Terms & Conditions

2.1 Service Scope

DiagAutoClinic provides professional automotive diagnostic services including but not limited to:

• Vehicle diagnostics and fault code analysis
• ECU programming, flashing, and tuning
• Key coding and immobilizer programming
• Module repair and coding services
• Component adaptation and configuration

2.2 Service Limitations

While we strive for excellence in all services, we acknowledge the following limitations:

• Not all vehicle issues can be diagnosed or resolved through software diagnostics alone
• Some manufacturer-specific protocols may require OEM equipment not available to independent shops
• Vehicle modifications, aftermarket parts, or previous unauthorized repairs may affect diagnostic results
• Success rates for certain procedures, including "all keys lost" scenarios, vary by vehicle make and model

2.3 Customer Responsibilities

Clients are responsible for:

• Providing accurate vehicle information and service history
• Disclosing any previous modifications or repairs
• Understanding that diagnostic services identify issues but do not guarantee repair outcomes
• Following all post-service recommendations for vehicle operation

2.4 Communication Recording & Records

Telephone calls with DiagAutoClinic may be recorded for quality assurance, service administration, training, and dispute resolution purposes.

Electronic communications, including WhatsApp messages, emails, quotations, approvals, photographs, and related service communications, may be retained as business and service records for the purposes described in these terms and subject to applicable data-protection law.

2.5.1 Proof of Ownership

Before any work is commenced, the client must provide valid proof of ownership for the vehicle or module(s) in question. This may include:

• A valid vehicle registration document in the client's name
• An invoice or receipt of purchase
• Valid identification matching the ownership documents

2.5.2 Shipping Risk

The client is fully responsible for ensuring that modules are adequately packed and insured during transit to and from DiagAutoClinic.

• DiagAutoClinic is not liable for damage or loss occurring during shipping to or from our facility, except to the extent liability cannot lawfully be excluded.
• Clients are strongly advised to use registered, tracked, and insured courier services.
• Modules should be packed in anti-static bags with sufficient protective material.

2.5.3 Module Condition Upon Arrival

• DiagAutoClinic reserves the right to photograph and document the condition of received modules upon arrival.
• No liability is accepted for pre-existing damage, latent defects, or damage caused by the module's physical condition, including corroded pins, water damage, broken connectors, or evidence of previous tampering, subject to applicable law.
• If a module arrives in a condition that makes it unsafe or impossible to work on, the client will be notified and given the option to proceed at their own risk.

2.5.4 Return Shipping

• Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the client unless otherwise agreed.
• DiagAutoClinic will package modules securely for return but is not liable for damage during return transit, except to the extent liability cannot lawfully be excluded.
• Clients must provide a valid shipping address and contact details.

2.6.1 Nature of Service

IMMO-off is a modification that disables the vehicle's factory immobilizer system. This is a permanent modification that changes the vehicle's security architecture.

2.6.2 Risks & Consequences

The client acknowledges and accepts the following risks:

• The vehicle will operate without factory theft protection, making it significantly more vulnerable to theft.
• Insurance may be affected or a claim may be rejected if the vehicle is stolen and immobilizer disablement is discovered, depending on the applicable insurance policy.
• The vehicle's resale value may decrease as buyers may not accept a vehicle without a functioning immobilizer.
• Some diagnostic tools and dealer systems may flag the vehicle as modified or tampered with, potentially affecting future repairs.
• If the module fails in the future, replacement may not be possible without custom programming or sourcing a matching donor set.

2.6.3 Client Acknowledgment

By signing the IMMO-Off Agreement, the client:

• Confirms they are the lawful owner of the vehicle
• Requests the service voluntarily and of their own free will
• Accepts the risks associated with the disabled immobilizer
• Accepts responsibility for the consequences of requesting the modification, subject to rights and remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded
• Acknowledges that original IMMO data may be backed up and retained in accordance with DiagAutoClinic's data-retention policy

2.6.4 Data Retention & Restoration

• Original IMMO data and related service records are backed up and retained for 7 years for service verification, restoration, dispute resolution, record-keeping, and other lawful business purposes, subject to applicable data-protection law.
• Where technically useful, non-identifying and de-identified technical information derived from completed work may be retained as part of DiagAutoClinic's internal technical knowledge base and donor/module reference database.
• Customer-identifying information, ownership documentation, VINs, and other customer-specific personal information will not be added to a technical donor database unless there is a lawful basis for doing so.
• Restoration of original immobilizer functionality is possible but requires a return visit to DiagAutoClinic and is subject to additional fees.
• Restoration is not guaranteed if the module has been physically damaged, modified, overwritten, or replaced by third parties after the initial service.

