Hi Guys
I thought you might like to see a copy of the letter sent to Auto-Express on the 17th November , as yet no takers for the work experience

Dear Editor
In response to your magazines article (code confusion)I agree completely that in a complex world that a little knowledge will indeed lead to a great deal of confusion,having digested the contents written by Jack Rix it is obvious hat he is not only confused but totally out of touch with developments in automotive electronics and diagnostic processes. He appears to be making the classical error of assuming that a stored DTC (diagnostic trouble code)relates to an indisputable fault of which no further investigation or qualification is necessary. The code and it's relevant serial data which has far more diagnostic value can at best be a guide and starting point. It could represent a genuine defect in the monitored value, a genuine sensor error , a wiring fault which includes power supply and ground errors or be due to a signal plausibility problem.You could be forgiven for abandoning common sense years of training and tens of thousands of pounds of diagnostic equipment all in exchange for a 2p tin whistle and a DTC list.Unfortunately in the real world the reality is quite different The average vehicle today can have in excess of 90 modules communicating on a dozen CAN (controller area networks)the result of which often demands the very highest calibre of diagnostic ability supported fully with real-time circuit testing. There is an expression which I regularly use in both my training courses and technical topics "cause and effect",your Mr Rix has caused an injustice and insult to those professional highly focused technicians in the aftermarket sector,the effect of which will only add to the distrust of your readership.I do however recognise the difficulty in seeking out skilled technicians who have invested in hardware,extensive training and infrastructure to offer the general public a genuine choice and a valuable resource.No doubt our Industry like journalism have a few people who haven't got a clue what's going on. I suggest as a matter of urgency you publish a retraction and as a suggestion send your Mr Rix to me for a weeks experience,following which I trust he will produce a balanced editorial.

Kind regards
Frank Massey FIMI
ADS Ltd
www.ads-global.co.uk