Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Complex Car Software Becomes the Weak Spot Under the Hood
NY Times ^ | 26 Sept 2015 | DAVID GELLES, HIROKO TABUCHI

Posted on 09/26/2015 5:23:50 AM PDT by DUMBGRUNT

click here to read article


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-25 last
To: DUMBGRUNT

Maybe a major global auto manufacturer could hide a chunk of code that would detect when a car is undergoing an emissions test and activate the power-robbing emission controls only when the car was under test. Then, on the open road, the car would have high performance, but spew emissions fifty times the legal limit.

Nah, too far fetched to even think as plausible.


21 posted on 09/26/2015 7:57:04 AM PDT by ProtectOurFreedom (For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not, no explanation is possible)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kozak

The broke down cars you see on the side of the road are not due to mechanical failure for the most part but a software issue.

My 1992 Honda Accord LX was stuck in one gear and I could barely climb a hill. I looked up the possible problems with everyone saying it will cost this or that. All expensive.

The last person to comment had the solution. He said pull the fuse out that feeds electricity to the computer that runs the transmission (under passenger floorboard). It also send electricity for the radio.

I pulled out the fuse then waited a minute then plugged it back in and my transmission was as good as new. I had to do this 1 more time while I owned the car. I wonder how many people were ripped off by mechanics who knew the trick but charge $2000 and did nothing but pull a fuse.


22 posted on 09/26/2015 2:56:22 PM PDT by minnesota_bound
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Raycpa
100 million lines of code for cars may just be sloppy programming.

All the more opportunities for hacking.

23 posted on 09/26/2015 8:55:54 PM PDT by TroutStalker ("Protect the hypersensitive. Ban everything.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: DUMBGRUNT

What it really comes down to is that OUR BETTERS don’t want us little people hot rodding our cars by reprogramming the chips. That is the real hot rod scene right now, from the guys “coal rolling” their pickups to the hot hatchback guys and their superfast turbocharged GTIs, WRXs and Acuras.


24 posted on 09/26/2015 9:00:57 PM PDT by MediaMole
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: MediaMole

My gearhead friends talk about this often!

One has a Dodge Viper that he purchased used, it had been ‘chipped’. He sweats bullets about the state EPA test; so far,OK.


25 posted on 09/27/2015 6:49:08 AM PDT by DUMBGRUNT (BINGO!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-25 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson