Comments on: CarMD Review – Automotive Vehicle Diagnostic Scan Tool to Avoid Scams http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/ Personal Finance Blog, Your Guide to Financial Fitness Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:28:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: bakedpotatohttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-35108 bakedpotato Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:36:00 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-35108 CarMD reads what is stored on your cars computer, that's why you don't start the engine, just turn the key to the on position. As far as diagnosing a transmission problem, well probably not but I don't know that for sure. Try reading the information on the CarMD website and see if there's any information about what exactly CarMD can and will diagnose. As far as engine knock goes, maybe try a tank full of high octane gas instead of the 89% low octane and see if that helps with the engine knocking. CarMD reads what is stored on your cars computer, that’s why you don’t start the engine, just turn the key to the on position.
As far as diagnosing a transmission problem, well probably not but I don’t know that for sure. Try reading the information on the CarMD website and see if there’s any information about what exactly CarMD can and will diagnose.
As far as engine knock goes, maybe try a tank full of high octane gas instead of the 89% low octane and see if that helps with the engine knocking.

]]> By: Mkflagghttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-34871 Mkflagg Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:47:00 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-34871 not happy at all not happy at all

]]> By: Arhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-34590 Ar Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:34:00 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-34590 They say they have a money back gurantee, can return for any reason and a refund will be issued. What a crock! I returned a unit 2 months ago, still waiting for my refund!!!!! The keep saying sorry you should have it in 7 - 10 business days. Still no refund. This unit doesn't detect as many issues as the TV add says it does, for the money don't buy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your local auto zone can hook up a scanner to help you diagnose problem free of charge! They say they have a money back gurantee, can return for any reason and a refund will be issued. What a crock! I returned a unit 2 months ago, still waiting for my refund!!!!! The keep saying sorry you should have it in 7 – 10 business days. Still no refund. This unit doesn’t detect as many issues as the TV add says it does, for the money don’t buy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your local auto zone can hook up a scanner to help you diagnose problem free of charge!

]]> By: Anonymoushttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-32514 Anonymous Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:34:00 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-32514 I purchased the CarMD, Did NOT work. Not much help from the techs I talked to, returned product and received another which also didnt work, could not get past step 2, I did finally talk to someone and he said "cant help you, nothing we can do to fix the problem" returned the product and they didnt refund the shipping, I do not recommend this product. I purchased the CarMD, Did NOT work. Not much help from the techs I talked to, returned product and received another which also didnt work, could not get past step 2, I did finally talk to someone and he said “cant help you, nothing we can do to fix the problem” returned the product and they didnt refund the shipping, I do not recommend this product.

]]> By: Tishttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-32488 Tis Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:36:00 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-32488 I bought CARMD two months ago. It already save me money huge. I take it with me on vacation and just around town. Thanks CarMD! I bought CARMD two months ago. It already save me money huge. I take it with me on vacation and just around town. Thanks CarMD!

]]> By: K Sookhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-32440 K Sook Thu, 11 Aug 2011 06:56:00 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-32440 My maintenance light was on for my oil change (which I do myself) and was tired of always having the light on even after changing it. I looked through my Honda Accord car manual and they had detailed descriptions on how to turn the lights off. You could check your manual before you buy the unit. My maintenance light was on for my oil change (which I do myself) and was tired of always having the light on even after changing it. I looked through my Honda Accord car manual and they had detailed descriptions on how to turn the lights off. You could check your manual before you buy the unit.

]]> By: Trevordeohttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-32337 Trevordeo Sun, 31 Jul 2011 15:24:00 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-32337 I order two CarMD and did not work no respond I made many calls/email,s no one contacted me so I returned them 4 weeks ago still no answer they took my money I think it is a scam I order two CarMD and did not work no respond I made many calls/email,s no one contacted me so I returned them 4 weeks ago still no answer they took my money I think it is a scam

