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September 12th, 2011 
KristinB
From time to time we at CarMD hear about someone who says they’d prefer to buy a cheap code reader or get a free scan from the local auto parts store instead of purchasing the CarMD® Vehicle Health System™. These options are certainly the prerogative of the individual person, but we wanted to take a moment to point out why they may save you a few bucks now, but potentially cost you much more down the road.
First, many auto parts stores do offer to “scan” your car for “free.” But let’s face it. Nothing in life is ever really free, is it? They will most likely go out to the parking lot and hook up an on-board diagnostic (OBD) code reader or scan tool to your vehicle. Depending on which brand of tool they use, they’ll either give you a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) or a DTC with generic definition that reads something like “MAF Sensor Signal Range” or “Transmission Control System Electrical.” This will give you a very basic understanding of what might be wrong with your car, but won’t tell you what parts are required to fix the problem.
That’s where the counter staff come in. You may get lucky and find a longtime store manager or practicing automotive technician to point you in the right direction to attack repairs. But more than likely you’ll have an eager high school student who’s working part time and wants to sell lots of parts. The risk here is wasting a lot of time and money guessing and throwing parts at a problem – not much better than getting lucky at a game of darts. Yep. You got that “free” scan, but how many extra tools and parts did you purchase getting to the fix? Heck, they may even offer to turn off that “check engine” light for you. But ignoring the problem won’t go away, and it may even end up causing more serious and costly damage to your car. Many auto parts stores don’t offer these free scans anymore due to liability.
So then there’s the option to purchase a cheap code reader, which you can find for as little as $30 bucks. At this price, it won’t come with valuable software. Again, you’d be getting a basic code that you may choose to look up using an included booklet or online search. You’ll likely be able to find a lot of information from code definition to community discussions about the problem. Some of the information will undoubtedly be correct, but the problem is that it’ll be cluttered with information that’s just a wild goose chase. The fact is, a Google search can’t possibly factor your VIN, year, make, model, mileage, geographic region and engine type into the diagnosis. And this information can be the difference in identifying the proper repair.
That brings us to why the CarMD Vehicle Health System is different than anything else that’s available on the market. CarMD is so much more than a “code reader.” It is the only consumer automotive diagnostic system backed by the largest database for OBD2-related problems. In addition to getting a patented, award-winning handheld diagnostic tool, CarMD customers gain access to the largest repair database dedicated to check engine-related problems. CarMD’s database has been in the making for 15 years. It is updated and validated daily by CarMD’s team of Automotive Service Excellence-certified technicians. This database is helping consumers and professional technicians alike to solve tough “check engine” problems, and even earned the 2009 Professional Tool & Equipment News award for best repair information service.
When CarMD presents you with a most likely fix for your vehicle, we’re sifting through more than a half-million real-life fixes made by skilled mechanics who work on cars just like yours every day. So instead of getting a guess from a college kid or a bunch of opinions from the local car club, you’re getting a statistical consensus from thousands of practicing automotive techs on the most viable fix for your vehicle’s problem. Plus, you get parts and labor costs in your zip code – a great bargaining tool. And if there is more than one fix possible, you see the other possibilities. Then you can decide whether to tackle a simple repair yourself or have the work done by a professional technician, which is what CarMD always recommends.
Hundreds of thousands of CarMD customers have saved time and money by diagnosing the problem correctly the first time. You can check out their stories at http://www.carmd.com/Testimonials. And better yet, get one today by visiting www.carmd.com.
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By Debbie, October 5, 2011 @ 9:30 pm
I just recently bought a CarMD, but for some reason, I’m REALLY having difficulty getting it to connect. I’ve located the connector, but I NEVER get the 2 beeps that it requires to confirm that it’s reading the engine and electrical system. I’m getting really frustrated and about to send it back. I’ve got a check engine light on and would really like to know what’s causing it???? How come this site doesn’t have a troubleshooting section to help us newbies??
By Ivy, October 6, 2011 @ 11:27 am
Hi Debbie,
We are really sorry to hear that. One of our technical customer support representatives will contact you shortly. Please feel free to let us know if you require any further assistance. Thank you so much!
By Debbie, October 11, 2011 @ 9:01 pm
Ivy, I’ve had someone attempt to call me, but unfortunately, I can’t answer my phone during the day when they’ve called. The first person who called (Couldn’t bearly make out his name), he mumbled so bad and then abruptly hung up (strange customer service??) and after that someone call and didn’t leave a message. Can someone call me in the evenings? say after 6:30 pm PST?? Thank you for your assistance.
Being told by someone (not a mechanic) that the symptoms are a EGR valve that could run me 300.00!! I just had the Selenoid (EGR) replaced…is there a difference??
