If manufacturers can put fancy GPS navigation systems in their new cars, why oh why can't theyinstall on-board diagnosticinstruments and displays?

In thisday and age of micro-sensors and flat-panel digital displays and software,I think it would bepossible to measure various system funtions, and constantly anaylzeand displaythem - just as those fancy computerized diagnostic tools doin the dealers' service centers. Even an ocilliscope funtion could no doubt be installed quite easily.

Manufacturersare part way therewith fuel flow, calculated fuel consumption and tire pressure.Certainly all of the ignition andcharging system functions could alsobe monitored very easily. As a minimun, the owner should be able to observe all of the engine "codes", and what each means, at the push of an easily accessible button.

 

But then the manufacturers wouldn't be able to charge suckers *cough*[sm=smokin.gif] I mean people...to come in to the dealership when their CEL comes on and get them to "diagnose" the problem and possibly charge mucho $ for "needed repairs"!
But I do agree. These cars should now have readouts like you listed above. Or they should come with an OBDII code reader from the factory hidden in some compartment in the trunk.
Have you seen some of the new OnStar commercials? Apparently OnStar can run diagnostics like that if you have a CEL and they don't even have to touch the vehicle. I guess the vehicle is connected to them via the internet allowing them to read the codes.

 

They could but what would be the point? As stated above by 00AccordLX5spd how would the dealer survive and charge $80 per hour for labor? Economics my man, simple economics.

 

Some of the newer vehicles do have full onboard readouts on their nav/dvd screens. It just requires a special combination of buttons to activate/see them. I know Lexus for one has this.