Would you consider using an AI assistant to diagnose and fix cars?
Posted by DependentSeat1683@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 64 comments
Hey, everyone!
I'm a software engineer with a passion for cars. Recently I've built a simple tool which helps you to inspect your car problems, get detailed information about the possible reasons and fix them. It's all based on AI (Artificial Intelligence).
I am genuinely curious whether you will find it useful and consider using it when working on car issues. I would really appreciate if you could give it a try and share your honest feedback. My goal is to make everyone better understand how cars work, how to inspect certain issues and how to fix them.
Here's the website: https://fixmyride.ai/
You’ll greatly benefit from it if any of the below points is true:
- If you are a DIY guy 😎 it's an ideal tool for you to work on a certain problem
- Your car has a problem but you have no clue what could be the root cause
- Your mechanic provided a huge list of components to fix and you want to double check
- You're a car enthusiast or a mechanic who wants to learn about car issues
It’s completely free but still in an early stage of development, so it’s limited to 3 car inspections per account. You may also experience a little bit of a delay in responses, but please bear with it, it'll be fixed in later versions.
You just need to register with your email, specify your car model and the problem you're facing. The rest should be easy to navigate.
Please let me know if you experience any difficulties or issues. I'll will be glad to assist you.
Thank you in advance everyone for trying out! 🙏
GamerPi@reddit
Signed up to see if this would work and after verification email i got a page that just says engine malfunction. Not sure if the site is still active but neither creating a new account or trying to sign in gets me into the page.
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
Hey, thanks for giving it a try! The site is active and while I’ll be checking and fixing the issue, would you be able to try signing up via Google in case you got Gmail account?
GamerPi@reddit
Google allows me to log in. So it must just be signing up via email that’s the issue
Lawrence_Shadow@reddit
The last few vehicle issues we had I used chat gpt and grok to diagnose. Both gave pretty much exact diagnosis and proper procedures for repair.. the small details of repair I wasn't concerned about, I was only concerned about getting a diagnosis and see what It "believed" to be the correct way forward. My transmission issue it nailed. My fuel filter issue it nailed and it also got my coil replacement issue correct. I did not have codes thrown for any of these, just symptoms to report.
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
May I ask you to try diagnosing the same symptoms using my tool? I’d love to get your feedback on the user flow + user experience.
TravelingMikey@reddit
Chat GPT told me to buy fuses that don't exist in my car
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
Sometimes that kind of thing happens when the model doesn’t get enough precise car details, when there are differences between trims or regional versions or when the system fills in gaps because the info it received was unclear. On the other hand, my app is built to avoid that by relying on detailed vehicle data and clear symptom descriptions so the suggestions match what’s actually in your car. Feel free to give it a try and share your feedback :)
tcoffin014@reddit
I know this is an old post, but I just told google AI Studio to create an app for me that solves a real world problem, and it created pretty much exactly what you described in about 45 seconds. It's actually pretty good too. Came across this post after researching other apps like this. Just curious, have you had any success with yours so far?
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
Hey that’s awesome! LLM tools are getting pretty good at spinning up quick prototypes. The product I build is still in progress and it’s been going really well so far. AI studio and similar platforms are great for prototypes or simple demos, but when you want a product that’s genuinely reliable and feature-rich it still takes quite a bit of hands-on development and domain expertise.
Haunting-Mistake-706@reddit
Looking at this post 2 years later and its such a different automotive landscape. At this point, even E/E providers and vehicle software platforms like Sonatus already have AI Technicians in mind before the cars are even manufactured. AI vehicle technicians are something that everyone here had been thinking about on a consumer scale and now that next-gen solution is really coming into view. This is the podcast that made me think of it: https://www.sonatus.com/resources/sonatus-ai-technician-builder/
That_Grim_Texan@reddit
Believe it or not, Kubota already has software that does this,
Takes Current codes or symptoms that you've entered and compares the to completed Warranty tickets, Service support requests, Parts sales, And Tech knowledge articles And list out 10 probable causes for the issues at hand. Plus, steps to diag.
hiMwhere@reddit
Bobat too
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
I didn’t hear about Kubota, but as far as I understand they are making professional equipments. If that’s the case then it’s different from my tool, because the latter can be helpful for everyone rather than only professional auto mechanics. Also, it’s still in early stage, in future it will provide you more information about places where you can fix your particular car problems or buy the required parts.
rsegalini@reddit
I own a shop. I think we should design an ai assistant that can analyze vehicle codes and data through the OBD connector and then guide a tech through step by step diagnostic procedures. The tech can input findings along the way and ai can give the next step. Using already published flow charts, wiring diagrams, tsb’s, tech community websites etc. until the final conclusion is reached. Would be a game changer in the industry since fewer and fewer young people are getting into the automotive technician field. It would allow a less experienced tech to diagnose more complicated issues.
