RSS Feed
August 30th, 2010 
ArtJ
Written By: Art Jacobsen artsblog@carmd.com
Hi. Thanks for visiting our new blog.
This blog has been a year in the making believe it or not. Several internal meetings discussing what should we put in? What should we leave out? Everybody is doing a blog… Everybody’s doing something… We need a blog.
Honestly the meetings became a lot like one of my favorite episodes of Seinfeld when George and Jerry go to pitch NBC for their show about nothing.
I was determined that our blog was going to be different. And let’s face it a blog about nothing was just not going to help anyone. There are plenty of them out there for you already.
The coolest thing about CarMD is that we are in the business of helping people. I get excited coming to work everyday and hearing of a new testimonial about how we helped someone save time or money on their car repair. I am very passionate about giving people the tools and information they need to properly care for their vehicle. All of us here at CarMD are here to help people with their vehicle issues. Remember what it feels like to just help somebody? To do somebody a solid favor expecting nothing in return. To help that soccer mom jump start her car in the pouring rain. No strings attached. Which brings me to the purpose of this blog.
The main purpose of this blog is to help people with the information they need to properly care for their vehicles. All vehicles 1996 and newer have an onboard computer system that contains a wealth of information about the operating condition of your vehicle. Furthermore there is a great deal of additional information such as TSB’s (Technical Service Bulletins) warranty and recalls that will save you time and money.
CarMD has a huge network of ASE certified technicians that help people each and every day with real world solutions to the vehicle problems and concerns you are experiencing right now. You are not alone! You’re not the only person who is driving your year, make and model vehicle and chances are VERY good that somebody has already dealt with the same issues you are facing right now.
This blog will feature many items designed to help you with the most frequent issues vehicle owners face. At CarMD University we will feature a write up of the fault code of the month where we will break down what exactly those cryptic codes like P0306 really mean and highlight customer case studies. We will also highlight recalls, where we’ll shine the light on what recalls have been issued that month and why they are important for you the consumer. Also we will highlight key technical service bulletins and let you know what issues the manufacturer already knows about and what you need to do to address these issues. There will be a regular Me & My Mechanic posting about basic car maintenance and communication with your technician. We will use video postings as well to help clearly communicate vehicle health and maintenance issues to all of you. Guest columnists will also appear with money saving ideas and strategies for you and your vehicle. And from time to time, we’ll sprinkle in a little entertainment, some humor, a celebrity guest and a new topic or two.
This blog will be used for ideas big and small and is intended to be a dynamic exchange. So don’t be shy when it comes to telling us what you want, what you need and how this blog can do a little more to help make your car maintenance and repair a little less scary. At the end of the day we want to help you care for your vehicle and will provide you every assistance in getting you all of the information from and about your vehicle for you to have a safe, well running vehicle and be a happy, informed motorist.
Here we go…
Mr. Jacobsen has 20 years of experience in automotive testing vehicle and product development. His work has been directly related to making vehicles and emission control systems operate more efficiently.
As director of business development for CarMD.com Corp., he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company as well as creating the products and partnerships that will position CarMD as the leading provider of tools and information. This empowers all vehicle owners when it comes to the health and maintenance of their vehicles.
Questions about my blog? Comment here or email me at Artsblog@carmd.com
Posted in 
By Kristin Brocoff, August 30, 2010 @ 3:59 pm
I’m so pleased to work for CarMD.com Corp., and to be part of a company that’s dedicated to saving drivers time and money on their cars. Can’t wait to share the new blog with friends, family and colleagues.
By George Smith, September 3, 2010 @ 3:44 pm
So, my CarMD device came 2 days ago and I’m trying to set it up. I registered and added vehicles, and finally got the device to work in my wife’s car (2002 VW Jetta). But when I plug in the device, nothing happens. It feels like I need to have the device registered, and I cannot find how to do that on the site.
Any hints?
By admin, September 7, 2010 @ 12:05 pm
Hi George,
Thanks for reading. To help with your issues:
1) Once your CarMD is plugged into a vehicle you should hear 2 beeps. These beeps mean that the CarMD is connected.
2) Turn your key to the “On” position. You do not need to start the car but the dashboard lights should come on. After several seconds.. you should hear 4 beeps. These beeps mean that the CarMD is done testing your vehicle.
3) Bring your CarMD and USB cable to your computer and connect them. Once you register and install your software you will be able to get your CarMD Diagnostic Report.
