I scan cars dialy for people that want to give it a shot. Times are tough and if I can help a guy out with a freeebe scan thats what I'll do. I dont charge for this service and it gets me more business than it cost me. There are many examples where the person is on the right track but just cant quite get the whole job done. For example I can count on the fact that when a guy comes in with his Ford truck with a miss because he needs spark plugs will come back on the meat hook because he broke off all the plugs in the heads. But on the other hand telling the lady that she needs a $10 gas cap free of charge and sending her to oreilly's instead of charging her the $120 it would have cost at the dealer makes a guy feel good and buys a customer for life.

Don