This isn’t a big or important question, but it’s a nice and little question that still deserves a yes vote. In essence, what’s happened with our cars is that they’ve filled up with computers, so that now many cars have more than a dozen computer systems running them. When you go and get your car repaired, the technicians can simply attach a diagnostic device to your car, and often the device can pinpoint the problem. As of now, only dealers have access to the full list of codes.
While the 2002 national agreement referenced by the opponents of Right to Repair did allow non-dealer repair shops access to some of the codes, it did not allow them access to all of the codes. You know that if you’ve ever had your engine warning light come on, gone to your local repair shop, and been told that they don’t have access to this particular code. The opponents dredge up the scare tactics that “[t]his measure could lead to the release of sensitive personal information, make vehicle hacking easier, and threaten safety and fuel efficiency innovation.” Nonsense. If that were true, than it would already be the case, since dealers already have the information. This is simply a small pro-consumer measure to allow independent repair shops to compete fairly with dealerships. Vote “yes” on Question #1.