Also this video should help you understand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YptFXC7MMvI
If you have any other questions, Let me know!
-Art
By tom buckley, September 8, 2010 @ 8:03 pm
does this device read gm genII abs codes
By tom buckley, September 8, 2010 @ 8:05 pm
does this device read abs
By admin, September 9, 2010 @ 9:26 am
Hi Tom,
What is your make and model so I can refer you to the right product for you.
Art
By admin, September 10, 2010 @ 10:46 am
Hi Tom,
Could you email me with your vehicle Make/Model at ArtsBlog@CarMD.com
Thanks!
- Art
By Jon Klingenfus, October 13, 2010 @ 1:41 pm
Great product-EXCEPT!!!!I was under the impression that i would be able to manage many cars -not just 2,I run a fleet of vans and i buy at dealer only auctions,So i need a way to do quick checks on multiple cars,and that is just on my buying side,then i need to be able to read up to 10 different vans reguarlly with 3-4 change outs per year minimum,And paying $10 dollars per change was never in the cards when i ran this product past my boss,and now im getting heat over it!Did i mention my boss is my father-So I can’t get away from it.i’m hoping you might have a program for customers like my self,Ultimately i would like to be able to go from car to car and with my laptop on a secure wireless link check out the cars im looking at,and quickly be able to sort the good from the bad so i will know where to put my efforts.Thank you Jon Klingenfus
By Roy Young, October 25, 2010 @ 5:00 pm
Got my CarMD today and tried it out on my 05 Sentra 1.8S.
It told me what the problem was and it also showed that there is a TSB I can buy for $1.99, but when I click on the buy now it gives me a total of $21,488.22.
I can’t change the amount. Why would I pay more for TSB than I did for the car.
So far I’ve very happy with the CarMD.
By Roy Young, October 25, 2010 @ 5:09 pm
What’s the deal with the premium membership?
By Leo Q, November 4, 2010 @ 2:46 pm
Can this device help me to retrieve the keyless entry code for a vehicle I have recenty purchased ? The previous owner lost the card with the 5 digit code. Vehicle is a 2008 Grand Marquis. I also understand the code is recorded inside the vehicle somewhere. Any clue Where ?
By Art, November 10, 2010 @ 11:44 am
Hi Roy,
I apologize for the delay. That must be an error for the pricing of the TSB. Please contact me directly at ArtsBlog@CarMD.com and I can further assist you with your issue.
With your question about the Premium Membership you will be able to see All the TSBs related to your vehicle and warranty information. For more information please visit: http://www.carmd.com/20.4.1/Article/Membership-Benefits
-Art
By Art, November 10, 2010 @ 12:04 pm
Hi Leo, Unfortunately our tools cannot help you retrieve the entry code for a vehicle. To help you retrieve the codes you would have to go to the dealer.
Hope this helps.
-Art
By Art, November 10, 2010 @ 12:12 pm
Hi Jon,
Thanks for visiting our blog and reading!!
Our product is currently is not designed for fleet maintenance. We are looking into new products and solutions for that type of use!
But if I were you, I would log into your CarMD Account, and you’ll find a surprise. =) Hope this helps
-Art
By Roy Young, November 15, 2010 @ 4:18 pm
Hey Art.
Thanks for answering my question that I had and I do have another one for you. Is there a chance that you guys will have something on your web that when I plug in my CarMD and get a diagnosis on my car that you could have something for those of us that do our own work. IE pictures with step by step instruction for doing the repair ourself instead of going to a dealer. There are repair manuals but a lot of them don’t do to good with showing step by step removel and replace parts. I know there are a lot of people that like to do there own work.
By Art Jacobsen, November 19, 2010 @ 5:59 pm
Hi Roy,
You read my mind. We are in development with some exciting new products and services coming to CarMD soon. Any repairs you are looking to do specifically? BTW would you be interested in pilot testing some of these with us? If you are please send me your contact info at ArtsBlog@CarMD.com. I would appreciate your input and feedback.
By Phil, December 24, 2010 @ 11:44 pm
I just bought the carmd I have not tried it yet,but I’m really disappointed the it won’t work on my Dodge sprinter diesel that is the vehicle I really wanted to use it on..Is there any plans for a carmd to work on diesels?Please let me know..thanks.
By Art, December 28, 2010 @ 2:08 pm
Hi Phil!
Seems like your issue isn’t because your vehicle runs off diesel.
