Hi all,

There are "Smart Auto Management" kiosks showing up at gas stations and such that will read your OBD II system and give you usable information. Sounded wierd to me but a look at the web site makes it seem reasonable.
What do you think?
The closest to me is 100 miles away. I expect thier will be some localy soon.

http://www.iamsam.com

Sounds interesting but I can do that with my own odb-ii scanner. :dunno: I use an Actron CP9145.

The site indicates that there are codes that are not required and so are different between makes, models and years. If so, do the hanhelds report these? Apparently SAM does.
If they do, I may get one.

Mine reads GM manufacturer extended codes not just generic. Also, I have a program called Autotap thats runs on my Dell laptop which has extended GM codes.

Generic codes are like P0XXX. Extended are P1XXX.

The best part is you can review old history of stored DTC codes, do real time testing of sensors while car is operating and run emissions readiness status (IM). Comes in handy before taking the car in for annual emisions testing which in Texas is at the odb-ii port for '96 and up cars. So it will pay for itself. I got mine new on Ebay for $140.00 high bid a few years ago. Normal cost is around $199 and up for that Actron model. Best part is you can store it in the trunk for when it is needed.

And reset the SES/CEL Mil light when repairs are completed.

SAM looks neat - wonder what the franchise fee is to have one? Also wonder how many scanners have to be replaced :)

Bob,
I've been looking at the Autoxray 4000, do you know how that stacks up to the Actron CP9145?

Duane

SAM looks neat - wonder what the franchise fee is to have one? Also wonder how many scanners have to be replaced :)

Bob,
I've been looking at the Autoxray 4000, do you know how that stacks up to the Actron CP9145?

Duane

Hi Duane,

From what I know they are about equally matched to include price. I got the Actron at the time based on the price and winning a bid. Plus I borrowed a friend's to test it out before deciding on it.

I believe both Actron and Autoxray are now part of the same company. SPX Corporation based out of Ohio.

I thought it runs a history too.. like past owners and salvages..

Oh well.. AutoTap.. .I WANT ONE>> >

Bass

I had the check engine light on for my 2003 Camry 4-cyl and took the car to AutoZone to get the codes read. They said it was P2238, but their online system did not have an entry about what that code meant because that kind of code was manufacturer specific.

Would a self-service device like this SAM be able to tell me anything about manufacturer specific codes or just the generic codes? I'm trying to understand why this device is worth $15 when AutoZone personnel will read the codes for me for free. If this device could tell me more information than the AutoZone people, then it would be worth the $15.

BTW, Brian R. at the AF Toyota thread already found the TSB for me that's related to my car's problem.

I'm suspecting the general public could and proubbly would use this. Its not for us with code readers and tools. Like the advert said. Long trip, peace of mind may be worth the $15 to someone that can belly up and figure out the use of the kiosk. Sadly, more often than not it seems the code will say somthing and after buying the part the code still doesn't clear.
I also could see the kiosk reporting local parts stores and shops for repair advice and selling the advertizement space. These will proubbly generate more business from those uncertain what to do with a code and still have to visit a repair shop for the solution.

Mechanic shops often charge for this service which is understandable since they usually have invested in a SnapOn and it their business and livelyhood.

Car electronics is getting quickly more complex and even now far surpassing those brought up on points and condensors. You have to stay in it to even stay with it. Hopefully more sensors and smarter car computers will have more accurate diagnosis.. Inside cylinder pressure sensors and the like are going to be the future. Imagine having to buy a spark plug sensor assembly set $400.

Good future Luck.. .

I also could see the kiosk reporting local parts stores and shops for repair advice and selling the advertizement space. These will proubbly generate more business from those uncertain what to do with a code and still have to visit a repair shop for the solution.

Mechanic shops often charge for this service which is understandable since they usually have invested in a SnapOn and it their business and livelyhood.


I scheduled an appointment with the dealership to have my car looked at. Even after telling the service advisor on the phone what the fault code and related TSB were, he said they would still have to charge me the $80 diagnostic fee. I see what you mean by mechanic shops having to charge to recoup their equipment costs. Mechanic shops might see the SAM device as a threat to their current business.

However, I also see how mechanic shops could benefit from the SAM unit if they advertised on it. Maybe the SAM printout could give the customer a discount on the mechanic's diagnostic fee if they bring in the SAM printout.

Too bad there's no SAM kiosk in my city yet. I'd like to try it out.

NOW... Theres a good idea..
AND Proubably already thought of.. such as a half off diagnostic re-read costs... piffle..
If I were a shop I would want to verify the code myself. The shop could just replace the part on prior agreement the responsibility is on the customer and make more $$.. If there is a,, ... hate to use the word but it's appropriate.. ignorant customer that wants to just replace the error response indicated part they may want to take the gamble and do it try their luck. Seems shops swap parts liberally nowadays anyway.
I have dragged my car in with a Camshaft code error and told the shop to bypass the diagnostics and just replace the CRankshaft sensor.. I was right but luck, it wasn't. It was the only thing left to replace. I didn't have the time, nor the tools.

Mechanic shops often charge for this service which is understandable since they usually have invested in a SnapOn and it their business and livelyhood.
How expensive are these SnapOn tools? It sounds like from your comment that they are much more expensive (and can read a lot more ECU systems) than the $200 hand-held scantool being sold at AutoZone.

From reading the claims at ***Link deleted by Moderator***, the SAM device can read more systems than just the engine codes. It sounds like SAM might be just as powerful as a SnapOn scantool.

How expensive are these SnapOn tools? It sounds like from your comment that they are much more expensive (and can read a lot more ECU systems) than the $200 hand-held scantool being sold at AutoZone.

From reading the claims at ***Link deleted by Moderator***, the SAM device can read more systems than just the engine codes. It sounds like SAM might be just as powerful as a SnapOn scantool.

This thread has been closed and appears to be a thread started or propogated for the purpose of unauthorized advertising and spamming. :rolleyes:

Kzchan aka mrcolt once you have been banned you are not alllowed to reincarnate and make an alias account. Therefore, your account has been banned permanently again.