Frequently Asked Questions

MechanicGPT is an AI-powered automotive diagnostic assistant designed to help car owners understand vehicle issues. Our platform uses advanced AI technology combined with real automotive data from NHTSA complaints, OBD2 code databases, and automotive knowledge bases to provide educational guidance about potential vehicle problems.

Our chatbot uses RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) technology. When you ask a question, the AI searches through our database of over 4,000 OBD2 codes, NHTSA vehicle complaints, and automotive knowledge articles to find relevant information. It then uses this context to generate a helpful, personalized response tailored to your specific question.

No, absolutely not. MechanicGPT is an educational tool designed to help you understand potential vehicle issues. We are not licensed mechanics, and our platform should never be used as a substitute for professional automotive diagnosis and repair. Always consult a certified mechanic for proper diagnosis, especially for safety-critical issues. Improper repairs can be dangerous.

We cover over 4,000 OBD2 diagnostic trouble codes across all major categories: P-codes (Powertrain), B-codes (Body), C-codes (Chassis), and U-codes (Network/Communication). Our database includes both generic (manufacturer-independent) codes and many manufacturer-specific codes. Each code page provides detailed information about causes, symptoms, and diagnostic steps.

Our information comes from authoritative sources including the NHTSA complaint database, OBD2 specifications, and established automotive knowledge. However, automotive diagnosis is complex and vehicle-specific. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that information applies to your specific situation. Factors like vehicle year, make, model, maintenance history, and environmental conditions can all affect diagnosis. Always verify information with a professional.

Yes, MechanicGPT is currently free to use. You can chat with our AI assistant, browse our database of OBD2 codes, and access our diagnostic guides at no cost. We may introduce premium features in the future, but core functionality will remain accessible.

Our AI is powered by several authoritative data sources:

• - NHTSA Complaints: Real owner-reported vehicle problems and safety issues
• - OBD2 Code Database: Comprehensive coverage of diagnostic trouble codes
• - Wikipedia: General automotive knowledge and technical background

No. If you are experiencing an emergency situation, such as a vehicle fire, brake failure, or any situation that puts you or others in immediate danger, please stop your vehicle safely, exit if necessary, and call emergency services (911). MechanicGPT is not designed for emergency response and cannot provide real-time emergency assistance.

OBD2 codes follow a standard format: a letter followed by four digits. The first letter indicates the system:

• - P = Powertrain (engine, transmission)
• - B = Body (airbags, lighting, HVAC)
• - C = Chassis (ABS, steering, suspension)
• - U = Network (CAN bus, communication)

Visit our OBD2 Codes section to look up specific codes and get detailed explanations.

Yes, we store chat conversations to maintain context during your session and to improve our AI system. This data is stored securely and is not shared with third parties for marketing purposes. For more details about how we handle your data, please read our Privacy Policy.

We appreciate community feedback. If you notice any errors in our OBD2 code descriptions or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us through our website. While we cannot incorporate user-submitted repairs or diagnoses directly (to maintain quality), we value feedback that helps us improve accuracy.

AI language models can generate slightly different responses based on how questions are phrased and the context provided. This is normal behavior. If you receive conflicting information, try rephrasing your question with more specific details about your vehicle and symptoms. For critical decisions, always verify information with a professional mechanic.