Mechanics seek fair access to automakers’ repair codes

BRADENTON — Marc Guttentag estimates about 10 percent of the vehicles that come through his Bradenton auto shop have to be turned over to a dealership for repair.

As more modern vehicles are controlled by computers and electronics, fewer independent service centers have the capability to repair them.

Mechanics say that’s because manufacturers aren’t disclosing the diagnostics and software required to make repairs. Automakers, however, say they have a right to protect proprietary information from widespread distribution.

Legislation before the U.S. Senate — the Right to Repair Act — seeks to settle the issue by siding with repair shops and requiring automakers to provide vehicle owners and service providers complete access to safety and repair information.

Mechanics can now connect a laptop to an automotive computer that will diagnose the problem for a fee, but the bill would allow access to all coding needed in automotive repair.

“If things don’t change, everybody’s going to be having to take their cars to the dealerships,” said Guttentag, owner of Marc’s Auto Repair & Service, at 1218 29th Ave. W. “And I don’t think too many people relish the thought of having to bring their car to the dealership.”

Automotive computers make it difficult for some independent shops to repair airbags, anti-lock breaks, emissions controls, ignitions and GPS.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers says it wants to keep its software information from going mainstream because it fears overseas parts manufacturers will remake cheaper replacement parts for their vehicles.

In a news release, Charles Territo, spokesman for the alliance, said automakers already provide mechanics with access to information and diagnostics to repair high-tech cars.

“All automakers maintain service information websites and make factory scan tools available to the independent repair community,” Territo said. “By investing in proper equipment and subscribing to service information providers, repair shops can gain access to everything they need to repair a motor vehicle of any make or model.”

That information is expensive, Guttentag said, as the subscription fee is based on the amount of time a mechanic spends accessing the website.

“You can purchase time online to reprogram people’s (automotive) computers,” Guttentag said. “Everybody doesn’t have that capability; it would cost us a fortune as independents.”

Like Marc’s Auto Repair & Service, Chuck Mattingly of Mattingly’s Auto Service estimates the restricted access to automakers’ repair kits is cutting into about 10 percent of his business.

“They don’t release all the information,” Mattingly said. “It’s something they hold out to get you to return their car to the dealership, which keeps us independents from making money.”

The Service Station Dealers of America and Allied Trades is urging the Senate to pass the bill, saying it is critical legislation to ensure fair competition among the repair industry. In March, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, where it has remained for review.

“Many of our members have small businesses that have been in their family for generations,” said Paul Fiore, executive vice president of the trade association based in Bowie, Md. “They are not seeking an unfair advantage, nor are they looking for access to the proprietary information protected by the bill. They simply seek equal access to safety and repair information from the carmakers.”