cazalea
[Seiko Moderator]
17108
Your suggestion is possible but not probable
Because:
- margins are better on labor than parts
- no one likes to think they paid for parts they don't need
- consumer protection issues
Here's a more probable solution already in play.
My former employer provides a shop management system to independent (non-dealer) repair shops they have the largest user base of shops in North America.
In exchange for real-time backup to the cloud, shops allow them to parse through repair orders by year, make, model to see what was done and what parts were replaced (not customer identity). They do this at the rate of X millions per month.
The next time I look up info on a 99 Toyota Camry brakes, the system tells me the average Camry brake job included 2 rotors, a master cylinder and friction materials, and cost $300. And that 3275 jobs were performed in the last 90 days in my state.
That's a great help to some people but not to me, since my Lotus is statistically non-existent. It can also be a self-fulfilling prophecy but eventually averages should work in someone's favor (Owner? Shop? Parts mfr?)
But that's just the long way around for the aftermarket to do what the OEMs already do for us, ie create service bulletins and identify obscure causes of problems.
Alternatively we can use a subscription hotline service called Identifix.
What it comes down to is a shortage of skilled labor so prices are too high for diagnosis
When I worked on a similar diagnosis issue in China, labor was $1 per day (low) to $1 per hour (high) so diagnosis was much more affordable than parts.
Mike
More posts:
Automotive Diagnosis and Repair
There have been several discussions recently about how one pays up for automotive repair work, without necessarily getting the problem solved. In my contribution to that thread, I offered a strategy of diagnostics which was indoctrinated into me by Genera...
I admire you, Mike...
I have gave up a long time ago when it comes to electronic diagnosis. When it comes to mechanics, it is ok if not too complex, but with electronics, My God! Bravo, my friend. This lovely Elan is Worth some efforts! Nicolas
I would be happy to be as skilled as you ...
.. but that means i would try to do some impossible things like fixing my own car ... . Last wednesday i decided to try firing up the 205, it had been sitting in the barn for 6 months ... actually 6 freezing months ... i fixed the carburetor and turned th...
I actually did read all the way to the end.
But i must admit this is all way beyond my pay grade. I Nicolas i always appreciate the tome you spend sharing your experience and making or at least try to make is a little wiser. Big thank you. Bill
I had another thought.
I think based on your story one could potential save time and money by swapping parts rather than trying to diagnose a problem. Dealer may already do this labor costs are killer. So by creating swap out packages like as you did change all the injectors an...
Your suggestion is possible but not probable
Because: - margins are better on labor than parts - no one likes to think they paid for parts they don't need - consumer protection issues Here's a more probable solution already in play. My former employer provides a shop management system to independent...
Sounds like a real dilemma
But i see clearly you point. I understand Mercedes use som common database to diagnose and resolve issues based on history in their db. In any case the points you made are very clear. Bill
The special bond between man and machine...
Thanks for sharing your admirable story Mike! It really resembles that true special bond man has with machine. One day, Terminator robots from SKYNET will be reading this and they will shed a metaphorical tear of oil from their camera sockets.
