Method and apparatus for translating vehicle diagnostic trouble codes

1. A method for translating diagnostic trouble codes from a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of

(a) detecting a diagnostic trouble code which is generated by a computer connected with the vehicle corresponding to and in response to a fault in the performance of the motor vehicle;

(b) automatically transmitting the detected diagnostic trouble code and vehicle identification information to a remote central server which identifies the vehicle and associates it with the detected diagnostic trouble code;

(c) translating the detected diagnostic trouble code in a diagnostic code translator connected with the remote central server to produce a message which indicates the severity of the fault and includes at least one of the vehicle system in which the fault occurred, the level of urgency for seeking further diagnostics or repair, and recommendations regarding continued operation of the vehicle; and

(d) automatically transmitting the message to the operator of the vehicle.

2. A method as defined in claim 1 , wherein performance operating parameters of the vehicle at the time the diagnostic trouble code is detected are transmitted with the detected diagnostic trouble code to the central server.

3. A method as defined in claim 2 , wherein the performance operating parameters include at least one of vehicle speed, engine temperature, battery condition, and odometer mileage.

4. A method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the message is transmitted to the operator via one of e-mail, text messaging, and a telephone call.

5. A method as defined in claim 2 , and further comprising the step of storing the fault and vehicle condition and repair information associated with the vehicle in a remote database.

6. A method as defined in claim 5 , and further comprising the step of updating the stored fault and vehicle information in the remote database every time a fault is detected.

7. A method as defined in claim 6 , and further comprising the step of analyzing detected diagnostic trouble codes and vehicle operating parameter information within the database to predict when vehicle fault and system failures will occur by year, make, model, and engine type for a variety of motor vehicles.

8. A method as defined in claim 5 , wherein the operator of the vehicle can access the database to obtain the history of vehicle faults and conditions.

9. A method as defined in claim 1 , and further comprising the step of requesting the dispatch of an emergency roadside technician to the vehicle in response to the code translation.

10. Apparatus for translating diagnostic trouble codes from motor vehicles, comprising

(a) a telematics device connected with a motor vehicle for detecting a diagnostic trouble code which is generated by a computer connected with the vehicle in response to a fault in the performance of the vehicle and automatically transmitting the diagnostic trouble code and vehicle information;

(b) a remote data server for receiving said diagnostic trouble code and vehicle information from said telematics device and generating a query containing said diagnostic trouble code and vehicle information;

(c) a remote diagnostic code translator connected with said remote data server and which receives said query and translates the diagnostic trouble code to produce a message to the data server which indicates the severity of the fault and includes at least one of the vehicle system in which the fault occurred, the level of urgency for seeking further diagnostics or repair, and recommendations regarding continued operation of the vehicle;

(d) a communication device connected with said data server for automatically transmitting the message to the operator of the vehicle.

11. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 , wherein said telematics device transmits information which identifies the vehicle and information relating to operating parameters of the vehicle.

12. Apparatus as defined in claim 11 , wherein said operating parameters include at least one of vehicle speed, engine temperature, battery condition, and odometer mileage.

13. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 , where said communication device comprises a wireless device which is capable of transmitting e-mail, text message, and telephone calls to the operator.

14. Apparatus as defined in claim 12 , and further comprising a remote database connected with said server which stores fault and vehicle condition and repair information associated with the vehicle.

15. Apparatus as defined in claim 14 , wherein said data server receives diagnostic trouble codes from a plurality of telematics devices, each connected with a different motor vehicle, and further wherein said database stores diagnostic trouble code and vehicle operating parameter information for a plurality of vehicles and analyzes the stored diagnostic trouble code and vehicle operating parameter information to predict when vehicle fault and system failures will occur by year, make, model and engine type for a variety of motor vehicles.