Anyway, the connection is free hanging..not sure that’ssuppose be happening? so it’s difficult to get that connection. Hopefully someone can help. Thanks again! Debbie
By Ivy from CarMD, October 12, 2011 @ 9:25 am
Hi Debbie,
We are happy to help! One of our ASE certified technicians will contact you at around 6:30pm or 7:30pm the latest (PST). If you have any further questions please feel free to let us know. Thank you!
By Bernadette Walker, October 15, 2011 @ 3:43 pm
My coolant system problem does not seem to be so difficult to solve. My car is running hot. we do not know where the antifreeze is going. not leaking on the ground not visible but it is leaving my car. I have had 5 techs look at it spent hundreds of dollars. will someone please tell me what the problem is?
By Ivy from CarMD, October 17, 2011 @ 3:33 pm
Hi Bernadette,
I’m sorry to hear that. Our Customer Care Manager is investigating your case and you will be contacted shortly. Please feel free to let us know if you have any further questions or require additional assistance. Thank you!
By Debbie, October 18, 2011 @ 10:18 pm
Minh is awesome!! CarMD has great customer service!! Haven’t got my problem fixed yet, since I’ve got a couple of issues to take a look at, but I feel like I’m on the right track now!! With CarMD on my side, feel like I’ve got the inside track on talking to my auto mechanic about the things thaqt need to be fixed!!Thanks so much for everything!!
By sarah, November 7, 2011 @ 7:40 am
well i got the carMD as a gift i found the connector spot but i dont get the 2 peeps so how am i supposed to know if its connected
By Ivy from CarMD, November 7, 2011 @ 6:47 pm
Hi Sarah,
I’m sorry to hear that. We would love to learn more information about the problem so we can provide further assistance. Could you please contact CarMD customer service at 888-692-2763 when you get a chance? Our customer service hour is from Monday through Saturday between 6:00AM and 6:00PM (PST).Or you can also contact us through email at customerservice@carmd.com Thank you!
By Rebecca, November 16, 2011 @ 10:24 am
I am trying to get carmd to register on my computer…U registered at the carmd site..and the username/e-mail and Password I used to registered don’t work…I requested for a temporary password and that doesn’t work either…WHAT do I do?
By Ivy from CarMD, November 16, 2011 @ 11:35 am
Hi Rebecca,
We are so sorry about your troubles.Our customer care manager is looking into your case and will contact you shortly. Please feel free to let us know if you need further assistance or require additional information. Thank you!
By Joseph Cetti, December 9, 2011 @ 2:13 pm
I used my CarMD tester on my car because the service engine light was on.The diagnostic report said it was the oxogen censer.I replaced it but the sel light is still on.
By Ivy from CarMD, December 9, 2011 @ 4:36 pm
Hi Joseph, thank you for choosing CarMD. Once the correct repair is made, it will usually take some time for your vehicle to run its tests (so-called drive cycle) and often turn off the check engine light on its own. This may take longer than when a mechanic does it, depending on vehicle condition. But that is a safety feature that CarMD has purposely included to protect you and your vehicle. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us: http://www.carmd.com/Support/TechnicalSupport Thank you!
By wayne, December 9, 2011 @ 8:25 pm
i have a carmd, i am in Jamaica, west indies. however the system will not add my vehicle, it a RHD, Volvo 2002 S60 2.0T
the equipment diagnose correctly the issue with my check engine light code 0700 and 0740
the system will not accept the manual input of the vin number which is 17 digit. email technical support the response was poor, saying i should check the vin number on the door, etc, when i included the vin number in the request
the mechanic expensive diag/tool gave the same code readings
By Ivy from CarMD, December 12, 2011 @ 2:01 pm
Hi Wayne,
We are so sorry about your troubles and would love to help you. Our customer care manager is looking into your case and will contact you shortly. Please feel free to let us know if you need further assistance or require additional information. Thank you for your continuing interest and support!
By Lila, January 7, 2012 @ 3:25 pm
I just receive my car md and did my scan. did not like what the report said. would anyone like to buy a car? Have already put a lot of money into it. I sure wish I would have had my car md before I bought this thing this car. I will always use my car md before I buy another car. wish I could aford a new one. would have had a nice down payment for what I have already put into this one. Love the car md.
By Lila, January 7, 2012 @ 3:26 pm
I just receive my car md and did my scan. did not like what the report said. would anyone like to buy a car? Have already put a lot of money into it. I sure wish I would have had my car md before I bought this thing this car. I will always use my car md before I buy another car. wish I could aford a new one. would have had a nice down payment for what I have already put into this one. Love the car md.Is there anyway I can turn the ck engine light off to get this car smogged??
