Ron, you could not have said it better. For your information, I strongly believe we both came from the same egg. I have been a Motor Head since I found my Daddy's tool box, about age 6. Since 1980 after Graduating from HS I obtained all my State Certs, just by sending in I had passed all my ASE Tests as a Master Auto and H/D Truck Tech. Worked for a number of Dealers, yet became bored with the routine. Have been self employed since 1992. Like you, have seen it all. Just last week, I found a T-Stat installed backwards from a Licensed Independent Shop by a licensed Mechanic, I almost cried to think what is going on out there. Each day customers bring me work, cause the Auto Parts Store read codes, sold them a bunch of parts, that did not fix the problem or they screwed up replacing them. Then there is my Doctor, who claims his charge is a result of medical science and research...... whatever, the human body has not changed. I'm now 51 years old, trying to get away from my Shop and drive my new Limo Bus for an easy living. I have no idea just who is going to come behind Guys like us to even think they can not only diagnose and understand these new cars/trucks, yet alone have the patience to deal with the design, tooling and mechanical end of service. As for the consumer, when I have to tell them, 3 hours to replace spark plugs on their F150, and additional time if stripped or broken, they look at me like I'm stupid and ripping them off, walk Doctors and Smart people !!!! lol.... I'm so done with trying to give answears over the phone, be challenged by Auto Part Store code readers and the public that seems to think "well its just a couple of bolts, I already bought my own parts" lol...... Ron I'm so with ya Bud, and if only we could get paid for the years of experience, knowledge, patience and understanding of mass module serial data vehicles, I would stick around.

Scott Nelson
Owner/Technician
Lodi Garage
Kalkaska, Michigan, USA