]]> By: Anonymoushttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-32014 Anonymous Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:29:00 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-32014 I've order one for myself and to be honest I'm sold on the idea of have a friend by my side to help along the way to make a long story short here: I've a 2000 saturn sw2 it has about 167,00 miles on it and honestly I'm a budget here now what saying without a computer like this carmd its going cost me about 75 to tow it to a shop pluse a other 100-150 to finger out what wrong with it and honestly here I've aldy now something is stuck in the transmission and the waterpump is miss up and stater screw up and do be honest its going to cost me more to fix it then its worth but with carmd i can know what is wrong with it in detail and could finger how much its going to cost to fix it but honestly its trash and I've a 2011 honda fit sport and I want me make sure its running at pick performance level at all times so say the lease here i think everyone should have one I’ve order one for myself and to be honest I’m sold on the idea of have a friend by my side to help along the way to make a long story short here: I’ve a 2000 saturn sw2 it has about 167,00 miles on it and honestly I’m a budget here now what saying without a computer like this carmd its going cost me about 75 to tow it to a shop pluse a other 100-150 to finger out what wrong with it and honestly here I’ve aldy now something is stuck in the transmission and the waterpump is miss up and stater screw up and do be honest its going to cost me more to fix it then its worth but with carmd i can know what is wrong with it in detail and could finger how much its going to cost to fix it but honestly its trash and I’ve a 2011 honda fit sport and I want me make sure its running at pick performance level at all times so say the lease here i think everyone should have one

]]> By: Green_onions62http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-31932 Green_onions62 Sun, 26 Jun 2011 00:50:00 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-31932 I've read all of comments, but i still have yet to read one on trouble shooting, Transmissions does the CarMd covers the whole car system?. I’ve read all of comments, but i still have yet to read one on trouble shooting, Transmissions
does the CarMd covers the whole car system?.

]]> By: Sharon Learhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-30855 Sharon Lear Wed, 11 May 2011 04:24:36 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-30855 I purchased a CarMD in February for my son in law. I found he already had a reliable system check, so I called the same day and tried to cancel the order. They said it had already been shipped. I got a return slip to ship back UPS. Proof was shown they received back at CarMD in 3 days. This was the first of March. I have called they 4 times, but have not received credit to my credit card. Each time they promise to return it, but no credit yet. I highly recommend you do not buy this product! I purchased a CarMD in February for my son in law. I found he already had a reliable system check, so I called the same day and tried to cancel the order. They said it had already been shipped. I got a return slip to ship back UPS. Proof was shown they received back at CarMD in 3 days. This was the first of March. I have called they 4 times, but have not received credit to my credit card. Each time they promise to return it, but no credit yet. I highly recommend you do not buy this product!

]]> By: Matt Breedhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-27498 Matt Breed Sun, 17 Apr 2011 22:19:11 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-27498 It's funny, my co-worker was saying just the other day that she had to take her computer in to have it looked at. I know a bit about computers, but am definitely no expert. I told her that regardless of whether there actually IS something wrong with it, they will find something...not unlike taking your car in to have it looked at. Luckily, I have a lot of friends that are very computer savvy, I wish I could say the same about vehicularly-inclined friends. If you don't trust your mechanic, you NEED a new one. It’s funny, my co-worker was saying just the other day that she had to take her computer in to have it looked at. I know a bit about computers, but am definitely no expert. I told her that regardless of whether there actually IS something wrong with it, they will find something…not unlike taking your car in to have it looked at.

Luckily, I have a lot of friends that are very computer savvy, I wish I could say the same about vehicularly-inclined friends. If you don’t trust your mechanic, you NEED a new one.

]]> By: Erik Folgatehttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-27359 Erik Folgate Sat, 16 Apr 2011 15:35:02 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-27359 Wow, thanks everybody for the tips! I'm definitely not too much of a car guy, and I am still a little skeptical if I want to replace this knock sensor if it costs hundreds of dollars, but maybe i should after reading Kira's comments. I think these little code reader tools can be helpful to help prevent catastrophic collapse of your car, but for the most part, they aren't necessary if you get your car checked out regularly. It's just nice to have a heads up before the mechanic starts giving you their laundry list of things you should have done. Wow, thanks everybody for the tips! I’m definitely not too much of a car guy, and I am still a little skeptical if I want to replace this knock sensor if it costs hundreds of dollars, but maybe i should after reading Kira’s comments.

I think these little code reader tools can be helpful to help prevent catastrophic collapse of your car, but for the most part, they aren’t necessary if you get your car checked out regularly. It’s just nice to have a heads up before the mechanic starts giving you their laundry list of things you should have done.

