NASTF’s OEM Service Information Matrix
March 25, 2008
The same legislation that mandated that OBD-II systems be installed on all cars sold from 1996 and later had another component that dealt with access to service information. The legislation was rather complicated; however, in summary automobile manufacturers were required to make available, at a fair market price, service information on any system that would effect emissions.
In the beginning of this period some manufactures only made emissions information available and the access charges to the information was relatively expensive. Over time most manufacturers have opened up information access to most other areas of the car and the access charges have stabilized across most manufacturers and are more affordable. Also the way service information is accessed has standardized in that all manufacturers must provide the service information via a website.
So where do we find out about the OEM service websites, training, special tools, and reprogramming equipment? From the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) website:
This site is a valuable resource, especially for independent garages that may work on several car lines. It is a single source for virtually all the information you need to know about accessing OEM level service information.
The following information was pulled directly from the NASTF website:
NASTF Mission Statement
The National Automotive Service Task Force will facilitate the identification and correction of gaps in the availability and accessibility of automotive service information, training, diagnostic tools and equipment, and communications to automotive service professionals.
About NASTF
The National Automotive Service Task Force is a cooperative effort among the automotive service industry, the equipment and tool industry, and automotive manufacturers to ensure that automotive service professionals have the information, training, and tools needed to properly diagnose and repair today’s high tech vehicles.
NASTF was established in the fall of 2000 as a national successor to a pilot program in Arizona during 1999 and 2000. In the Arizona pilot program, these groups learned that they shared the common objective of ensuring swift and proper repair of customer vehicles, and that the best way to improve current information gaps was to work constructively to improve delivery systems. Today’s rapidly advancing and changing technologies compound the information problems that automotive service professionals face; however, the Internet and other technology advancements offer opportunities today to address these problems.
One of the first projects taken on by this group of volunteers is the OE Service Information Matrix. This is a detailed document showing what information is available directly from each car manufacturer including contact phone numbers and web sites where available. This document will be continuously updated as new information and resources become available.
In order to help identify gaps in the availability of service information, NASTF will accept feedback from service technicians. Any problems locating or obtaining service information through the sources listed in this matrix may be reported directly to NASTF by submitting a NASTF Service Information Request Form.
