Comments by "J Hutt" (@jhutt8002) on "Replacing a Volkswagen car battery requires specialized software or a trip to the dealer" video.

They've been doing this since OBD wasn't even a thing. My 1996 Audi needs a diagnostic tools costing anything from 500 to thousands of euros to do basic repairs like pump timing. There is free software available, they allow to use with aftermarket cables, but that only allows to clean up error codes, and even DELIBERATELY HIDES some of the codes it can read from memory! I find no issue using cracked and illegal copies of software and hardware when the company is giving such middle-finger to people who like and use their products.
7
You know what's "maintenenance free battery"? It's a battery you can't maintain (by adding fluid) so you have to buy new one. Told me by local battery shop owner years ago, when those started to became the norm.
1
@gregfordyce9476 Guess what? VAG actually have multiple different brand specific tools for oil plugs!
1
@atubebuff My father recently had problems with the e-brakes in his Volvo V90. All that was needed for retracting and moving the brakes was to put voltage into a pin in brake saddle. Even easier than with a cable handbrake! Of course, OBD2 is non-brand specific tool as well, that people should handle these days if they're fixing cars by themselves. Not sure though how much you can do for a basic OBD2 reader that is in the reach of DIY repairman. I've never had car that even has OBD, and I won't buy one unless I don't have any other choice.
1
@atubebuff Well. I'd say 300 quid is not bad when it's standardized system that works on every car.
1