]]> By: Kira Botkinhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-26084 Kira Botkin Tue, 05 Apr 2011 21:02:11 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-26084 Engine knock has nothing to do with the engine not being secure in its mount! It is called knocking because it makes a sound like someone rapping on a metal door, not because it is knocking around. Knocking occurs when the air/fuel in one of your engine's cylinders is not igniting at the right time. It can destroy your engine if it keeps happening which is WHY you have a sensor - you should definitely take your car in!! It does degrade your fuel economy because the cylinders aren't getting the boost they need to be the most efficient they can be, so they need to use more gas to create the same amount of "go" - but also if it keeps happening a lot it can damage your engine. You might also want to have the transmission checked out if your acceleration is bad from 30 and above or it seems to be hesitating before changing gears. I own a car computer that I bought for about $70 off Amazon - I agree with Vic that it just reads the codes, you have to do some research to find out what is going on, which it sounds like CarMD will help you with. But sometimes it is simple to fix, or you want to find out if this is something catastrophic that must be dealt with immediately, or if it can wait until payday. :) Ours has paid for itself several times over, not least because both my and my boyfriend's Pontiacs got Check Engine lights that we checked with it and fixed ourselves The code for both cars was for air entering the fuel system - and while a mechanic would have run an expensive fuel system diagnostic looking for leaks, we thought we'd at least try the cheap solution which is to replace the gas cap. (The seal can go bad and let air in.) We spent $20 on each gas cap, solved the problem, and saved a $200+ visit! If you try this, make sure to get one from a dealership that is specifically for your make/model of car - some car models can actually tell if you got a cheapo one from Auto Zone and will "reject" the cheapo gas cap. Engine knock has nothing to do with the engine not being secure in its mount! It is called knocking because it makes a sound like someone rapping on a metal door, not because it is knocking around. Knocking occurs when the air/fuel in one of your engine’s cylinders is not igniting at the right time. It can destroy your engine if it keeps happening which is WHY you have a sensor – you should definitely take your car in!! It does degrade your fuel economy because the cylinders aren’t getting the boost they need to be the most efficient they can be, so they need to use more gas to create the same amount of “go” – but also if it keeps happening a lot it can damage your engine. You might also want to have the transmission checked out if your acceleration is bad from 30 and above or it seems to be hesitating before changing gears.

I own a car computer that I bought for about $70 off Amazon – I agree with Vic that it just reads the codes, you have to do some research to find out what is going on, which it sounds like CarMD will help you with. But sometimes it is simple to fix, or you want to find out if this is something catastrophic that must be dealt with immediately, or if it can wait until payday. :)

Ours has paid for itself several times over, not least because both my and my boyfriend’s Pontiacs got Check Engine lights that we checked with it and fixed ourselves The code for both cars was for air entering the fuel system – and while a mechanic would have run an expensive fuel system diagnostic looking for leaks, we thought we’d at least try the cheap solution which is to replace the gas cap. (The seal can go bad and let air in.) We spent $20 on each gas cap, solved the problem, and saved a $200+ visit! If you try this, make sure to get one from a dealership that is specifically for your make/model of car – some car models can actually tell if you got a cheapo one from Auto Zone and will “reject” the cheapo gas cap.

]]> By: Vichttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-25980 Vic Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:28:36 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-25980 I got a OBD II code scanner at Amazon for twenty bucks and can reset. The problem is these scanners is they are dumb ,they read codes, not troubleshoot those codes. For example a mechanic will get a code, replace the offending part and still get the code. Then he finds the real problem...a short! Your out 400 bucks! Happens every day! I got a OBD II code scanner at Amazon for twenty bucks and can reset. The problem is these scanners is they are dumb ,they read codes, not troubleshoot those codes. For example a mechanic will get a code, replace the offending part and still get the code. Then he finds the real problem…a short! Your out 400 bucks!

Happens every day!

]]> By: John Ferrishttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-24856 John Ferris Sat, 26 Mar 2011 12:46:53 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-24856 to martha jarreta : Is it not politically correct to call a mechanic a mechanic anymore? They are now a technician?? I guess I have missed the boat. It seems that someone has rattled your chains and may have insulted you based on you telling them what is on your balance sheet, electric, labor, rent etc. I bought the car md, use it on all 4 cars and go to youtube, find the video I need and I will usually fix the problem myself and save $75 for a diagnostic and $80 an hour to fix it and not come home with something else wrong. Why is it every time I go see a technician I have something else wrong when I get back home? Interesting isn't it? to martha jarreta : Is it not politically correct to call a mechanic a mechanic anymore? They are now a technician?? I guess I have missed the boat. It seems that someone has rattled your chains and may have insulted you based on you telling them what is on your balance sheet, electric, labor, rent etc.

