How computers are taking over cars !!

[SPEEDBIRD 202]

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 !!

[Rifleman]

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.

[Sir-Doris]

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!

[Road Hog]

[Sir-Doris]

[Road Hog]

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

[Sir-Doris]

[Road Hog]

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


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

[Sir-Doris]

[Road Hog]

It is fuel economy related but more devious than that

[Hound Dog]

[Sir-Doris]

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.

[Road Hog]

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

It`s primary function is not cruise control related

[Sir-Doris]

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?

[Sir-Doris]

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

[Road Hog]

Soooooooooo close but not quite

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

[Rifleman]

[john (smifffy)]

[Road Hog]

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

[john (smifffy)]

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