Today’s mechanics constantly undergo new training to repair today’s advanced driver assistance systems competently. This is having an impact on labor costs. The cost of parts is also growing. Take the F-150 rear tail light featured in this video. Diagnosing and replacing a leaking taillight cost an astounding $5,600, partly because the blind spot sensors failed when a leak developed in one of the tail light assemblies. Gone are the days of picking up a thirty-cent replacement bulb at the local auto parts store.
Remember, this video features a Ford F-150 pickup truck, not some exotic sports car from Germany or Italy. These increasingly complex ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) make it more difficult for shops to anticipate workloads and satisfy customs requirements. Additionally, smaller shops may not have the proper equipment to detect the interrelationships across MS-CAN networks and modules or other wiring faults.
Thanks go out to those hard-working mechanics who are sleuthing with a detective's patience and curiosity and an IT specialist's knowledge. Your wisdom, persistence, and dedication are much appreciated.
