RE: OT: Right to Repair

From: Bernd D. Ratsch (fasstdak@hotmail.com)
Date: Tue Jan 06 2004 - 20:57:49 EST


Why Right to Repair Legislation Is Needed

Modern automobiles contain advanced technology that monitors or controls
virtually every function of the vehicle including the braking system,
steering mechanism, air bags, ignition, lubrication and emission control
systems.

* No question on that one *

Car owners and independent shops must have full access to the information
and tools necessary to accurately diagnose, repair, re-program or install
reliable replacement parts. This information and equipment is necessary to
ensure proper operation of critical safety and emission control systems.

* They DO already have the access to all of the tools (they're all listed in
the FSM's). You can buy Scanners right off the shelf (or internet) to
diagnose, and purchase all of the parts yourself and even install them
yourself. HOWEVER, if the person who installed them isn't either properly
trained or qualified, that could present a problem that ultimately...the end
user will be paying for. *
 

Without access to such information, motorists are forced to patronize new
car dealerships, which may not be convenient, accessible or otherwise
desirable to the car owner. Moreover, this lack of competition and consumer
choice will inevitably lead to higher repair prices.

* Most dealerships are priced competitively with the smaller shops - We are.
Brake Check is no less expensive than the dealership...neither is Jiffy
Lube. (And we use the proper parts.) *
 

If restrictions on access to computer codes and tools are allowed to occur,
other vehicle technology may follow, helping to ensure a car company
monopoly on vehicle repair and maintenance and further limiting consumer
choice.

http://www.autoxray.com , http://www.snapon.com , http://www.obdii.com (Need
I go on)

                        
What the Right to Repair Bill Would Do
 

Provides motorists the right to choose the repair shop and replacement parts
necessary to properly service and maintain their vehicles.

* They DO already *
 
Promotes consumer safety and environmental compliance by allowing all
vehicle owners and qualified mechanics to repair, replace or re-program
computers and other components that control critical automotive systems and
functions.

* Again, they DO already *

Promotes competition and affordability in auto repair.

* Again, dealerships are no more expensive than smaller "specialized" shops
(and if they are...they're driving their own business away - their own
fault). *

Auhorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate regulations to
protect the consumer and to promote competition in the auto maintenance and
repair industry.

* That's already in place - http://www.sema.org *

Provides the car owner a cause of action in federal court for violation of
this Act.

* Again...already in place. *

All that this "bill" would do is give the politicians something else to
spend our money on.

- Bernd

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@bent.twistedbits.net
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@bent.twistedbits.net] On Behalf Of Bill Day
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2004 8:22 PM
To: DML
Subject: DML: OT: Right to Repair

Don't know of how many of you have checked this out or not..

http://www.righttorepair.org/

Bill Day
billday@consolidated.net
http://users.consolidated.net/billday/

A rich man isn't always wealthy, he just has all the love he wants and can
give..

AIM - BadManD73 (Catch me if you can!)
'95 Ext Cab 3.9L Mag 4x4 Flame Red

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