My check engine light is on. To get the code read, I can drop my car off in the morning and they can keep it all day and charge me money. How about no. Since they're not willing to plug the little device into the car and give me the code, which takes about 5 seconds, how about I go, let's see, anywhere else, to the dozens of other places who will do it on the spot for free.
Perfoming a diagnosis is much more than plugging a computer in to the vehicle. That is just the beginning. We do charge for diagnosis as a master technician is performing the work and there is value in the diagnosis. If all you want is to get a code read - yes most of the retail parts stores will do it for you.
- Payne's Automotive