Dad-first-foo_bar@reddit
I am literally thinking of the same project idea, only difference is for this to be compatible with mobile devices (iOS/android). Came here to see if this tool already exists before building this out lol! I am also a car enthusiast and software engineer. I have not tried your tool yet but will indeed leave some feedback when I do. Nice to know there are other software developers with a passion for cars.
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
Hey, glad to see likeminded people. A mobile app is a great idea indeed, and while I don’t plan currently to implement one, I’m making the next version to be responsive enough for a mobile use. The revamp is on the way already, although little bit late.
Please give it a try and share your feedback. And good luck with your idea! 🤘
Local_Skanderbeg@reddit
I think this would be useful for non-technical people who want to troubleshoot the issue themselves before sending the car to the mechanic. You might wanna consider making it a bit more "conversational" or ask the user more questions before prompting the model. I imagine the users message is the prompt the model receives..and if we are honest most people are not great at asking the right questions or describing the problem accurately. You might want to gather that info first by asking small questions, and then have an agent build an appropriate prompt that then is passed to the main model... I am thinking of building something similar myself, thats how i ended up in this post 😅
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
Appreciate your input! You’re right about the better approach of inquiring the information from the users and that’s already implemented in my next version which will be released hopefully this week. Current version was serving as an MVP to test certain hypotheses.
By the way, while the scenario you described is one of the possibilities, there might be also a case when the customer will use it AFTER sending the car to the mechanic to double check the provided quote.
For the next version I’ve planned to release many new features, so hopefully you’ll like it more and perhaps will be more motivated to build your product :)
Thanks again and good luck with your ideas! 🚀
Local_Skanderbeg@reddit
Thanks man, good luck with the project and cant wait to see whats coming up next. 💪
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
Thanks a lot for your support! Much appreciated 🤝
ottosucks@reddit
CarLabs.ai does this lol
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
You must have missed the description of the product I’ve shared in my post ... lol
If you are too lazy to read it all, I’d suggest you to look at the bullet points, which specify the target user group and use cases.
ottosucks@reddit
Yours is trash
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
Haha.. So, looks like you are incapable of reading and comprehending. In addition, you also don’t understand what an alpha version of a product is, lol. Good luck with that attitude, you’ll really need it. Try at least to create something useful in your life instead of sh*tting under others’ posts. Peace ✌️
ottosucks@reddit
Bad software developer
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
Man, why do you even keep commenting, lol? You’re the best one! Here you go, you should be satisfied now. Although, based on your username I do believe that “otto” is your name.
Comprehensive-Run805@reddit
Hey OP, this is a very cool prototype. Would love to chat more, sent you a DM.
Pleasant-Mixture2311@reddit
Wondering if you are still developing it or something similar in the industry
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
I have big plans with it and am trying to find a time and work on it as much as possible. Did you try it? Any pros or cons you could share?
Pleasant-Mixture2311@reddit
i tried getting in but it doesnt work shows me a bad getaway,and i would like to try and and explore it
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
It's fixed now. You can try it out.
AGARAN24@reddit
Is the website down?
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
It was down, yes. But it's back now. Please give it a try and share your feedback.
Sisa_12@reddit
I tried to sign up but did not receive the confirmation email and now it does not let me access.
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
Hey, sorry for my late reply. Please DM your email and I’ll fix it for you. If you’re not comfortable with sharing your personal email you can try signing up with a disposable one.
stumblehope@reddit
Hey just wanted to let you know I found your tool while searching to see if anyone had built something like this yet. I'm doing some body / electrical / costmetic work on a Toyota Highlander Hybrid XU20 and I thought it might be cool to have a data-informed guide versus having to read old toyo forum posts with all the typos and broken picture links.
