Terms of Service

ClearTheCode (“ClearTheCode,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) operates https://clearthecode.com and related services for users in the United States.

By accessing https://clearthecode.com, creating an account, opening a shop, purchasing merchandise, or using any feature of the Service, you agree to these Terms of Service (“Terms”) and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, do not use the Service.

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

The Service is intended for users who are at least 18 years old and located in the United States, unless we expressly offer a feature in another region. You represent that the information you provide (including date of birth) is accurate and that you meet these requirements.

Accounts registered by anyone under 18, or using false eligibility information, may be terminated without notice.

To use certain features you must register an account with a valid email address and password. You must verify your email before signing in on a new device or browser after registration, as described at signup.

You are responsible for safeguarding your credentials and for all activity under your account. Notify us immediately at support@clearthecode.com if you suspect unauthorized access.

We may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, pose security risks, or remain unverified after a reasonable period.

You may use the Service for lawful personal or commercial purposes consistent with these Terms. You may not:

• Scrape, bulk-download, or reverse engineer the Service except as allowed by law;
• Upload malware, spam, or content that infringes intellectual property or privacy rights;
• Harass other users or publish dangerous repair instructions without appropriate warnings;
• Circumvent access controls, rate limits, or moderation systems;
• Misrepresent your identity, shop affiliation, or professional credentials;
• Use the Service in violation of export control, consumer protection, or automotive safety laws.

ClearTheCode publishes OBD-II code information, vehicle-specific diagnostic spokes, repair guides, and community content. Much of this material is compiled from open datasets (including government and industry sources), automated pipelines, and user or creator submissions. It is provided for research and educational purposes only.

ClearTheCode is not a licensed repair facility, dealer, or professional advisor. Content is not a substitute for manufacturer service manuals, recall notices, or hands-on diagnosis by a qualified technician. You assume all risk for repairs, modifications, or driving decisions you make based on site content.

We do not warrant that codes, symptoms, fixes, articles, or third-party links are complete, current, or applicable to your vehicle.

Users may apply to operate a shop (creator channel) subject to our approval and ongoing moderation. Shop owners are responsible for their published guides, broadcasts, merchandise listings, and compliance with law.

Followers may opt in to email notifications about new shop content. You may unsubscribe using links in our messages or account settings. Shop owners must not send unsolicited commercial email through the Service.

We may use automated tools (including AI) to review content before publication or mass email. We may reject, remove, or delay content at our discretion.

Shops may sell physical or digital merchandise through checkout powered by Stripe (or successors). Each product lists a shop-set price and per-item shipping (digital items have no shipping). Tax is estimated at checkout. The platform fee (currently 15% of merchandise subtotal) is deducted from the seller’s payout — not added to the buyer’s total.

Sellers ship physical goods with a major US carrier and tracking number. Delivery is detected from tracking; sellers do not manually confirm delivery. After delivery, buyers have 48 hours to open a dispute through our support system. If no dispute is opened, seller payout releases automatically.

All sales are final unless required by applicable law. We do not guarantee refunds for buyer’s remorse, incorrect fit, or delays caused by carriers. Statutory rights (including certain state consumer laws) are not waived where they cannot be waived.

Chargebacks, order disputes, and fraud are handled under Stripe’s and our investigation procedures. Open disputes pause automatic payout release until resolved.

Tips or future payment features, when offered, will be subject to additional disclosures at the point of payment.

ClearTheCode and its licensors own the Service, trademarks, site design, and original catalog compilation. You receive a limited, non-exclusive, revocable license to access the Service for personal or internal business use.

By posting content you grant us a worldwide, royalty-free license to host, display, index, adapt for format, and promote that content in connection with the Service. You represent you have the rights to grant this license.

Our collection and use of personal information are described in the Privacy Policy, incorporated by reference. California residents may have additional rights under the CCPA/CPRA as described there.

The Service integrates third parties (e.g., hosting, analytics, YouTube embeds, Stripe, email delivery, and government data APIs). Their terms govern your use of those services. We are not responsible for third-party sites linked from articles or user content.

We may suspend or terminate the Service or your account at any time for violation of these Terms, legal requirements, or operational needs. You may stop using the Service at any time. Provisions that by nature should survive (including disclaimers, limitations of liability, and dispute resolution) will survive.

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE OPERATION.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ClearTheCode AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND SUPPLIERS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, GOODWILL, OR VEHICLE DAMAGE, ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE.

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICE WILL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) AMOUNTS YOU PAID US IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS BEFORE THE CLAIM OR (B) ONE HUNDRED U.S. DOLLARS ($100).

Some states do not allow certain limitations; in those states our liability is limited to the fullest extent permitted by law.

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless ClearTheCode from claims arising out of your content, shop activity, sales, violation of these Terms, or violation of any law or third-party right.

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to conflict-of-law rules, and applicable U.S. federal law.

Before filing suit, you agree to contact us at support@clearthecode.com and attempt informal resolution for thirty (30) days. Except where prohibited, disputes will be resolved by binding arbitration on an individual basis under the rules of the American Arbitration Association in Michigan. You waive class actions and jury trials to the extent allowed by law.

Either party may seek injunctive relief in court for intellectual property or unauthorized access. Small-claims court remains available where qualified.

ClearTheCode
Email: support@clearthecode.com
Web: https://clearthecode.com