How computers are taking over cars !!

I'm glad my Fronty has not got all of the modern day electronics on it - the ' Toyota's Prius Recall ' is down to a Software Glitch, and not a mechanical fault - Read Here

I'm not convinced that all this modern day electronics is a good thing, I think a most of it sucks !! :arrow:

This is why I believe that mechanics are no longer mechanics. They are fitters.
Years ago we used to strip faulty components and repair them. Now you remove, chuck away and replace.

Im inclined to agree.

In the Prius example what are the safeguards with the braking system should the ECU fail completely or the engine (or batteries etc) were to die? In a regular car even if the engine dies you lose servo assist but you are still able to brake, albeit less efficiently. There should still be a mechanical connection between the brake pedal and the brakes themselves. Maybe a bit of an extreme example but you get the gist.

The accelerator cable snapped on my car a few years ago, luckily I wasnt far from home and limped along in 1st/2nd gear with the idle control valve working the engine. Im pretty sure an electronic system would have had a fit should I have tried that.

Another example is my dads car, the camshaft sensor wiring was brittle due to heat damage (stupid place to route the wiring). I replaced the sensor and a short while afterwards the automatic gearbox started acting funny. Pulling away in 3rd rather then 1st. Reading the codes showed (forget which exactly) a terminal fault with the gearbox, VX solution was to replace the gearbox. It turned out to be a faulty camshaft sensor!

Phil,just nip out & check on your car,has it got a sensor on the clutch pedal ?

Just curious,maybe just a diesel thing

wont be on 2.3 or 2.8 as they have no ECU but maybe on 2.5 ...... need an owner to have a look see please :wink:

Strange place to put a sensor that talks to a computer,who knows why it`s there :?:

It is fuel economy related but more devious than that :wink:

Is it a sensor or a switch?

If a switch I would guess it wont let you start the car unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.

If a sensor... God knows but I assume it would have something to do with engine speed/gearbox/clutch changes. Particularly if a modern ECU controlled gearbox.

It`s a position sensor & works in conjunction with the brake & throttle position sensors

It`s primary function is not cruise control related :wink:

Come on A friend, I want to know what it is!

EDIT: Anti stall device under braking? OR... Something to do with RPM matching when changing gear?

Right then... Gonna go out and kick the boiler, its over pressurising. Back later and I want an answer!

Soooooooooo close but not quite :oh yer:

Car in gear with the engine running with no throttle (overun) &/or brakes applied the ECU shuts off the fuel injection pump,improves engine braking & fuel economy

No John,the pump is still lubed by the inherent pressure in the fuel system caused by the swirl chamber in the fuel tank pick up.Dti fuel pump/system is very efficient but a nightmare to explain/work on until you get your head round it

cheers bernie

found this as an example it just happens to be a beemer

car_electronics_786.gif

Climate control unit - allows driver to control temperature with thermostat. Also detects pollutants and shuts off air intake accordingly

Alarm and immobiliser - controls security. Engine starts when two codes sent wirelessly via aerial in steering wheel

Engine management - controls fuel injection, engine temperature, ignition

Wiper control - turns on wipers when it rains; adjusts headlights to counteract heavy loads

Automatic transmission - monitors weather, load, incline and position of accelerator to select best gear

ABS - controls brakes in emergency and can brake any of four wheels to correct a potential skid

Airbag - triggers front and side airbags in event of crash or impact

Parking aid - operates warning signal to let driver know how close they are to object behind them