.
Do you have to call the original builder to paint your house?

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-------"They will never make it easier for the aftermarket or owner to do anything themselves and by doing it that way, they've guarantied that these cars will return to the dealers for service. It was very well thought out, no mistake or oversight." -----
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Why? To increase revenue? Very short sighted. Service departments will have to get bigger and bigger every year. They can't handle the customers they have now, let alone all the people with older and older cars coming in for trivial solutions to obsolete problems.

My car is a '98, going on 5 yrs old. I bought it recently and plan to keep it for a few more years at least. Do they really want me coming to the dealer several times a year with an 8-yr old car?? To do a bad job on my oil change?? And have me resent it because I have no other choice?? And no, walking past the sales department doesn't make me able to buy a new one.

Even Microsoft doesn't lock you in that way. Problem with Windows 98? You're on your own.

The guys on this board will never put up with it! They will never be told that they can't use an independent Volvo technician, or repair their own cars. That they have no choice. Show me any other industry that has gotten away with such behavior.

I absolutely agree that software uploads to the car should be locked out. But keeping diagnostic information secret is an entirely different matter. This has to do with restricting the owner's choice of where to have the car serviced.

It will never fly.

- Tom E
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98 V70 GLT black 54k