I signed up, no problem there (I'm a CS software IT person as well who knows how to use a temporary email address ;).
But I wasn't quite willing to let you run javascript in my browser. Sorry but you seem nice and I wanted you to at least have that feedback.
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
Hey, thank you for giving it a try and sharing your feedback. I’m a bit confused about the JavaScript part through. The JS in this website doesn’t have a complex logic, because all the heavy lifting is being done in the backend (as it should be in the majority of the cases). Also, nowadays it’s almost impossible to find a website which doesn’t contain any JS code. I genuinely wonder how you are using the web with such requirement :)
PanicEquivalent8703@reddit
hey there, i'd love to know where you got all the datasets for making this ai, im a student who is working on a similar school project nd im tired of looking for the datasets for this ai
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
Hey, which datasets you particularly refer to, the car models?
PanicEquivalent8703@reddit
yep the car models and also datasets containing the issues and their solutions.
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
I found the models somewhere in the web, it’s by far not a comprehensive dataset and I’m pretty sure not up-to-date too. I’m planning to find a better source currently. As for the issues and solutions, I’m not using any datasets, it’s all based on AI.
East-Top7427@reddit
I found this by googling use ai to diagnose vehicle problems based of sound. I think that would be very helpful because right now I can't figure out why I have a misfire occurring so I changed my spark plugs which didn't help checked my wires which were fine and then attempted to move coil packs around which I found didn't make a difference and the same 2 cylinders didn't produce spark... but it makes these sounds and it would be nice to know if the sound I am hearing could be a fuel injector. Idk just thought.
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
Hey, did you try using the website? Did it help?
Humble_Fish4908@reddit
Completely free while requiring sign-up and a login is not free.
Ftlme@reddit
But you didn't pay to sign up did you? It's still free lol
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
You better try it out before commenting trash.
Humble_Fish4908@reddit
Make it actually free instead of claiming it to be and I'd love to.
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
What are you even talking about? Did you try it? At what point you had to pay for it?
Galopigos@reddit
So you plan on competing with the AIs that are already out there for auto repairs? There are at least 10 that I know of, wouldn't trust them as far as I could throw an Impala because they are generally not even close with the information they provide. Even the ones I know of in the professional side are no better than a magic 8 ball in accuracy. Good luck.
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
Of course, I don’t see any issues having competitors. I’m planning to develop many more features in near future. Also this product will be focused on helping and educating everyone rather than be a tool for professionals only. Smart equipments for auto mechanics might have better integrations with their devices for sure, but that’s not my target direction.
Did you try out this one? I’m really curious to get your feedback. I wonder how good it could be diagnosing your Impala.
Thank you for wishing me a good luck! 🙏
S3ERFRY333@reddit
I tried it out with this prompt (I've actually been having this issue)
1984 Toyota pickup.
"Turbo diesel. When I floor it there is light grey smoke from the exhaust"
I got an "unexpected server error", tried a few times, gave up.
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
Thank you for trying out and sharing the issue!
It is fixed now, please try again and share your feedback.
S3ERFRY333@reddit
No and I can't stand anything to do with AI
landrover97centre@reddit
AI can’t tune my carburetor by ear or feel… or sync my carbs, I’ll pass. As for actual diagnosis, I know my car better than a super computer, sure a super computer knows all the specifications off the top of its head, however, I know my cars common issues, I know how my car drives, I can diagnose 99% of what’s wrong with my drivetrain simply by feel, noise, sight, and smell
Waistland@reddit
Is it going to find that broken wire or corroded pin? Is it going to bend its elbow backwards to get that impossible bolt? I feel like it’s just going to tell you what trouble shooting tree to follow based off of what code or symptoms you give it.
landrover97centre@reddit
All I’m saying is you know when your carb is out of wack, you don’t need a computer to verify it, you don’t need a computer to tell you you have a misfire, you don’t need a computer to tell you your transmission selector switch is broke (it cranks in park-neutral, or it doesn’t), or if your distributor cap is moist. At most it’d be neat to have it read code on cars 1996 and newer and do exactly what he $20 code reader does already. Personally I don’t see a need for AI, any Answer AI can give from google, I can give an answer based off experience, by the time the AI is plugged into my car, I’ll already know a majority of the time what’s wrong with it. The answer AI will give me from google could be 100 different things because cars all have similar issues, with totally different repairs, I’ve had some oddball issues with my car and I can confidently say AI could not have told me I plugged the spade connector into the wrong spade on my starter. At most AI will tell me what I already know, if your car doesn’t crank over what’s your first thought? Battery, fuse, bad starter, bad battery leads, a short, etc., from personal experience, I can confidently say AI will not be of use diagnosing my car.
