Breaking the law~~~ by fixing your van.

[GotSmart]

http://news.boldride.com/2015/04/gm-wants-to-make-working-on-your-own-car-illegal/76702/

If they try long enough, they will put a tax on passing gas.  

 

[cdiggy]

They can have my wrench when they pry it from my cold dead hand...

 

[ccbreder]

That article sounds more alarmist rather than factual. The sky is falling. I want to see the references.

 

[LeeRevell]

Good reason to NOT have a computer equipped vehicle. I'll take self-maintenance vs. an MPG or two.

 

[highdesertranger]

I saw this today too. it doesn't surprise me. highdesertranger

 

[pmekdahl01]

Ill change what I want! try and stop me!

 

[offroad]

It never worked for the computer platform. Apple tried with the mackintosh line but people still created the hackintosh. Then they just built a whole public domain operating system called Linux. With 3D printing improving we will have public domain engines soon enough. Will they be safe enough? Yes they will.

 

[Canine]

This is so phoney it could have come from Fox News.

 

[GotSmart]

This is so phoney it could have come from Fox News.

http://www.infoworld.com/article/29...could-make-it-illegal-to-repair-your-car.html

DCMA   Copyright law.  John Deer is trying to squeeze every penny out of the farmers.  Fox would be pro industry on this one and suppress the story. 

 

[Canine]

Protecting their copyrighted computer data from hacking doesn't mean you can't change oil in your car.Some folks can twist simple things into a vast conspiracy against humanity.

 

[GotSmart]

I guess you did not read the link~~~

 

[VJG1977]

This has to be the most convoluted distortion of the intent of the copyright laws I've ever heard.  
If I write a book and you buy that book, you can not copy it and give away or sale copies of that book.  That would deprive me the creator, my due reward.
If I write a book and you buy that book and you do not like the dialog in chapter 5.  You have every right to rewrite that chapter for your own enjoyment.
If a car manufacture installs software on a car to control engine operation within certain perimeters that is fine.  If I rewrite that software 
I am taking nothing away from the developer.  The auto company received it's due compensation at the sale of the car.    

 

[LeeRevell]

This is so phoney it could have come from Fox News.

Sounds much more like the kind of reporting NBC is well known for.  Falsifying data is right up their alley and documented.

 

[akrvbob]

Let's stay on topic, which is not about news networks.
Bob

 

[LeeRevell]

One problem I have read of, is an owner having severe computer problems requiring a new computer module. You cannot just go to the salvage yard and plug a different one into your vehicle. Each vehicle has a uniqueness, different options, etc. The computer has to be 'flashed' at, AFAIK, a dealer shop to make it work for your vehicle. If I am wrong, hopefully someone knowledgable will explain it to us. Of course there are 'performance chips' available in the aftermarket. Are these a simple 'plug&play'?
Is there perhaps any sort of diagnostic computer unit for the small shop or home enthusiast allowing one to 'flash' or reprogram their vehicle's computer brain?

 

[GotSmart]

My 91 has a Junk yard brain. Perhaps that is why warning lights never go off. It runs great.

 

[Lostinspace]

I have junkyard brain. But my lights are never on.

 

[Canine]

If someone hacks into an auto computer and causes their car to become dangerous to other motorists would you be so libertarian?Suppose they caused an accident and your child was killed.Or your grandchild.There are safety systems in modern automobiles which should not be tampered with.This doesn't mean one can't change spark plugs or fuel filters or anything else not related to computer control.Automobile companies have hired hundreds of engineers and spent millions of dollars making their products the best they can be.If you think you can take a monkey wrench and screwdriver and improve on their product,you are living in a fantasy land.

 

[LeeRevell]

If someone hacks into an auto computer and causes their car to become dangerous to other motorists would you be so libertarian?Suppose they caused an accident and your child was killed.Or your grandchild.There are safety systems in modern automobiles which should not be tampered with.This doesn't mean one can't change spark plugs or fuel filters or anything else not related to computer control.Automobile companies have hired hundreds of engineers and spent millions of dollars making their products the best they can be.If you think you can take a monkey wrench and  screwdriver and improve on their product,you are living in a fantasy land.

I'd say that was totally uncalled for.  No one said anything about 'hacking' their car computer.   Where do these weird ideas come from....?  But being able to set up a salvage yard computer from the same make/model vehicle to match your own vehicle without needing to go to an expensive dealer would be good for the home mechanic, provided the equipment weren't prohibitively expensive.  It's just another aspect of doing one's own maintenance.  Not everything involving computers needs a degree and a million dollar shop.  I worry more about the person who does NOT maintain their vehicle.  I see some real hazards driving on the highways these days, especially as Florida has no annual vehicle inspections anymore and hasn't for many years.
As an aside, Yes, I am definitely "Libertarian" in my basic life philosophy.

 

[jimindenver]

Not the first time they have tried to kill off the back yard wrench, won't be the last either. It's greed pure and simple.