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Killebrews ALDL code readers

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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 09:13 AM
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Default Killebrews ALDL code readers

Was at Carlisle and saw the code readers for sale at his tent. So I bought them $40 cause my SERVICE ABS light is on in the DIC. The kit has a plug to ground the terminals to read the codes for the ABS system. When I got home I plugged it in and waited for the codes to blink. Not a single flash then I check the book out that they gave with the kit and it says Note: Current fault codes 41 45 55 61 and 63 can only be read by using a TECH 1 Diagnostic tool. AGGGGGGGGGGH NOW I'M P#@**$@ OFF Pipe
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 09:58 AM
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Originally Posted by pipe
Was at Carlisle and saw the code readers for sale at his tent. So I bought them $40 cause my SERVICE ABS light is on in the DIC. The kit has a plug to ground the terminals to read the codes for the ABS system. When I got home I plugged it in and waited for the codes to blink. Not a single flash then I check the book out that they gave with the kit and it says Note: Current fault codes 41 45 55 61 and 63 can only be read by using a TECH 1 Diagnostic tool. AGGGGGGGGGGH NOW I'M P#@**$@ OFF Pipe
Sometime I think Gordon is in it only for the money. He knows how to get $$ out of us Vette lovers.
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 10:51 AM
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Originally Posted by pipe
I check the book out that they gave with the kit and it says Note: Current fault codes 41 45 55 61 and 63 can only be read by using a TECH 1 Diagnostic tool. AGGGGGGGGGGH NOW I'M P#@**$@ OFF Pipe
That is strange, I have his ALDL and book and as I have never used it for ABS but mine says the same. So I guess because no other codes appear on yours the choices then become RF or LF solenoid, Rear sol valve, pump or motor relay, and sol. valve relay (real nice).
Real nice of him........ don't blame you, that sux!
P.S. According to my 90 helms service man., You can check 41,45,55, 61 ,63 w/ pinout box (j35592) and multimeter. By the way, Helms man. says that those codes need a Tech 1 D. Tool

Last edited by mseven; Aug 28, 2005 at 11:05 AM.
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 01:58 PM
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Don't bash Gordon...

The reality is that those codes more then likely initiate a diagnostic process in the Tech 1. As a code, they are useless, but as a programmed instruction to the Tech 1, they do lots of things.

ABS is not a system to play with. If you have a problem beyond a simple wheel sensor, it's time to take it to a pro... or, replace the brain... it's upto you.

Gordon is very knowledgable. I have that plug set and have found it to be a very valuable diagnostic tool.
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 02:08 PM
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Through '89 at least, there's no ABS interface with ADL or ECM. For '90 and above, I thought the codes for the various modules were available through the speedo - why would you need a code reader?
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 02:30 PM
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Its not so much a code reader, as it is a series of pin jumpers and a book.

You can get ABS codes from the ABS computer through the ALDL. It just take the right jumping... and then flashes codes from the ABS light, if I remember rightly.
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 03:16 PM
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I'm not really mad at Gordon. There was a lady working his booth and really couldn't answer my questions so I should have come back later and talked to someone in the know. What got me was when I plugged in the module it didn't flash a code at all. If it would have at least I could go from there maybe to try and get ahold of a tech 1 scanner. The woman said there is a help line to talk to someone so I might have to call Mon. I'll probabally use the different plugs for other diagnostic checks. PIPE
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 03:33 PM
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Originally Posted by pipe
I'm not really mad at Gordon. There was a lady working his booth and really couldn't answer my questions so I should have come back later and talked to someone in the know. What got me was when I plugged in the module it didn't flash a code at all. If it would have at least I could go from there maybe to try and get ahold of a tech 1 scanner. The woman said there is a help line to talk to someone so I might have to call Mon. I'll probabally use the different plugs for other diagnostic checks. PIPE
When you call Gordon, be ready with your credit card # and he charges like $10 a minute for his slow talking advice. Yes he is knowledgable, but it's going to cost you.
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 04:49 PM
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$10 for the first minute, $3.00 a minute after that.
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 05:01 PM
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Originally Posted by bogus
$10 for the first minute, $3.00 a minute after that.
To talk about his own product that he's already sold to somebody? You're kidding, right? I realize he's a very bright guy and a Corvette "legend" or some such, but you're not serious that if he talks to you about his products he charges you for it. That's insane.

I've talked to Mike Valentine, Doc Jacobson, Chuck Mallett, Dick Guldstrand, Bob Bondurant, Adrian Fernandez, Jim Wolfe, etc.. I shudder to think what they would've charged me for all that "talking".
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by bogus
$10 for the first minute, $3.00 a minute after that.
If he can't fix the problem, do we get a refund?
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 06:35 PM
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Intellectual property. Mr. Killebrew has a lot and he offers it
up at a price that isn't unreasonable. We can take it or leave it.

I called him once. I found that he gathered information to properly
identify the problem area and then zeroed in on the specifics. I
had anticipated beforehand that there might be an attempt to
run up the clock - but in fact, Mr. Killebrew was very succinct,
almost but not quite to the point of being curt.