2.7.1 General Payment Policy

• All services must be paid in full before the return of modules or completion of work, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• All prices are quoted in South African Rands (ZAR) and are exclusive of VAT unless otherwise stated.
• Payment methods accepted: EFT, PayFast, or as otherwise agreed in writing.
• Payment is considered complete when funds are cleared in DiagAutoClinic's bank account.

2.7.2 Assessment Fee

An assessment fee of R350 must be deposited before any diagnostic assessment will be started.

• This fee is non-refundable and covers the initial time, setup, and expertise required.
• If work proceeds, this fee will be credited toward the final invoice.

2.7.3 Full Payment Required

Unless otherwise agreed, full payment of the quoted price is required before substantive repair, programming, modification, or other chargeable work will be started.

2.7.4 Additional Charges

If additional work or parts are required beyond the initial quote, the client will be notified via phone or WhatsApp. Work will only proceed if approved by the client.

2.7.5 On-Site & Remote Services

For on-site or remote diagnostic services, a 50% deposit is required before deployment or commencement of work.

2.7.6 Late Payment

Outstanding invoices beyond 30 days may be subject to interest charges of 2% per month or the maximum amount permitted by South African law.

2.7.7 Banking Details

Banking details will be supplied on the applicable quotation, invoice, payment request, or other official payment documentation.

3.1 Product Information

We make every effort to display accurate product information, including descriptions, specifications, and pricing. However, we reserve the right to correct errors and update information without prior notice.

3.2 Orders & Pricing

• All prices are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) unless otherwise specified.
• Prices are subject to change without notice.
• Product availability is not guaranteed until payment is confirmed.
• We reserve the right to refuse or cancel any order where permitted by law.

3.3 Shipping & Delivery

• Shipping costs are calculated based on destination and product weight.
• Delivery timeframes are estimates and not guaranteed.
• Risk relating to goods during delivery will be determined in accordance with the applicable law and the agreed delivery terms.
• International shipments may incur customs duties and taxes, which may be the buyer's responsibility where applicable.

3.4 Returns & Refunds

Due to the technical nature of diagnostic equipment:

• Returns may be accepted within 14 days of receipt for unused, unopened products, subject to applicable law and any applicable statutory cooling-off or return rights.
• Software/license products may be non-refundable once activated where permitted by law and where activation constitutes commencement of the digital service.
• Defective products will be repaired, replaced, or otherwise dealt with in accordance with applicable warranty and consumer-law requirements.
• Return shipping costs may be the buyer's responsibility where permitted by law and where the product is not defective.

3.5 Product Warranties

Hardware products carry manufacturer warranties where applicable. DiagAutoClinic may facilitate warranty claims but is not responsible for manufacturer warranty fulfillment. Software products are supplied subject to the applicable license terms and any rights or warranties that cannot lawfully be excluded.

4.1 Service Warranty

DiagAutoClinic warrants that services will be performed in a professional manner consistent with applicable industry standards. Where a service deficiency is identified within 30 days of service completion, DiagAutoClinic may, where appropriate, re-perform the affected service at no additional labour charge.

This service warranty does not cover:

• Pre-existing conditions not caused by the service
• Issues caused by third-party modifications made after service
• Normal wear and tear or aging of components
• Abuse, misuse, neglect, accident, or improper operation of the vehicle or modules
• Subsequent programming, modification, repair, or replacement performed by third parties

4.2 No Consequential Damages

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable South African law, DiagAutoClinic is not liable for indirect or consequential losses arising from a service, including:

• Lost profits or business interruption
• Vehicle downtime or rental costs
• Damage resulting from pre-existing conditions
• Data loss or corruption

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability or any statutory right where such exclusion or limitation is prohibited by applicable law.

