ahs@burl.UUCP (Spinks Albert H. ) (01/29/86)
*** REPLACE THIS LINE WITH YOUR MESSAGE *** Since all (or at least many) of the cars of the future will be equipped with computer controlled engines designed to improve efficiency and to meet EPA requirements, I would like to get a discussion started on the problems we may be faced in maintaining these vehicles. I gather that some of you guys, and gals, are employed by auto manufacturers, so we should be able to get some good first-hand information. Perhaps the best approach will be to simply ask a few questions. 1. Will we, as 'shade tree' mechanics, be able to analyze and repair our own engine problems for the engines that are computer controlled? 2. If the answer to 1. is 'yes," then what analytical equipment will we need and will it be easily available and how expensive will it be? 3. If the answer is positive-with a go ahead-for 1. and 2., then can anyone detail how we will perform things like simple tune-ups, ignition timing, carberator adjustments, fuel injection adjustments, etc. How will we know when one of the sensors utilized by the computer to detect engine operation is bad, how will we adjust it, if it is adjustable, and how will we know it is operating properly after replacement? Since we all should be interested in any responses, I suggest that responses be posted to net.auto.tech. Now I would like to get things started by telling my interest in auto mechanics. I grew up on a farm where we did all of our mechanical work because of necessity. We did our own tune-ups of tractors, trucks, cars, etc. Performed our own overhaul of all engines. We had to; it was too expensive to call a mechanic out every time something was required. When I went into engineering, I carried all of this experience with me and have over the years done most of my own minor repairs and tune-ups. I don't tackle overhauls anymore; I could but there is just a limit to what I'm willing to do. Typically, a engine tune-up for me requires a timing light, a dwell meter, and a good set of small tools, items that would at most cost $40 to $50. My youngest car is an '80 Buick Electra. It has 96,000 miles on it and has given very good service. It has electronic ignition, but no motor computer. It does have a microcomputer controlled heating and air-conditioning system. Most of my feelings about computer controlled automotive equipment is based upon my experience with it. The computer part of the system has given no problems at all; the problems have been with the electrical/mechanical interfaces. For example there is a switch that the computer uses to adjust the flow of water to the heater. This switch has a feedback circuit through which the computer can detect whether or not the switch has done as it has been instructed. I have had to replace this switch three times in six years, at a cost of about $35 to $40 per. Recently, I had to replace a transistorized relay circuit that controls the heater/airconditioner motor; it cost $72. Therefore my experience leads me to feel that for the computer controlled engines, the computers themselves will give good service; it will be the peripheral devices that will give us headaches, and I expect their cost to be high. My experience also says that, without sophisticated electronic analysis equipment, we will have problems determining what is wrong. Here's hoping that the response we get from netland will prove my fears unfounded. good luck, al spinks -- Albert H. Spinks