Business Opportunity...Internet Based SD3 Serice

[hladun]

Why doesn't someone set up an Internet based SD3 service? You can connect the ODB2 port to a laptop so why can't you have someone connect an SD3 via an internet device at the other end. You might need specialised software but people are accessing and manipulating controllers via the internet all the time now.

With the rarity and cost of SD3 readers and dealers not having the skills (or interest) any more, an expert could provide such a service at a reasonable yet profitable cost. Users would get the benefit of experienced service.

So here's how it might work. You and the provider set up a time. You connect your end and he connects his. Via phone or by text he walks you through what you need to do with the car and he runs the reader from his end. This service could range from simple code reading (all the codes and what they mean) to things like PIS setting.

How about it?

 

[GeoffCapes]

Probably because the Indies and main dealers who already have this equipment would lose out, add to the fact that after diagnosing the problem they fix it.

It's brave man who buys the equipment hoping to sell it 'on line' as such, as if the fix is not possible by just using the SD3 then it has to go to an Indie/main dealer anyway.

You're only diagnosing the problem or part of the problem. Fixing it is what is then needed. Repetition costs £££'s.

 

[Eddie]

It’s not that easy I’m afraid. The main problem would be the interface. Readily available ones are generic OBD only. You would have to build a bespoke cable then a pass thru box. Added to which the unpacked SD files wouldn’t operate without an SD unit without totally re-writing them. The SD will only communicate with SD3 net as a stand-alone device.

 

[foibles]

Probably because the Indies and main dealers who already have this equipment would lose out, add to the fact that after diagnosing the problem they fix it.

It's brave man who buys the equipment hoping to sell it 'on line' as such, as if the fix is not possible by just using the SD3 then it has to go to an Indie/main dealer anyway.

You're only diagnosing the problem or part of the problem. Fixing it is what is then needed. Repetition costs £££'s.

I get your point here Mark - although there is one nice thing about knowing the problem before taking it in for maintenance...and that is knowing exactly what parts you need.

This is particularly useful if your mechanic is not up to scratch, or you don't trust them or - in the case of those in the Southern Hemisphere - good Maser mechanics are few and far between. You could end up taking your car in, paying top dollar for parts you could have sourced elsewhere, paying for parts or repairs you did not need (especially if said mechanic knows you don't know what the issue is) - or generally having your car at the garage longer than is needed (which neither customer or mechanic enjoy).

Whilst I cant speak to the technical feasibility of the proposed solution - I do like the idea that 'forewarned is forearmed'.

 

[alfatwo]

Its the same old.. IT and the guys who work in it are always limited..

When it comes to actually diagnosing and fixing the hardware problems involved they haven't got a clue!

Dave

 

[rockits]

Its the same old.. IT and the guys who work in it are always limited..

When it comes to actually diagnosing and fixing the hardware problems involved they haven't got a clue!

Dave

I hope you aren't tarnishing us all with the same brush Dave

 

[jluis]

Car manufacturers are already required by regulations to offer a similar service to what you are proposing.
You can buy an adapter to interface your car to the PC that follows the standard J2534 and then download the software from the car maker along with a time limited license that allows you to diagnose the car, flash ECUs and access technical information.

Relevant info for Maserati here:
http://www.maseratitechinfo.com/index.cfm?event=

The Volvo software for instance will work with any J2534 compliant adapter.
Not sure if Maserati does the same.

Keep in mind that this only applies to relatively recent cars. The 3200, 4200 and some QP are probably not compatible

 

[hladun]

Jluis, when I look at your link it's only for technical documentation and not at all what I am talking about. That said, technical documentation is hellishly hard to get so an improvement there may help.

Many of the posters here are missing the point. The computer will not magically repair your car. Here's an example of what I'm saying. When I look at the 4200 user manual PIS setting instructions, a system like I'm envisioning should allow you to have your clutch wear checked and your PIS set remotely while your car is in your garage. This might be a very cost effective and attractive alternative to many owners. You could have your clutch replaced by your local indie (who probably does not have an SD3) and then use this service to set PIS.

Another thing everyone is missing here is the Fiat Chrysler effect on Maserati, particularly Chrysler. Will they care about the cars built under Ferrari ownership? Who will actually be Maserati dealerships? Remember it cost Mercedes billions to cleanse themselves of Chrysler.

 

[voicey]

Just how do you propose to set the PIS up properly without driving the car?

As it happens I pondered the feasibility of such a service a few years back. Whilst the technical challenges are surmountable, practically it'd never work. Not least as you really need the car in front of you to make an accurate diagnosis.

 

[hladun]

Just how do you propose to set the PIS up properly without driving the car?

As it happens I pondered the feasibility of such a service a few years back. Whilst the technical challenges are surmountable, practically it'd never work. Not least as you really need the car in front of you to make an accurate diagnosis.

I'm assuming the owner would drive and otherwise manipulate the car based on telephone or text instructions from the person doing the diagnosis. I certainly agree that having the car in front of you is better, but I think we need to consider the alternatives we have going forward from here.

 

[Eddie]

Even if you could build a switch matrix capable of linking to your car remotely, (you couldnt, only an OBD based one=useless) how much would you be willing to pay for it? You’d have to sell a LOAD of them even to pay for construction cost. Furthermore, how much would you be willing to pay a fully qualified Maserati technician to hook his £20k plus machine remotely to your car then spend his day walking you through diagnostic routines??

 

[hladun]

Even if you could build a switch matrix capable of linking to your car remotely, (you couldnt, only an OBD based one=useless) how much would you be willing to pay for it? You’d have to sell a LOAD of them even to pay for construction cost. Furthermore, how much would you be willing to pay a fully qualified Maserati technician to hook his £20k plus machine remotely to your car then spend his day walking you through diagnostic routines??

What if you have no other choice?

 

[FIFTY]

I cannot really comment on this from a personal view as I live within proximity of a few main dealers and indies but just to throw in another perspective: maybe this service could be useful to those who live in remote areas 150+ miles away from the nearest SD3 reader it will save them a tank of fuel if it just turns out to be an exhaust sensor...

But I can't see it being any use beyond answering "yes" or "no" to the question: "do I need to take it to a Specialist/MD?" Realistically how much can you charge for that... £25-£50 per diag? it's a pretty limited market is it worth the development cost?