4.3 Third-Party Hardware/Software

Third-party products and software are subject to their respective manufacturer or licensor terms and warranties. DiagAutoClinic does not provide additional warranties beyond those expressly provided by DiagAutoClinic or those that cannot lawfully be excluded.

4.4.1 Risk Acknowledgment

The client acknowledges that any module in DiagAutoClinic's custody — whether for diagnostics, bench repair, reprogramming, or firmware flashing — carries inherent physical and electrical risk, including but not limited to electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage, connector or pin damage during handling, component failure, communication interruption, memory corruption, and the possibility of rendering a module inoperable ("bricking") during programming.

4.4.2 Goods Held at Owner's Risk

While a module is on our premises for any reason — including while awaiting assessment, between work sessions, or in storage pending client instruction — DiagAutoClinic will take reasonable care of it. However:

• All client-supplied modules and vehicles are held at the owner's risk, subject to any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited. DiagAutoClinic does not carry insurance covering theft, loss, or damage to client property while on our premises.
• DiagAutoClinic is not liable for damage or loss arising from the module's pre-existing condition, latent defects, component fatigue, previous tampering, or other failure unrelated to our handling.
• DiagAutoClinic is not liable for damage or loss arising from theft, break-in, fire, or similar events beyond our direct control, subject to applicable law.
• Clients wishing to insure a module against loss or theft while in our custody must arrange their own cover. DiagAutoClinic can provide documentation, including assessment records and intake photographs, to support such a policy on request.
• This clause covers custody and handling generally; programming-specific failure scenarios are addressed separately below.

4.4.3 Precautions Taken

DiagAutoClinic will take reasonable precautions to minimize these risks, including:

• ESD-safe handling and anti-static protection during bench work
• Voltage checks and stable power supply during programming
• Dual backups of original data before modification where technically possible
• Verified workflows and FSM-guarded procedures to prevent step-skipping
• Checksum verification after programming where applicable
• Secure, labelled storage for modules awaiting work or return

4.4.4 Failure & Damage Scenarios

In the event of a programming failure, or damage/loss occurring while a module is in our custody due to our handling:

• If the module was supplied by DiagAutoClinic: DiagAutoClinic will, where reasonably possible, replace it at our cost or provide a refund for the module, subject to the applicable service circumstances.
• If the module was supplied by the client: the client acknowledges the inherent risk associated with the supplied module. DiagAutoClinic will make reasonable efforts to recover or repair the module, but recovery cannot be guaranteed.
• If recovery is not possible: the client remains responsible for sourcing a replacement module unless applicable law provides otherwise or DiagAutoClinic expressly agrees otherwise in writing.

4.4.5 No Refund for Inherent or Pre-Existing Failure

No refund is due for the value of a client-supplied module where failure results from pre-existing defects, latent defects, component fatigue, inherent programming risk, or other circumstances outside DiagAutoClinic's reasonable control.

5.1 Statutory Rights & Applicable Law

Nothing in these terms excludes, restricts, or limits any right, remedy, warranty, or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted, or limited under applicable South African law.

5.2 IMMO-Off Consequences

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, DiagAutoClinic is not responsible for theft, loss, insurance consequences, resale consequences, or other consequences arising from an IMMO-off modification requested and authorised by the client, except where such liability cannot lawfully be excluded.

6.1 DiagAutoClinic Trademarks

The DiagAutoClinic name, logo, and branding are proprietary to DiagAutoClinic. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

6.2 Website Content

Website content, design, and documentation are copyrighted material. Reproduction requires written permission except where explicitly permitted by law.

6.3 Human-AI Collaboration Credit

This project represents a collaboration between human expertise and artificial intelligence. This collaboration model is a core part of our identity and should be acknowledged when referencing our work.

