Quote:
Originally Posted by mgarblik
It is probably worth mentioning that although the parts stores will use a scan tool to retrieve codes and even provide you with a printout and definitions in some cases, their primary objective is to sell parts. That's why they provide the service. It's nice of them, sure, and a free service much like free battery replacement, and wiper blade installation. Remember, however, NO scan tool or trouble codes TELL YOU what is wrong with your car, period. The codes stored are simply a reference to an open, short, or out of expected range signal from thousands and thousands of signals going through a multiplex of dozens of modules in the vehicle. Yes it's true that many of the codes point to a particular part you can buy, replace and plug in and see what happens. The problem may be fixed, it may not if it's a circuit, wiring or processor issue. It's what we in the repair industry refer to as the "shotgun approach" to auto repair. Or we also call it the "RAP" method (replace all parts) Retrieve the code, replace all associated parts. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes it costs the vehicle owner thousands in unnecessary repairs. That's why a better scan tool like the OP was indicating he wanted is superior. You can record events in real time, map and graph thousands of inputs and outputs, perform functional output tests on all kinds of actuators and sensors. Actually diagnose and repair the problem.
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As Mike alludes to replacing a defective part is in the best interest of the parts retailer, it may or may not repair the problem. There is a troubleshooting tree in most repair manuals that is to be used to find a problem that isn't just a sensor out of spec. This is what separates a technician, from a parts changer.
Parts changers usually don't own any diagnostic tools such as a VOM, and even if they do own one they can't use it.
When I was in the trade, I can't tell you how many cars I've had brought to me that had every part under the hood that could be changed was brand new, and the car still had the original problem that it started with and the car owners wallet was a whole bunch thinner...............
My father who was also in the trade most of his adult life called the parts changers, as opposed to real mechanics. Dad also said that in the future a good tech was going to get almost as much respect as a good doctor...........
The jury is still out on that one..................LOL
Mechanic/techs have gained respect as time goes on, I don't believe they're as respected as doctors yet...............
