Patent ID: 7920944
Filing Date: 2011-04-05
Classification: G07C

Abstract:
1. A diagnostic test and reporting method for a vehicle having an onboard diagnostic system, an instrument panel display containing at least one warning light or other visual indicator connected to the diagnostic system to provide a visual warning to a vehicle user, and a telematics unit that communicates with the diagnostic system and enables voice communication between the vehicle user and an advisor at a call center via a wireless connection, the method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a request for a vehicle diagnostic test from the vehicle user through a user interface of the telematics unit; (b) determining whether a visual warning is present on the instrument panel display and, if so, accessing and playing a pre-recorded voice message that provides information concerning the visual warning; (c) performing a vehicle diagnostic check of various vehicle conditions and generating diagnostic data resulting from the diagnostic check; (d) accessing and playing a second pre-recorded voice message associated with the diagnostic data, the second voice message containing one or more instructions concerning corrective action to be taken by the vehicle user, (e) providing the vehicle user with an option to communicate with the advisor via voice communication over the wireless connection; and (f) initiating the wireless connection to the advisor if the user accepts the option; wherein steps (a) through (e) are carried out at the vehicle without initiating any wireless connection to the call center.