I bought the car md, use it on all 4 cars and go to youtube, find the video I need and I will usually fix the problem myself and save $75 for a diagnostic and $80 an hour to fix it and not come home with something else wrong.

Why is it every time I go see a technician I have something else wrong when I get back home? Interesting isn’t it?

]]> By: cubicalhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-23046 cubical Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:22:43 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-23046 You can reset the light by disconnecting the battery,keep in mind that will also clear the trouble code.If the problem still remains the same code will be sent to the computer. You can reset the light by disconnecting the battery,keep in mind that will also clear the trouble code.If the problem still remains the same code will be sent to the computer.

]]> By: not givenhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-21983 not given Sun, 20 Feb 2011 19:25:36 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-21983 I thought you could reset the check engine light by unhooking the battery, then hooking it back up. I thought you could reset the check engine light by unhooking the battery, then hooking it back up.

]]> By: Andy Robinsonhttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-21979 Andy Robinson Sun, 20 Feb 2011 16:35:31 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-21979 Save your money and buy a unit that can reset the Check Engine Light. CarMD is only a code reader and cannot reset the light. What good is it to know the problem, fix the problem and still have the light on. Save your money and buy a unit that can reset the Check Engine Light. CarMD is only a code reader and cannot reset the light. What good is it to know the problem, fix the problem and still have the light on.

]]> By: martha jarretahttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-21898 martha jarreta Wed, 16 Feb 2011 04:04:35 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-21898 First of all credible repair shops don't employ mechanics, they employ technicians. What's the difference? A mechanic changes parts a technician diagnosis the problem and fixes it. As for the diagnostic charge"" that shops charge is because the have to pay a tech to scan the car, pay for the scanner itself, pay for electric, and pay for everything else they purchased so they are able to work on vehicles. Have you ever priced quality tools and equipment? Also most of the repair shops that I know only install the parts they purchase due to warranties and such. So my advice would be to install your own part if you buy it at the DIY (aka Do It Yourself) store. Bringin you own parts to a repair shop is like taking your own hamburger to McDonalds. FYI if your vehicle has an error code more than one thing could be wrong with it. Also with all the new hybrid cars you should seek out a qualified shop or you could end up costing your self way more money in the long run. First of all credible repair shops don’t employ mechanics, they employ technicians. What’s the difference? A mechanic changes parts a technician diagnosis the problem and fixes it. As for the diagnostic charge”" that shops charge is because the have to pay a tech to scan the car, pay for the scanner itself, pay for electric, and pay for everything else they purchased so they are able to work on vehicles. Have you ever priced quality tools and equipment? Also most of the repair shops that I know only install the parts they purchase due to warranties and such. So my advice would be to install your own part if you buy it at the DIY (aka Do It Yourself) store. Bringin you own parts to a repair shop is like taking your own hamburger to McDonalds. FYI if your vehicle has an error code more than one thing could be wrong with it. Also with all the new hybrid cars you should seek out a qualified shop or you could end up costing your self way more money in the long run.

]]> By: Brian Boycehttp://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-21278 Brian Boyce Mon, 17 Jan 2011 18:27:02 +0000 http://www.moneycrashers.com/could-the-car-md-save-your-time-and-money-on-your-car/#comment-21278 I got a CarMD for this last christmas and it seemed like a such a great device! I used it when shopping for a used car for my daughter. Like you mentioned, I was able to make a better decision in which car to get her, to see if there were any hidden internal problems with the car. Such a great device! Right now the CarMD sits in my daughter's glove box and i have some peace of mind knowing she has a device that can help her understand her car just an arms reach away. I got a CarMD for this last christmas and it seemed like a such a great device! I used it when shopping for a used car for my daughter. Like you mentioned, I was able to make a better decision in which car to get her, to see if there were any hidden internal problems with the car. Such a great device! Right now the CarMD sits in my daughter’s glove box and i have some peace of mind knowing she has a device that can help her understand her car just an arms reach away.

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