After doing some research we noticed that with your particular vehicle it may or may not work with CarMD. Our product works with OBDII technology, for more information:
http://www.carmd.com/68.3.0/Article/Will-It-Work-On-My-Vehicle? We found that the 2005 Dodge Sprinter is OBDII compliant, whereas other years are not. Please check under your hood to see if your vehicle is OBDII compliant.
Thanks for reading!
By Troy Kilgore, January 10, 2011 @ 8:14 am
From your FAQ page:
Q: How Can I use the CarMD handheld tester by itself?
A: The CarMD tool itself can be used on an unlimited amount of vehicles to get a clean bill of health.”
My questions are:
1: Does this mean I have access to the meaning of the codes generated by the tester without going thru your website? And where is this information?
2:Please define “unlimited”, because earlier posts here describe a “2 vehicle limit”?
Thanks
By JCL, January 13, 2011 @ 12:58 pm
Does the unit give any information on transmission sensors? I’m having issues with my Mitsubishi Montero, 1998, it does not let me put it in 4 wheel drive, and just fine in 2 wheel drive. It attempt to force it, however it still will not go into 4 wheel dr. I was told by a mechanic that it possibly is an internal sensor…
By emile daviau, January 22, 2011 @ 1:47 pm
my code is 0455 large leak went to the dealer to hae it fix they told me gas cap i bought a new one from the dealer plus they smoke it it cost me 150.00 my lights is still on it only comes on when it is warm not cold went to a diffrent mech. gas cap i bought another new cap it still dont work hope you kin help me
By lundonclan, January 25, 2011 @ 5:37 am
you mean this cannot be used on multiple cars? I bought this for used on my auto sales lot. To be used on vehicles being traded in ETC… I Just ordered it. Guess I need to cancel that order.
By ArtJ, January 27, 2011 @ 6:01 pm
Hi There,
Since the average household in America has around 3 vehicles we have limited the use of our product to 3 registered vehicles. There is an option to purchase more vehicles.
By Ethelyn, February 1, 2011 @ 5:52 pm
Hello Art
My husband and I purchased the tool a little more than a week ago and are a bit concerned as we cannot get a full diagnostic test since uploading the information. Allemails sent to CARMD are not returned, we have waited the 3-5 days for the full report but nothing. is there someway you can assist in this regard? We cannot speak highly of he product as yet as we have yet to benefit from it’s full advertised potential.
Anxiously awaiting report.
Ethelyn
By J.R. Erwin, March 19, 2011 @ 6:28 pm
Just read the Users Guide regarding systems requirements before installing the software for my recently purchased CarMd.
I’m disappointed to find that that the Windows 7 operating system is not listed as one of those which supports the software. Am I misunderstanding this? I need to install the software to Windows 7 Home Premium.
Please let me know.
Thanks
Joseph Erwin
Please let me know.
By Art J., March 24, 2011 @ 3:02 pm
Hi J.R.
Thanks for question. Actually our product is Windows 7 compatible. Here is a link to our system requirements page: http://www.carmd.com/33.4.0/Article/System-Requirements
You may have an older user guide, but rest assured that our product is Windows 7 Compatible.
Regards,
Art
By antonio rosales, March 30, 2011 @ 5:19 am
yes i got my car md the other day i have 3 cars it work on all but one it a 2000 s10 truck i try a few time and got nothing is there something im doing wrong or is there something else i should be doing i have a 2005 chevy truck and a 2007 honda accord which i check and it worked fine.. please any feedback would help, thank you
By Art J, March 30, 2011 @ 10:57 am
Hi Antonio,
Thanks for purchasing our product, I do apologize that you are having issues with our product.
For techincal support your best option is to dial the 1-888-MY-CARMD and press option “2″ when prompted. This will connect you to our technical support team to help assist you!
By heidi, April 9, 2011 @ 4:56 am
Whats the (buy membership to view all) all about. Buying the CarMed should give us all the information we need? Do we have to purchase more to get more info that we need for our vehicles or what? Don”t understand!
By Art J, April 18, 2011 @ 10:10 am
Thanks for the question Heidi!
Buying a CarMD will have all the information that you need, but the membership provides you with more information including unlimited Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and Recall information for your vehicle! If you would like more info, please click here: http://www.carmd.com/20.4.1/Article/Membership-Benefits
-Art
By Tony M, April 23, 2011 @ 3:57 pm
I come to the computer with my code,carmd logo showing in system tray i open the box and immediately carmd is not displaying the code U1096 it displays dAtA when i plug it in. whats wrong somebody?