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
It’s great that you can fix so many things on your car, but it’s not the same for everyone else. So it’s helpful for everyone and including yourself in case you’ll experience some strange new problem or will get a new car with new symptoms.
Also, I think you’re mixing different things in your comment - using an AI tool with using a computer. Of course if you are almost sure what’s the problem you are not going to use computer or to google it, let it even use AI tool. The latter is more about giving a better experience when you are ALREADY using or PLANNING to use a computer to google it, to find the root cause and to fix it. And another benefit is that people without good knowledge of cars can confirm the issue provided by the mechanic before asking to fix it, given that there are lots of unfair professionals out there.
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
Of course you know your car’s “normal” and “problematic” behaviors the best, however that doesn’t mean - 1) everyone else know about their cars too 2) AI don’t have that information. To elaborate on the latter point, as you and everyone else speak about it in different forums or reddits, that’s a source information for AIs or at least for the people who train them. And while it can’t feel or smell, it can still be able to guess the real reasons accurately if you describe it properly.
Also, no matter how specific your car and its problems are, it’s still a car and shares similar symptoms with many other cars. It’s the same for babies - each of them are unique and cry differently for different things, but the reasons are usually the same or close enough. Hence, lots of parents find it useful asking about problems in forums as most probably someone else experienced it before with their children.
Ftlme@reddit
Who's even tuning carburetors nowadays? Old school stuff
I can kind of see your point though, I don't think this app is meant for people like you with tons of experience. I can see it being for useful for beginners and diy
ProJoe@reddit
it's 2024. this app isn't built for carburetor tuning.
RobertETHT2@reddit
You have a $billion dollar$ idea, you have billion problems to Rangel with…
The amount of spoon feeding an AI would take is years worth of data to even begin making it useful across all the vehicle platforms that are out there and will be out there. Then the technology that is mysterious to the user has to be developed. You’re talking way beyond a yes/no flow chart.
It’s short of ungodly task as to what intuitive insight a mechanic/electronics tech has to acquire to make valid decisions about what to understand about the issue, what look for, how to approach the situation, what magical skills they can apply, etc.
Watch a few of the YouTube channels to get an idea of the intricacies of repairing these days.
https://youtu.be/FPKN25EpN6s?si=30nW4Mj41lesseUt
https://youtu.be/hFXpGqMmmnw?si=Zj1oNZsZ9E_Y-ejv
https://youtu.be/DaU6WgP2_4w?si=Pu8XDtDC5N4LzloL
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
I see your point. However, I don’t agree that it will take years to make this useful. AI is getting improved very quickly and given that almost all the information is available online - all articles, blogs, forums, reddits and even the videos like you shared (via transcripts) - then it’s just a matter of short time for it to start making a difference. And I’m not even mentioning that for such application one would train it (which I’m going to do) to answer better as compared to a generic AI tool like ChatGPT.
o2manyfish@reddit
Just tried it out.
One- need more then 100 characters to describe the issue.
I gave it two relatively easy and straightforward issues (for the specific make and model, they are common issues), and it gave me completely incorrect info (tappets- which do not exist on the specific engine). Along with faulty steps for diagnoses.
May want to collaborate with an actual mechanic to create model specific info as broad generalizations cause issues.
DependentSeat1683@reddit (OP)
Thank you for trying out and sharing your feedback!
As I mentioned, it’s in early stage. I’m planning to both increase the character limit and add possibility to add more information at a later point too, for example, when it shows a particular reason, you can supply additional information about it mentioning that you already confirmed it’s not the issue.
Collaborating with mechanics is a great idea, and in fact I’m looking for such professional. So, if you know anyone it’d be great if you could share contacts.
Thank you again 🙏