Well that's an odd answer from AutoZone. Don't they "enter" the vehicle when they hook up the OBD tester ?
Or maybe that was just a California answer. (Is Calif a state where they don't check for OBD codes at AutoZone ?)

 

Yes, California the auto parts stores at that time could not check for codes, we had to go to a shop.

Not sure if the law has been modified. The other day I went to ask them to check for codes.. They handed me their code reader, I went back out and plugged it in with the key on.. It did it's scan, then directed me to take the reader back into the store. It did not display any information. They plugged it into their computer and printed the form that I had shared previously, It showed the code, and there were a bunch of disclaimers.

 

I have been told by a Advance employee that "corporate policy" said they couldn't do my battery. No problem at some other places, depends on the person you talk to.
California won't allow clearing codes because that is messing with CARB rules. Reading should not be a "legal" problem, except for interpretation.

 

It may have to do with consumer protection. They were reading codes and then selling parts when they weren't qualified to diagnose what the codes mean. Hence all the disclaimers.

 

They do try to sell whatever module happens to be mentioned by the reader. Witness all of the crankshaft sensors sold for P0016.

 

Hey Don,

 

Crappy tires can be noisy, but make sure the wheel bearing are OK.

Sam’s Club out here has what I estimate to be a better battery for about $10 less than the pretty good EverStart Max at WallyWorld.

“Policy” can become more flexible after some pushback. Sometimes. Depends how stupid or lazy they are that day. Parts store employee can plug in a code reader, can’t clear the codes, but shows me which button to push. Sam’s Club didn’t balk at installing a battery it once I showed them where it was (i.e., how easy it was.) Same store can’t sell me P205/60P16 tires for an HHR LS, turns out after a phone call (supposedly cleared it with GM) they can. Numerous other examples.

Don't ever try to reason with the surly trolls at the Walmart “customer service” counter tho. 2/3 of their “customers” are trying to return stolen stuff for cash, so they’re cold as ice.