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Automakers Try To Keep Repair Codes Secret

An anonymous reader writes "Can't get the trouble codes out of your car's computer? Congress wants to help. I think it's odd that they think it's your God-given right to reverse-engineer your car, but not your XBox. Why aren't the automakers bashing these third-party code readers over the head with the DMCA while they still can?" This debate has been going on for several years.

10 of 513 comments (clear)

  1. Re:get a new car company or get some smarts. by Kenja · · Score: 3, Funny

    But with the codes out in the open she could be charged by Joe Bob down at the corner 120$ to be told that the gas cap is loose rather then payign 120$ to the Kia repair place to be told the same thing!

    --

    "Have you ever thought about just turning off the TV, sitting down with your kids, and hitting them?"
  2. Re:get a new car company or get some smarts. by DrEldarion · · Score: 4, Funny

    Or her car-savvy son could do it for free.

    Of course, if she had a car-savvy son he'd probably have talked her out of buying a Kia.

  3. Re:Here we go ... by SnowDeath · · Score: 2, Funny

    It was always nice how easy it was to "disable" the bulb behind the check engine light on my old camaro...

  4. Re:Or in other words... by Profane+MuthaFucka · · Score: 5, Funny

    Depending on where you park the car, you could just leave it unlocked and someone will come along and remove the radio for you, free of charge!

    --
    Fascism trolls keeping me up every night. When I starts a preachin', he HITS ME WITH HIS REICH!
  5. Re:Hood welded shut? by cmstremi · · Score: 2, Funny

    And the gas cap welded shut too, so there's no chance that it is left loose?

  6. Re:Saturn service by Scutter · · Score: 2, Funny

    You know, I've read numerous times and places that Saturns have really good service and support, but not being an auto nut, I had no idea whether it was just part of a big Saturn marketing effort.

    I just turned in my Saturn SL2 that had 160,000 miles on it. It still ran great. I never failed once to have a positive experience when dealing with a Saturn dealership. They were great every. single. time.

    On a side note, remember those Saturn "picnics" they'd have where Saturn owners from around the country would come? How did they find their car when it was time to go home?

    --

    "Tell me doctor, with all of your defenses, are there any provisions for an attack by killer bees?"
  7. Re:get a new car company or get some smarts. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    totally. It is too fucking bad that every darn fucknut has to fucking swear up a fucking storm. What can't they use another fucking expletive to spice up this fucking post. FUCK!

  8. Re:Or in other words... by LaCosaNostradamus · · Score: 3, Funny

    "Special key", huh? That's what I call my Dremel. {whiiiiirrrr}

    --
    [You have a stable society when some nut guns down a schoolyard and the law doesn't change.]
  9. Re:I returned a new car after three strikes... by ilsa · · Score: 2, Funny

    They didn't tell you to open and close all the Windows before restarting?

    They didn't try to reinstall the car's operating system?

    --
    -- I Am Not A Terrorist.
  10. Re:Saturn service by four12 · · Score: 5, Funny

    How did they find their car when it was time to go home?

    I have the amazing ability to remember a random sequence of letters and numbers.

    Most vehicles have them stamped in metal plates on the front and/or rear bumpers.