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Post by Simon H on Nov 22, 2015 22:31:33 GMT
I had reason to call into a local main dealer (Fiat and Jeep - an unlikely combination, but I digress) and I overheard a conversation that went along the lines of:
"We have identified the problem with your car and it's the handbrake ECU that's faulty".
Somebody please tell me why a handbrake needs a ECU? I think my P5B is unnecessarily over complicated in having a hand brake warning light...
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Post by steveep5b on Nov 23, 2015 16:39:42 GMT
I had reason to call into a local main dealer (Fiat and Jeep - an unlikely combination, but I digress) and I overheard a conversation that went along the lines of: "We have identified the problem with your car and it's the handbrake ECU that's faulty". Somebody please tell me why a handbrake needs a ECU? I think my P5B is unnecessarily over complicated in having a hand brake warning light... Somebody please tell me why a handbrake needs a ECU? Quite a few reasons mostly all to assist the driver, one example, on my current vehicle the parking brake is applied automatically when it stops, also on an incline and is released progressively . This allows the parking brake lever to be fitted in a safer position should a severe accident occur so as not to injure . It is still accessible to the driver but a bit awkward. The Vauxhall with the parking brake button will need electronic control to prevent the brake operating when the vehicle is in motion. These systems are designed into the new vehicle and help sell it as a "new feature" and cost pennies for the electronics. However should you need to diagnose any fault and have a part replaced it will "cost" ( being out of warranty) adding to the manufacturers revenue and lightening you wallet. All the more reason to consider having a new vehicle when the warranty expires? ouch!!
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Post by guidedog on Nov 23, 2015 16:50:09 GMT
Hi Richard, With modern cars having the ECO system (engine shuts down) with the foot brake applied. Apply hand brake then the engine restarts. At night I always apply HB because of the dazzle. Alternatively turn ECO off.
The fog lights are a pain as well.
Bob
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Post by steveep5b on Nov 23, 2015 19:13:46 GMT
Hi Richard, With modern cars having the ECO system (engine shuts down) with the foot brake applied. Apply hand brake then the engine restarts. At night I always apply HB because of the dazzle. Alternatively turn ECO off. The fog lights are a pain as well. Bob Are you talking some kind of code Bob? |
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Nov 23, 2015 19:35:53 GMT
Modern cars are a waste of money and time (modern = post 1983!)
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Post by guidedog on Nov 23, 2015 20:38:30 GMT
Oh dear Phil, I have one of each!  |
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Post by barryr on Nov 23, 2015 23:56:29 GMT
Maybe the handbrake needs an ecu so it can text any nearby teenage girls to alert them of your impending stylish move?
We all know it's an absolute winner with the ladies!
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Post by guidedog on Nov 24, 2015 9:12:49 GMT
I'm afraid I am to old for the little bunnies now, I stay in my own age group its easier.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2015 10:02:22 GMT
I ventured into the world of moderns by accident when I inherited a Rover Conniseur. It's over complicated but other than a battery drain problem that took two days to find,it has been reliable.Its been in the family since new and has 12,000 on the clock so I suppose really it should be. I've bought a P38 Range Rover,full history from new and low miles. It has relays to do just about everything,more fuses than Halfords and ECus to check other ECUs. The wiring makes most telephone exchanges look sparse and there are dire warnings about just about every aspect of the cars systems and maintenance tasks all over the place on and in the car and its literature pack,the workshop manual makes 'War and Peace' look like a pamphlet. While going OK both these are fine they probably drive better than my P5b (although neither have the same charisma) but if they go wrong I expect massive bills and emptying of the wallet or much reading of manuals,studying of the new fangled internet,use of expensive contraptions and much head scratching (or a combination of any or all of them).
Modern cars are too complicated for their own good but then so is life these days. Progress often seems to mean change for changes sake and 'improvements' to things that are already more than adequate. Designers seem to delight in filling cars with things that on the surface seem good ideas,but years down the line cause unecessary and complicated problems that are difficult and expensive to erradicate. Governments seem to do the same with our lives.
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Post by guidedog on Nov 24, 2015 11:21:59 GMT
On top of all that Kev,they are metric  |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2015 12:52:25 GMT
On top of all that Kev,they are metric An invention of the devil mate. I had to go and order some metric spanners and sockets,Oh the shame of it all. |
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Post by Warwick on Nov 25, 2015 1:55:34 GMT
Where I come from, a driver who learns to drive in an automatic car is issued with a restricted licence. They can't drive a manual car. If they wish to obtain a full licence, they have to redo the test in a manual. If they have been driving for more than a specified number of years, obtaining the full licence is simpler.
I have the distinct feeling that in the not too distant future (10 years? 15 years?), someone will decide that if you learn to drive in a recent model car (at that time), then you will not be permitted to drive a car made before, let's say 2000, without doing a test in such a car. New drivers in 2025 or 2030 would be totally confused by the need to shut the door by hand before driving off. Or looking around before driving off. Or small pieces of reflective glass used to see behind you. (How primitive is that!). Or steering manually. Or paying attention. ... the list is almost endless.
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Post by guidedog on Nov 25, 2015 8:11:18 GMT
Yes Warwick I have to agree, you get in and point its all very lazy.
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Post by GlennR on Nov 25, 2015 9:36:22 GMT
My Corsa has a heated steering wheel. Pathetic isn't it. Heated front seats, Cruise control (which is actually quite handy) and a button to make the steering lighter than it already is...Give us the Rover anyday  |
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