7.1 Data Collection

We collect and process information reasonably necessary to provide services and operate the business, including:

• Contact information such as name, email, and phone number
• Vehicle information required for diagnostic and service purposes
• Service history, photographs, diagnostic results, and technical records
• Payment information processed through appropriate payment providers or financial institutions
• Ownership and authorisation information where required for ECU, immobilizer, module, or other security-related services

7.2 Data Usage

Your data is used for purposes including:

• Providing requested services
• Communicating about services, quotations, payments, and support
• Maintaining service and technical records
• Improving our services and software
• Legal compliance and dispute resolution
• Protecting DiagAutoClinic, its clients, and its property against fraud or misuse

7.3 Data Protection

DiagAutoClinic implements reasonable technical and organisational security measures appropriate to the nature of the information processed. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

7.4 Data Retention

Personal information and service records are retained only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes for which they were collected or processed, or where retention is required or permitted by applicable law.

• Communication records: up to 3 years, subject to applicable law and legitimate business or dispute requirements
• Work history and diagnostic data: up to 5 years, subject to applicable law and legitimate business requirements
• IMMO-off documentation and original technical backups: up to 7 years for service verification, restoration, dispute resolution, record-keeping, and other lawful business purposes
• De-identified technical information may be retained for longer where it no longer identifies the client or other identifiable individual and is lawfully used for technical reference, research, development, quality assurance, or donor/module database purposes

Where the applicable retention purpose or lawful basis expires, information will be deleted, destroyed, anonymised, or otherwise disposed of as required or permitted by applicable law.

You may request access to or correction of personal information and may request deletion where applicable, subject to legal and regulatory requirements.

To request data access, correction, or deletion, contact us at shaun@diagautoclinic.co.za.

8.1 Right to Refuse Service

DiagAutoClinic reserves the right to refuse or discontinue service where permitted by law, including circumstances involving:

• Violation of these terms
• Abusive or threatening behavior
• Fraudulent activity or payment disputes
• Requests for illegal modifications or services
• Inability to provide adequate proof of ownership
• Material misrepresentation concerning a vehicle, module, ownership, or requested service

8.2 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, the client must cease using the affected service. Outstanding lawful payments remain due, and any return, collection, storage, or other applicable charges remain payable where permitted by law.

9.1 Governing Law

These terms and services provided by DiagAutoClinic are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

9.2 Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising from these terms or services should first be addressed through good-faith negotiation between the parties.

Where arbitration is lawfully applicable and the parties are required or entitled to arbitrate, the dispute may be submitted to arbitration in accordance with the rules of the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA), with the agreed seat or venue being Louis Trichardt, Limpopo, unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law.

Each party shall bear its own costs unless the arbitrator determines otherwise or applicable law provides otherwise.

Nothing in this clause prevents a party from exercising a statutory right to approach a court, regulator, ombud, tribunal, or other dispute-resolution body where such right cannot lawfully be excluded.

9.3 Modifications to Terms

DiagAutoClinic reserves the right to modify these terms from time to time. Material changes may be communicated via email, website notice, or other appropriate means. The version applicable to a particular transaction will generally be the version accepted at the time the relevant service or purchase was authorised, unless otherwise required by law.

9.4 Severability

If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect to the extent permitted by law.

9.5 Agreement Hierarchy

These Terms apply generally to services and transactions provided by DiagAutoClinic.

A written quotation, job card, invoice, signed service agreement, IMMO-Off Agreement, DTC Agreement, or other service-specific written agreement may contain additional or different terms applicable to that particular transaction.

In the event of a conflict between these general Terms and a service-specific agreement signed or expressly accepted by the client, the service-specific agreement or written transaction document will prevail to the extent of the conflict, subject always to applicable law.

9.6 Entire Agreement

Subject to section 9.5, these Terms together with the applicable quotation, job card, invoice, service agreement, and other transaction-specific documents constitute the agreement governing the relevant services or transaction and supersede prior representations or arrangements concerning the same subject matter, except where otherwise agreed in writing or required by law.

9.7 Contact Information

For questions about these terms, contact us at:

• Email: shaun@diagautoclinic.co.za
• Website: diagautoclinic.co.za
• WhatsApp: +27 84 475 8747
• Address: 6 Orgidee Lane, Old Town, Louis Trichardt, Limpopo, 0920