[AT] OT modern computer controlls

[Stephen Offiler]

I don't intended to sound like I'm disagreeing with Thomas.  I think his
EPA comment does in fact apply to the basic history of modern engine
complexity.  But as usual the story is a lot more complex than that.  I
lifted the following from Wikipedia because I agree and so it saves me a
bunch of time trying to summarize what I know about Right To Repair
legislation and controversy (I work in the automotive aftermarket, and
occasionally some of this stuff touches me professionally)

"...The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments required all vehicles built after
1994 to include on-board computer systems to monitor vehicle emissions. The
bill also required automakers to provide independent repairers the same
emissions service information as provided to franchised new car dealers.
California further passed legislation requiring that all emissions related
service information and tools be made available to independent shops.
Unlike the Clean Air Act, the California bill also required the car
companies to maintain web sites which contained all of their service
information and which was accessible on a subscription basis to repair
shops and car owners.

As automotive technology advanced, computers came to control the vital
systems of every vehicle, including brakes, ignition keys, air bags,
steering mechanisms and more.[3] Repairing motor vehicles became a
high-tech operation, with computer diagnostic tools replacing a mechanic's
observation and experience.[4] These developments eventually made
manufacturers the "gatekeepers" of advanced information necessary to repair
or supply parts to motor vehicles..."

Link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_Vehicle_Owners'_Right_to_Repair_Act


SO



On Thu, Mar 23, 2017 at 7:34 AM, Thomas O Mehrkam <tmehrkam at sbcglobal.net>
wrote:

> I am aware most to the complexity you find in modern engines is the
> result of EPA regulations. I was not aware the EPA would go after the
> manufacture for modifications made by a third party.  That is insane.
>
> On 3/22/2017 9:19 PM, Henry Miller wrote:
> > I'm an employee of John deere, but I don't speak for them.
> >
> > This article is misrepresenting the situation. People claim they just
> > want to fix things, but when you really press then in it they will admit
> > what they really want is to disable all the emissions controls and/or
> > get more power. Of course John deere isn't going to agree to that, nor
> > will any competitor. The way the law is written the EPA will be after
> > deere for anyone who modifies their tractor
> >
> > If you want to work on your tractor, all the codes are in a book that
> > you can order.  Any heavy duty scan tool which your autoparts store will
> > sell you will read the codes. That is enough to do most repairs.  It
> > isn't enough to replace an ecu, but since that only comes from deere,
> > the dealer should provide the programming.
> >
>
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