I feel the call was money well spent. Instead of chasing my tail
replacing EGR parts, a simple sensor swap resolved a puzzling
Code that was displaying. Has he collected money solving the
same problem for countless other callers? Doesn't matter to me,
he solved my problem and saved me money!

Also, I have purchased two of his books, his emergency hood release
and another tool from his company.

.
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Slalom4me
I called him once. I found that he gathered information to properlyidentify the problem area and then zeroed in on the specifics. I had anticipated beforehand that there might be an attempt to run up the clock.
May I ask what you ended up being charged?
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 06:46 PM
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Originally Posted by JrRifleCoach
May I ask what you ended up being charged?
It'll take a while to find it, we're talking '01 maybe?

But I'll see what I can do because in my dealings with the guy,
I found him to be a straight shooter. I've offered his contact
information to several people and I wouldn't do so if he treated
me wrong.

I'm not going to guess. I don't know if it's the heat or something
in the water, but people seem to be a mite over-prickly as of late

.
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 06:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Slalom4me
It'll take a while to find it, we're talking '01 maybe?

But I'll see what I can do because in my dealings with the guy,
I found him to be a straight shooter. I've offered his contact
information to several people and I wouldn't do so if he treated
me wrong.
My 86 has a problem that I've been chasing for two years. My next step is to call Gordon. To avoid sticker shock, an idea of what I can expect to pay may help me prepare my wallet.
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 06:58 PM
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Slalom, I don't think I'm being overly prickly or picky. I've just not heard of someone of his stature and position charging for his telephone advice.

As you put it, it sounds reasonable. However, in my experience much of that kind of advice is priced into products and services offered by the person. Or, it's called the cost of doing (potential) business. Or mining (seeding) the market.

Several names and phrases to all say the same thing: you give away a certain amount of your time as goodwill, as an expert, and as a means to ensure or gain future sales.

Granted, there are true consultants, and maybe he is one. Maybe, per your description. I just find it a bit odd, even with your explanation.

I would respectfully disagree with you that it's a good way to do business but if it works for him, so be it. He is the expert, and someday I may need him. Or maybe I'll find someone else.

But then, that willl be my choice and my dollars.
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 09:14 PM
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Originally Posted by LT4CompYell
Several names and phrases to all say the same thing: you give away a certain amount of your time as goodwill, as an expert, and as a means to ensure or gain future sales.
Granted, there are true consultants, and maybe he is one. Maybe, per your description. I just find it a bit odd, even with your explanation.
Perhaps he feels as though he has done his share of goodwill, and maybe too many people picking his brain just got old.
Aside from friends, most professionals wether it be a doctor, lawyer, (GM dealer) all charge a consultation fee just to listen or estimate a job in general. If he gets the job done then I guess this answers the question of him being a consultant.

I am in no way defending his logic or buisness, nor am I trying to begin an argument, just another point of veiw. m7
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To Killebrews ALDL code readers

Old Aug 28, 2005 | 09:23 PM
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"I am in no way defending his logic or buisness, nor am I trying to begin an argument, just another point of veiw. m7"

No argument here, m7. I don't think I can argue with it. As I said to slalom, "...if it works for him, so be it".

I do know that in sales, consulting, selling products or services, you are always selling. Which means you're also always giving something away to keep sales coming. Whether it's promo materials, advice, suggestions, benefits, charity, advertising, pens, pencils, etc. The phrase, "you're only as good as your last sale" is applicable.

I was expressing surprise. I really haven't got too many examples like that one in my experience.

I'm glad he's around to share his expertise even at some cost.
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 09:52 PM
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Originally Posted by LT4CompYell
"The phrase, "you're only as good as your last sale" is applicable.
I was expressing surprise. I really haven't got too many examples like that one in my experience.
I'm glad he's around to share his expertise even at some cost.
LT4 CompYell,
I get it, and I think how you stated your point was done very diplomatically and in a way not to be argumentative or offend anyone.
In my buissness it's: "you are only as good as your last show"
I think that its cool that there is someone (G.K.) out there like that with that type of knowledge base.
The reality here is that I think we are ALL a little spoiled by having this forum which has many knowledgeable (too many to mention) members who are willing to share information with others because of their true enthuisiasm of corvettes. To me that part is the best.
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Old Aug 28, 2005 | 10:01 PM
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Originally Posted by LT4CompYell
Slalom, I don't think I'm being overly prickly or picky. I've just not heard of someone of his stature and position charging for his telephone advice.
He runs a Vette tech support line. It's a big part of his business... My understanding is that he (or someone else) will give help on his purchased products for free, but problems requiring his knowledge are charged for. As you said, he's a consultant.

I've met him at Carlisle (and his wife) and he'll do minor advice for free if he's not busy at the booth, and sometimes it's worth it to hang around and listen to him talking to others.

I went there today and asked if they knew any place to get hard-to-find C4 parts, and was given a nice list of companies w/phone numbers, URLs, names, etc and also which were currently onsite at Carlisle - at no charge. Couple of the places I already knew about (like Vette2Vette) but many were new to me.
[RICHR]
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