Related link: http://www.cnn.com/2002/TECH/ptech/06/24/diagnosing.cars.ap/index.html
An Associated Press story reports that car manufacturers are keeping repair codes a secret, cutting independent mechanics out of the loop.
Here I thought Sony’s repair policies for PlayStation 2 systems (mail back to manufacturer) were annoying, but it’s depressing to hear that this kind of business brilliance is spreading to other industries that traditionally had a more open approach.
[Slashdot also has a story, which links to a Minneapolis Star-Tribune piece with more details.]
What’s next? My lawnmower?
Closed Engines
I seem to recall BMW pulling a similar stunt a couple of years ago when they put a locking plate on top of the engine enclosure in one of their high end cars to stop 'unauthorised' twiddling. Access required a special tool that only a BMW dealer would have.