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Automakers Try To Keep Repair Codes Secret

Posted by michael on from the customers-getting-serviced dept.

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.

3 of 513 comments (clear)

  1. I don't think the DMCA would apply by BodyCount07 · · Score: 5, Informative

    "Why aren't the automakers bashing these third-party code readers over the head with the DMCA while they still can?"

    Because the DMCA protects copyrighted information that is protected by some sort of security system (although the system is often lame). These auto codes are not protected by any security, besides obscurity.

    --
    The Technonaut
  2. It's not as hard as you think by chaffed · · Score: 5, Informative

    The codes are available on the net if you know where to look. Often they are found on auto enthusiast websites. Websites like Focaljet.com

    Not only that there is a great project for retrieving codes under linux. The project is called FreeDiag. It can be found at Sourceforge.net

    Not only that, there are some great "open" cables you can build yourself. the BR interface is my fav. It happens to work very nicely with freediag.

    Hope this helps people that are interested.

    --
    What could possibly go wrong?
  3. Re:Or in other words... by kuroth · · Score: 5, Informative

    > My father-in-law drives a Jetta with a horrible radio, and was told by an independent shop that a
    > certain key is required (?) to remove the radio from the dash, and that he'd have to go to the
    > dealer for that.

    The tool for this is widely available, and it doesn't cost that much. If the stereo shop your father went to doesn't have one, he should find a different stereo shop.

    Here.