By Art J., May 2, 2011 @ 12:07 pm
Hi Tony,
Thanks for asking. So when you connect to your computer, the “dAtA” is just notifying that the connection between the computer and CarMD unit is live. You should be able to then use our software to register your vehicle and then access our database for your specific vehicle matched up with your specific Code.
Hope that helps!
-Art
By Liz, August 3, 2011 @ 12:30 pm
Is this compatible with a Mac computer?
By jay lacey, September 2, 2011 @ 1:08 am
i am working on my 1999 ford explorer my transmission went out and have rebuild now but my ? is that the truck been setting for over a year with out me starting it i am going to change the gas and fuel fliter but will car md let me know if the fuel pump went out. and i am another one like to see you guys get that pictures with step by step instruction for doing the repair ourself on your site
By Ivy, October 6, 2011 @ 3:27 pm
Hi Liz,
Yes, the software CarMD provide is compatible with Mac computers. Thank you!
By Ashley S., October 18, 2011 @ 7:07 am
Hi,
I am thinking about purchasing this for my father for Christmas. Working on cars is his hobby and he loves it (especially the classic ones). I know this won’t work on the oldies but we have more than 3 cars counting my parents, brother, and my cars. How much does it cost to register each additional car past the 3 car limit? Thank you!
By Ivy from CarMD, October 18, 2011 @ 2:01 pm
Hi Ashley,
Thank you for your interest in CarMD. It is $14.95 for each additional vehicle. We believe CarMD will be a great Christmas gift for your father. Thank you
By Eileen Eisenhower, December 17, 2011 @ 6:24 am
Can Car MD be used on multiple cars? I own two cars and would like to check both. Thanks for your help
By Ivy from CarMD, December 19, 2011 @ 1:12 pm
Hi Eileen,
Thank you for your interest in CarMD. Yes, you can use CarMD on both your cars. CarMD is designed to be a consumer tool for an average U.S. household, which has an estimated 2.9 vehicles. Its price point gives you coverage for registering up to three(3) vehicles and running six(6) online reports per month. This should be more than sufficient for most individual needs in handling basic maintenance, “Check Engine” light issues and more. Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to let us know if you have any further questions or require additional information. Thank you!
By rbrady, February 4, 2012 @ 11:24 am
I plugged in CarMD, turned the key to “on” and it returned a “0″ with no codes. Then when I plugged it into my computer the report said it recieved no error codes from my car’s computer. There should be error codes from the car’s computer because the check engine light has been on and the transmission won’t shift out of first gear. It’s a 1999 Ford Taurus. I used CarMD on it about 3 months ago and it worked fine. Why no results now? Please shed some light on this?
Thank you
By Ivy from CarMD, February 6, 2012 @ 6:35 pm
Hi Brady,
We’re so sorry about your troubles and very puzzled on why you are experiencing this issue. We’ve passed your question to our technical services department and you will be contacted shortly. Again, we apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience. Please feel free to let us know if you have any further questions, we’d be happy to help you. Thank you!
By Ivy from CarMD, February 9, 2012 @ 11:49 am
Hi Brady,
Our technical support team has tried to contact you but was not able to get through. Could you please kindly contact our customer service supervisor, Minh Nguyen, at his direct line 714-241-6853 at your convenience? Minh will walk you through the issue and provide further assistance. Again, thank you for choosing CarMD as part of your vehicle’s health and maintenance program. We’re always happy to help!
By ray, April 4, 2012 @ 9:54 pm
ran armd on my 98 ford ranger but dont have the capability to download the application to my computer and was wondering what the code 61318 ment and if it was possible to find this information elsewhere
By Ivy from CarMD, April 5, 2012 @ 9:54 am
Hi Ray,
Thank you for your question. Your CarMD purchase provides you the most up-to-date web-based information system that gives you the most current, true and precise value-added data, including; easy-to-understand trouble code definitions, probable causes, fixes, estimated repair costs, list of safety recalls, and more. Therefore, we highly recommend you to install the CarMD software to your computer and run a CarMD diagnostic report. However, due to limited information here, we are not able to contact you directly to provide further assistance. Could you please kindly contact us at 1-888-MyCarMD (1-888-692-2763) at your earliest convenience? Our ASE certified automotive technicians would be more than happy to help answer your questions and assist you with the CarMD software installation. Again, thank you for choosing CarMD as part of your vehicle’s health and maintenance program. Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions. Thank you!
