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IphtashuFitz t1_iu0hd9y wrote

Reply to comment by RelativeMotion1 in Carmakers have done nothing to comply with state's right-to-repair law by lurker_registered

> They can already access all the data and functions of the vehicle modules with factory software that is already available to them (for a fee).

Let me guess. Those fees are way higher than a small independent shop can afford to pay, especially when it's one fee to Toyota, another fee to Ford, yet another fee to Honda, and so on.

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RelativeMotion1 t1_iu0hxeg wrote

I can only speak to certain manufacturers, but it’s generally not that exorbitant. A few thousand a year, which can easily be offset by performing lucrative services like key programming which are often done by dealers.

And IMO, that was the thing to target with legislation. Make the manufacturers offer the software for free or for a lower fixed cost. That would be far, far more effective for the shop and beneficial for the customer.

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abhikavi t1_iu1dyt7 wrote

> A few thousand a year

...per manufacturer?

The mechanic I use is a one-man shop, and generally works on European imports. I could easy see him refusing to take my Honda if he had to pay a few thousand a year just to work on Hondas.

>Make the manufacturers offer the software for free or for a lower fixed cost.

Yeah, I'd be happy with that.

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RelativeMotion1 t1_iu1p7gm wrote

Yeah, for a one-man shop, it’s not ideal. It’s worth mentioning that the “scan tool subscription” has been the case for over 20 years, long before embedded modems came along. It helps the manufacturers pay for development of the tool (millions of dollars in cost, often to a supplier like Bosch), and eventually becomes another profit center. Don’t take that as my endorsement, just relaying the facts.

There are also generic diagnostic tools that have 9/10 of the capability for less investment. That’s how smaller independent shops usually do it. One universal tool for most things, and possibly a few manufacturer tools for their most commonly serviced brands. However, with the increasing software complexity and increasing frequency of module updates, I expect they’ll raise prices as well.

It will take years for the independent service environment to adapt to all the changes we’re seeing, from this to electrification to autonomy. Almost none of the independent shops are equipped to service modern technology, and those that don’t invest soon will be relegated to replacing basic parts like suspension and brakes. And as oil changes become a thing of the past, businesses will close. The industry is in for quite a ride between now and 2030.

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