By Louis, January 9, 2012 @ 10:53 am
The product is excellent and works like a dream!Every problem it told me about was able to fix myself.Saved 300 on oxygen sensor and now the 6 cylinder had a mis fire the car md told me what to do and wahlah done.If you want your check engine light to shut off after a fix just pull the positive side cable off battery get in car make believe ur starting your car (actually turn the key) take key out of ignition wait 20 minutes put battery cable back on and engine light should reset itself.
By Ivy from CarMD, January 10, 2012 @ 2:08 pm
Hi Louis,
Thank you for choosing CarMD as part of your vehicle’s health and maintenance program. We really appreciate your comment and value your opinion. However, the information you provided about how to turn off the check engine light is not recommended on modern vehicles (1996 and newer). Before in the past in the OBD1 days(1995 and older) this was a sufficient way of resetting a vehicle’s system, but now this is a huge issue. The reason why you would not do this process is because a lot of vehicles now has what they call a “KAM” (Keep alive memory). If you do not have a specialize tool to save all this memory like a shop does it will be all erased when you disconnect the battery cable. There are some vehicles you may get away with doing it, but it is recommended not to do this procedure. By doing this procedure you can also lose information like your personnel settings on your radio, seat settings, and navigation settings etc. CarMD is empowered for you to avoid further complications and to bring it to a shop so they can do a second evaluation on it and reset it properly so no further damage can be done to the vehicle. Please feel free to let us know if you have any further questions or require additional information. Thank you!
By Ivy from CarMD, January 10, 2012 @ 4:26 pm
Hi Lila,
Thank you for choosing CarMD as part of your vehicle’s health and maintenance program. In regards to the question about check engine light, it is not recommended for drivers to turn off their vehicle’s check engine or other dashboard lights until the pending or current problem has been identified and repairs confirmed. Doing so erases valuable information that may be needed to repair the vehicle, including driving conditions when the light came on. Once the correct repair is made, your vehicle will run its tests and often turn off the “check engine” light on its own. This may take longer than when a mechanic does it, but that is a safety feature that CarMD has purposely included to protect you and your vehicle. 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 Carey Washington, January 26, 2012 @ 3:17 pm
Hi!
I own three vehicles, my oldest one is a 1996 Dodge Caravan, will your CarMd device hook up to this vehicle?
By Ivy from CarMD, January 26, 2012 @ 4:02 pm
Hi Carey,
Thank you for your interest in CarMD vehicle health system. Yes, CarMD would work on your 1996 Dodge Caravan. Please feel free to let us know if you have any further questions or require additional information. Thank you!
By everett darling, March 10, 2012 @ 8:35 pm
Sir: I have tried three of Harbour Freights OBD 2′s none of them will work on my Chrysler t/c. I have sixteen pins, harbour freight has only 9 pin hook up, nothing came up on dislpay on any of then except N/A. Will the Carmed work on my van? I do want to order and have to send it back. I await your answer, Thank You.
By Ivy from CarMD, March 12, 2012 @ 10:58 am
Hi Everett,
Thank you for your interest in CarMD. CarMD is designed to work on all 1996 and newer vehicles driven in the U.S., with on-board diagnostic second generation (OBD2) technology. This includes cars, light trucks, minivans and SUVs – foreign and domestic. CarMD also works with newer hybrid vehicles. To see if your vehicle is OBD2 compliant, look for a sticker that says OBD-II or OBD2 under the hood, or in the vehicle’s service manual. For more details, please go to CarMD website http://www.carmd.com/68.6/Article/Will-It-Work-On-My-Vehicle?
Please feel free to let us know if you have any further questions or require additional information. Again, thank you for considering CarMD as part of your vehicle’s health and maintenance program!
By bradly, March 13, 2012 @ 6:31 pm
im intrested in buying a carmd but would like to know if it can pull codes from the anti-lock brake system before i buy
By Ivy from CarMD, March 14, 2012 @ 12:03 pm
Hi Bradly,
Thank you for your interest in CarMD. In response to your question regarding the anti-lock brake system, we recently added the ability to read and analyze ABS (Antilock Brake System) and SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) codes with newer CarMD products. You can save $14 on CarMD products today by clicking the following link: http://www.carmd.com/social
If you have any further questions or require additional information please feel free to let us know. Again, thank you for considering CarMD as part of your vehicle’s health and maintenance program.
By daniel, May 26, 2012 @ 12:18 pm
my 1998 ford mustang will not start. It has spark turns over getting gas it just won’t start.
By Ivy from CarMD, May 29, 2012 @ 10:16 am
Hi Daniel, 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. 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) doesn’t monitor. Also keep in mind that as a CarMD customer you are welcome to contact our ASE Certified Automotive Technicians at 1-888-MyCarMD (1-888-692-2763) for further assistance. We’re always happy to help! Thank you!