[Dixie]

Here's my rant for the week...

I installed the Mopar backup camera in my Dodge Ram last weekend. It makes hooking up the trailer a breeze. But to activate the system, you need to have the dealer configure the UConnect computer system in the truck. So I bought the camera. I install the system, and return to the dealer to have it turned on. The dealership hooks the truck to the Dodge diagnostic system and connects to the factory Intranet system. They type in the VIN number and the option code. Viola, the camera works. What do they charge for this 5 minute task? The service manager "cuts me a deal". It's only $80!

WTF? One would think it would be easier to build the truck with the software configured to run everything regardless what's actually on the truck. And the $80 charge is absurd. That action will keep me from going to the dealership again. To think I was astounded years ago when I owned my '94 BMW. BMW would not sell their service manual to the public. That was obviously just the start of a trend to desig cars so they steer service to the dealer network.

PS: There is a $200 aftermarket hardware/software workaround. but $80 is less that $200. Now if I was adding the NAV system as well...