By JAMES ABBOUD, April 24, 2012 @ 2:03 am
I AM HAVING AN ISSUE WITH MY 2003 TRAILBLAZER EXT LT. MY OUTSIDE TEMP. READS IRRATTIC FROM ACTUAL TEMP OF 80% TO MINUS 15% AND WHEN READING FUNKY THE A/C WON’T COOL. IS THIS A BAD OUTSIDE SENSOR AND IF IT IS WHERE IS IT LOCATED AND HOW DO YOU REPLACE IT AND WHAT IS THE PART #.
By Ivy from CarMD, April 24, 2012 @ 5:43 pm
Hi James,
We’ve passed your question to our technical services department and you will be contacted shortly. Please feel free to let us know if you have any further questions, we’d be happy to help you. Thank you!
By Tina G., June 13, 2012 @ 8:34 pm
I bought CarMd about a month ago and I installed software, plugged in the device and displayed code P0442 which is related to Emissions and it directed me to fuel gas cap , I have to note that the check engine was on when I plugged in the device, well after I pulled the device out turned the car on and check engine light is off, changed gas cap next day light is still off, but when I plugged in the device 2 days later it reads the same code. Is there a way to erase the code not from the car but from the device once it is unplugged? Is it normal after unplugging the device for the check engine to come off? Also the CarMd said my car is ready for an Emissions test (SMOG) in California, is it the same and am I ready? thak you
By Ivy from CarMD, June 14, 2012 @ 11:59 am
Hi Tina,
We’re here to help
We will have our ASE Auto Technicians look into your CarMD account and diagnostic report and contact you shortly to answer all the questions you may have for your vehicle. Thank you for choosing CarMD as part of your vehicle’s health and maintenance program!
By MzVee, October 9, 2012 @ 4:21 pm
I am a first time user. I tried using my CARMD on my 2001 GMC Jimmy because it would not start. No lights were on except the battery light – which was fully charged. I plugged the CarMD, turned the truck on,heard the beep waited for the next series of beeps – and there was no code on the device. I tried it twice – same result – no code. Is this one of the uses for the CarMD? The truck acts like it wants to turn over but won’t start.
By Ivy from CarMD, October 10, 2012 @ 10:05 am
Hi MzVee,
We’re sorry to hear about your car problem. Unfortunately, CarMD does not check the starting or the charging system in your vehicle. CarMD was initially designed to help provide solutions to powertrain problems associated with a vehicle’s computerized systems. In other words, CarMD monitors all of the systems throughout the vehicle that are related to on-board diagnostics and its emissions output. There might be several possible causes that could lead to the no start condition. Those possible causes include alternator, battery, fuel pump, ignition and more problems that your vehicle’s computer (OBD2) does not monitor. Also keep in mind that as a CarMD customer, you are welcome to contact our ASE Certified Automotive Technicians at 1-888-692-2763 for further assistance. We’re always happy to help!
By wayne brown, March 10, 2013 @ 8:02 am
purchased carMD in 2011 BUT just for 1st time used it , I can not get the tester to turn on , no lights nor read out . no beeps , changed batteries 4 times ( all new ) It did turn on 1 time at first and made a high pitch sound had to take batteries out to stop sound now … nothing
By Ivy from CarMD, April 16, 2013 @ 2:00 pm
Hi Wayne
I’m sorry to hear that your CarMD tool has stopped working. We are not able to locate your profile in our system. For further assistance, Can you please contact our technical support at 1-888-692-2763 (Mon – Sat, 6 AM – 6 PM PT). Thank you!
By Daniel Rodgers, June 14, 2013 @ 8:22 am
Hello!
I got your product and was able to get rid of all my lights after the dealer told me it wasn’t worth repairing.
I have no lights on but my car accelerates without my foot on the gas pedal. Do you have any idea what may cause this.
By Ivy from CarMD, June 14, 2013 @ 8:37 am
Hi, Daniel
We are happy you were able to get the assistance you needed on your car with the CarMD(R) Vehicle Healthy System(TM).
For your question regarding your car accelerating without pressing the gas pedal, please call our Technical Team at 1-888-MyCarMD (888-692-2763), Monday – Saturday, 6:00am – 6:00pm, PT. Thank you!