Date: Sun, 6 Mar 2005 21:48:59 -0500
Reply-To: Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Re: Auto Tech Computer disk for Vanagon- Any good?
In-Reply-To: <004201c522c1$2f568900$76f35e44@noner4688xfd1h>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Stan,
If you want, I'll run their "Diagnostic" on it. However, they offer
"No" information as to procedures for making repairs. They only offer
some vagaries as to what the problem may be ... then tell you to take it
to a mechanic ... preferably one that is a AAA member as they are known
to be reliable. Uh huh. Like that would always be true across the board.
As to photos ... any pics (none are really specific) are of a vehicle
other than the one profiled with the disclaimer that the illustrated
vehicle may not match your profiled vehicle.
Like I said, it's really lame ... and that's being kind.
Mike
Stan Wilder wrote:
> Well Mike I'm hoping that you'll get some use from the disk.
> Just as a test see what it says about replacing the rear air suspension bags
> on a 1992 Crown Victoria LS Ford. My rear is dropping overnight and wonder
> if I just need new $14.00 solenoid / check valves or need to replace both
> the $75.00 each air bags too.
> Hayes just briefly mentions this procedure with one picture and reference to
> two other pictures that aren't in the Hayes manual.
> So I'm out $20.00 for the Hayes manual and no useful information.
>
> Stan Wilder
> Engine Ceramics
> 214-352-4931
> www.engineceramics.com
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mike Collum" <collum@VERIZON.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2005 7:07 PM
> Subject: Re: Auto Tech Computer disk for Vanagon- Any good?
>
>
>
>>Figuring that the price was no more than one would spend on a couple of
>>trips to Starbucks, I decided to download it to see what the fuss was
>
> about.
>
>>It might be somewhat helpful to someone who doesn't even know how to
>>check the oil ... and wants to get some idea about a problem prior to
>>taking it to a mechanic. Beyond that it's pretty lame.
>>
>>I "Profiled" my '85 Vanagon and ran through a number of possible
>>problems. The profiling didn't seem to do much as far as addressing
>>that specific vehicle. It even made reference to a PCV valve, an EGR
>>valve, and a cold start valve and we all know that an '85 doesn't have
>>those things. When diagnosing problems, it asked if my vehicle had
>>certain features that were not available on vanagons. When it told me
>>to check the brake fluid, it directed me to open the hood.
>>
>>It didn't address the Vanagons unique cooling system. After "Profiling"
>>it still had to ask if the vehicle had an electric fan or not.
>>
>>The part about checking spark plugs did little more than have one make
>>sure they had some. It didn't give any information about what
>>coloration (or discoloration) might actually mean. It wants you to
>>"Note" it, though.
>>
>>For each profiled vehicle, there is a place to input what repairs are
>>made, the cost, by whom, warranty period, etc. It has the capability to
>> record 40 repairs. Heck, I do that many on mine during some months
>>... heheheheh. Setting up a simple data base on your own will do a much
>>better job.
>>
>>Bottom line? The Vanagon List is a FAR better resource. I'd say that
>>99% of the list members would find this program totally useless.
>>
>>Mike
>>'84 GL 7 pass
>>'85 GL Westy
>>'00 Beetle
>>
>>
>>--
>>No virus found in this incoming message.
>>Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
>>Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 266.6.2 - Release Date: 3/4/2005
>>
>>
>
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>
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