Motors & Drives Information

The automaker service information Web sites have been online since early 2003, and while they are not exactly what many thought they would be, they are in many cases much more. The major OEMs grumbled at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) request that they each develop all Internet-accessible site that provided emissions-related service information as part of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments.

But, fortunately, EPA was adamant.

We say fortunately because it quickly became clear to most of the automakers that it would be an almost impossible task. If not an extremely expensive one, to filter out just their emissions-related diagnostic and service information from all other service system information they provide to their dealerships. The amendments state that independent service shops and technicians must have access to the same emissions-related service information, diagnostic tools and OEM training, that is available to the franchised dealership service departments. The aftermarket has long-maintained that this information is critical to independent service providers for the service and repair of 1996-and-newer vehicles, which are now subject to OBD emissions testing.

As a result, the OEMs decided to put virtually everything online. That includes service information, OEM training classes and OEM-dedicated tools and equipment.

The Automotive Management Institute (AMI), a member-benefit provided by the Automotive Service Association (ASA), recently began offering a three-hour, six-credit course called "You Have the Right to Repair." Over the last few months, this course--conducted by Bill Haas, ASA's vice president of Service and Collision Repair Activities--has been presented in a few markets around the nation. For service dealers who will be at this year's CARS convention, Haas will again present the course.

During this session, Haas does not touch on any of the reasons why ASA abruptly withdrew from a service industry coalition that had been seeking OEM support of the Motorist's Right to Repair Bill, H.R. 2735. That bill would assure that the flow of service information needed by the independent service aftermarket would continue unabated to both vehicle owners and service providers. However, background reference is provided in the workbook given to attendees at these sessions.

# posted by Medical Information : 4:28 AM