A guy brought his tractor into the shop last week. It's a 2019 model, still pretty new. He was frustrated because a simple sensor issue would have cost him $50 in parts if he could have just swapped it himself. But the manufacturer had locked the diagnostic software behind a subscription. That's the right to repair problem in a nutshell.
What Is the Right to Repair?
The right to repair movement is about making sure you, your local mechanic, or your ranch hand can fix the equipment you own. It pushes for laws that require manufacturers to provide access to diagnostic tools, software, parts, and manuals. Without it, you're stuck going to the dealer for even minor repairs, and they can charge whatever they want. For those of us who keep our own stuff running, that's a raw deal.
My grandfather taught me this trick — still works 40 years later. If you can't access the repair info, you can't fix it. That's the whole point.
How It Affects Auto Shops
For independent auto shops, the right to repair is a lifeline. We rely on being able to read engine codes, program modules, and reset service lights. When a car manufacturer locks that behind a proprietary system, we lose business. Customers get sent to the dealership even for simple jobs like a brake pad replacement or battery registration. I've seen shops lose entire fleets of customers because they couldn't service late-model vehicles.
Take Ford, Chevy, and RAM trucks — the workhorses of any ranch. If you can't access the transmission control module software, you're driving an hour to the dealer and paying double. That's not fair to a working man.
Impact on Farm and Ranch Equipment
It's not just cars. Tractors, combines, and UTVs are getting smarter. Modern agricultural equipment has so many computers that even changing a tire can throw a code. Manufacturers like John Deere have been notorious for restricting access to repair software. Ranchers and farmers are left with two bad choices: pay the dealer or let the machine sit.
I've seen a $300,000 combine stop working because of a firmware glitch. The fix was a software update, but only the dealer could install it. That downtime cost the owner thousands of dollars in lost harvest. The right to repair would let that same farmer buy a diagnostic tool and fix it himself.
What the Future Holds
Right now, several states have passed right to repair laws, and more are considering them. The momentum is growing. But manufacturers are pushing back hard, arguing that opening up their software could cause safety risks or copyright infringement. That's mostly smoke — they want to keep the repair monopoly.
For our shop, I've had to turn away work on newer cars because I couldn't get the software. That's not sustainable. The day a manufacturer locks out my ability to fix a customer's car, they're hurting small business and the customer's wallet.
How You Can Support the Right to Repair
If you own a vehicle or a piece of equipment, this affects you. You can support organizations like Repair.org or write to your state representative. Tell them you want the right to fix what you own.
Shop Trick: Before buying any new vehicle or tractor, check how easy it is to get service manuals and diagnostic tools. Some brands are more open than others. If a manufacturer locks you out, they may not get your business next time.
A guy asked me the other day, "Luis, what's the biggest change you've seen in thirty years of turning wrenches?" I told him it's the shift from mechanical to digital. When a machine stops working because of a software lock, that's not progress — it's a restriction. The right to repair is about keeping control in your hands, whether you're fixing a 1965 GMC or a 2025 tractor.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Right to Repair
Q: Does the right to repair void my warranty?
A: No. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act already protects consumers from having their warranty voided simply because they used a third-party part or service. Right to repair laws reinforce this. You won't lose your warranty for fixing your own vehicle.
Q: Are manufacturers required to share all software?
A: Not all. Right to repair typically covers diagnostic tools, service manuals, and replacement parts. It doesn't force manufacturers to give away trade secrets, but it does require them to make basic repair information available.
Q: How can I check if my state has a right to repair law?
A: As of 2025, states like Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Minnesota have passed or are considering laws. Visit repair.org for an up-to-date map. If your state doesn't have one, call your legislator.
Q: Does the right to repair apply to all equipment?
A: It depends on the law. Most current bills cover vehicles and agricultural equipment. Some also include electronics like phones and laptops. The goal is to make sure you can fix anything you own, but coverage varies state by state.
If you're not sure how to support the movement, start by talking to your local mechanic. Ask them what repairs they can't do because of software locks. It'll open your eyes. And remember, if you own it, you should be able to fix it.
