Bootstrap Survival - Creating Your Own Job - Auto Code Tester

When the stimulus money seems to be in every one's pocket but yours, what are you going to do? When you've been laid off for months, and you are still looking for work, where do you turn? When the hours on your no-so-great job, have been cut back, how do you fill in the gap to still pay your bills, and keep a roof over your head?

It's not only time to "start thinking outside of the box," but to get completely throw away the box. As my grandmother's generation would have said, "It's time to pull yourself up by your bootstraps."

Sure, the old time saying is a little corny, but nothing could be truer in today's tough economic times. There are countless ways to improve your situation by your own efforts.

One such effort can be to create your own job, when there are no jobs where you live. Additionally, filling a void to save other people's hard earned money -- is perhaps the easiest way to help them and yourself. The possibilities are endless, here's one of them:.

CONSIDER BECOMING AN AUTO CODE TESTER!

She rushes in from work, slamming the door, with that defeated worried look we-who-love-her, know only too well. Something is overwhelming her.

"I was driving home and my "check engine light came on," she cries in clear sheer panic. "I don't have money for another car repair!"

Now, the mechanically inclined clown, who lives with us, did tried to sooth her alarm with his sense of humor, by offering her a piece of his duct tape. In no mood to contemplate a joke, she looked at the silver offender, and asked:

"What am I supposed to do with that? The light doesn't say anything about where to put tape?"

He of course, replied: "Just cover up the light and try not think about it."

OK. We'll refrain from our usual familial "blonde jokes" and not talk about what kind of dinner he got served that night -- let's just say the smoke was NOT coming from the oven. She was certainly steamed over his little joke when she was genuinely worried.

Sooner or later, it happens to just about everyone -- your vehicle check engine light turns on, and many like my daughter do not know what to do.

Check engine lights frequently come on simply because the vehicle exceeds exceeds 50,000 miles (or some other pre-set mileage milestone).. Most people will then take the car to a dealership (or auto repair shop) to have them diagnose and fix the problem.

Additionally, they usually have to make inconvenient commuting arrangements. This is usually the least of their worries, because often the repair ends up costing well over $500. Many dealerships and auto repair shops charge around $100 just to diagnose the problem.

There is the added issue that you are completely at the mercy of whoever diagnoses and repairs your vehicle. You have to take their word for it that the diagnosis is correct or that they did not throw in "extra" things that may or may not have needed fixing.

For the enterprising -- purchasing one of the new brands of auto code scanners, can be a way of earning significant extra income. These code readers are moderately priced, easily obtainable, and user friendly. It's not more complicated that learning to use your TV or DVR remote (in fact many of them look exactly like them).

So to start such a business you need relatively little equipment:

1. A reliable code diagnostic scanner that reads both OBDII and OBDI codes, that includes several different types of connecting cords, and includes C.A.N. with freeze frame capability, and PC ready for printouts.
2. Advertising can be as simple as hand-made poster signs or listing your services on Craigslist or in local papers.

Let's face it, the vast majority of us are mechanically challenged and know-nothings. However, these days, many consumers do realize that they can go to local Auto Zone or Advance Auto Parts stores (among others,) who provide a so-called free service to tell why the check engine light is on. Other than the two stores just mentioned -- It is always wise to be sure to inquire in advance, if there is a charge for this service, since many places today are also charging over $75 just for this service.

Very often the problem is simply an emissions problem and in plain English, that usually just means a loose gas cap. Alternatively, the second most likely problem is a plug misfire. Don't be be misled though, your "check engine" light is your friendly reminder that you could have a serious problem that needs to be checked out.

There are several problems with using such places and services as your sole advice, should your automobile have a more serious problem:

• The codes that their scanners will only be a tool to "point" you in the right direction of a potential cause. This is not a quick fix or a cheap fix, or even a fix at all.
• The individuals doing the testing are "not experts" and while their advice may be dead-on correct a lot of the time -- a CE (check engine) light is something that you want to take seriously.
• They will not give you a print-out of possible problem(s).
• Many are not forthcoming with the actual code(s) and if you should ask, will usually brush you off with simply stating what the scanner says the problem is.
• Most will try to prevent you from seeing the actual code number(s).
• However, they are only too glad to tell you how much the parts to repair it may cost.

So, by having a third party test why your check engine light is on, plus give you a print out, you have a safety net of check and balance way of making sure that you are not getting ripped off.

Start up costs for running such a business are relatively low, it's simply a matter of purchasing the right hand-held scanning tool, using the lap top or computer (wi-fi) you already own, an inexpensive printer, and paper. So a bootstrap novice auto code checking service can be started for less than $200 (especially if you already own a lap top and printer).

You don't need a place of business per se, you can run this business out of your nearest local flea market or other such public place.

Some individuals offer this same service by operating from home, using Craigslist for free advertising. Those who come to your home generally charge around $25 to $40 to provide this service (including print out).

Basically, there are a number of good hand-held scanning tools for diagnostics, some of the most popular that we tested are:

Actron 9175 -- Reads and erases codes, gives definition of the stored code, will take a snapshot of the data stream for later review. It will interface with your home computer or laptop for updates, and is geared for any auto with the OBDII system, as well as being C.A.N. capable. These scanners can be bought online for less than $100.

Actron CP9180 Diagnostic Code Scanner -- This one is a little more advanced than the Actron 9175, but gets our vote because it allows you to print the diagnosis data. It also includes an oxygen sensor test. These scanners can be bought for around $135.

Equus 3140 Scan Tool-- This scanner does both OBDI and OBDII vehicles (1984-now). This is ideal for starting an auto code checking service. It comes with all the cables and connectors, is update capable via your pc. These scanners can be bought online for around $185.

If you were a kid back in the days when boot laces (boot straps) had to be pulled and tugged on to be tight enough, you wouldn't have to think too hard in imagining yourself lifted from the ground, by pulling on your own bootstraps.

Since the 1900s "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" has been a popular saying to describe overcoming the impossible and difficult situations, by thinking creatively and working hard. It wasn't without it's own critics, when others would say, "How can you pull yourself up by your bootstraps when you have no boots?."

The concept probably really originated back in 1786, from the Singular Travels, Campaigns and Adventures of Baron Munchausen, when it was written:

"I was still a couple of miles above the clouds when it broke, and with such violence I fell to the ground that I found myself stunned, and in a hole nine fathoms under the grass, when I recovered, hardly knowing how to get out again.

Looking down, I observed that I had on a pair of boots with exceptionally sturdy straps. Grasping them firmly, I pulled with all my might. Soon I had hoist myself to the top and stepped out on terra firma without further ado."

Then, there was:

"There were others who had forced their way to the top from the lowest rung by the aid of their bootstraps." -- James Joyce

"Many have changed so much that they have lost the magic of the dream that carried them on that own bootstraps." -- Peter Abrams

The saying has been used in speeches by many people, including Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Obama.