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I can't help but think that this is intentional. I'm pretty sure it's possible to create a more modular design without sacrificing anything. Especially given Jo

I can't help but think that this is intentional. I'm pretty sure it's possible to create a more modular design without sacrificing anything. Especially given John Deere's record, it doesn't seem far fetched that they would actively seek out ways to make it more difficult to repair their tractors.

asdff 7y ago
It's definitely intentional. You pop the hood of a new car and you see a plastic cover, not the engine. The plastic cover doesn't do anything for the car, it adds cost to the car, and mechanics have to remove and reinstall it if they do any work at all. However, it does have a function: to obscure you from the workings of your car, and push you to take the car to a dealership or someone buying genuine parts at least.
- kbrackbill 7y ago
  If it truly does nothing, why would the mechanic replace it instead of just leaving it off? Genuine question, I know nothing about this. Do the manufacturers at least have some explanation for why it's there other than to make access more difficult?
  - velosol 7y ago
    There's often some noise reduction (the plastic may be backed in foam) to quiet down the direct injectors on modern cars. There's also an element of less weather-proofing required for the connectors underneath the plastic (or at least easier to undo/replace). It's also certainly about aesthetics when the car is being sold new - you open the hood and knowing nothing about cars (or modern cars) you see lots of little piece and become concerned that there's lots of things that could break. You open a car that says "$BRAND" in a $30 piece of plastic and you think, "Nice, this is a simple, reliable, easy-to-maintain vehicle!" There may be some small effect from highlighting the typical user service ports as well (windshield washer fluid, oil, brake, coolant reservoirs).
- privateSFacct 7y ago
  Phones are sold this way - and people like everything "packaged up" into a black box in many cases. My guess - the company that makes all the parts / wire runs / etc very visible has a harder time selling to mom and dad when they stop by with their kid.

asdff 7y ago

It's definitely intentional. You pop the hood of a new car and you see a plastic cover, not the engine. The plastic cover doesn't do anything for the car, it adds cost to the car, and mechanics have to remove and reinstall it if they do any work at all. However, it does have a function: to obscure you from the workings of your car, and push you to take the car to a dealership or someone buying genuine parts at least.

kbrackbill 7y ago
If it truly does nothing, why would the mechanic replace it instead of just leaving it off? Genuine question, I know nothing about this. Do the manufacturers at least have some explanation for why it's there other than to make access more difficult?
- velosol 7y ago
  There's often some noise reduction (the plastic may be backed in foam) to quiet down the direct injectors on modern cars. There's also an element of less weather-proofing required for the connectors underneath the plastic (or at least easier to undo/replace). It's also certainly about aesthetics when the car is being sold new - you open the hood and knowing nothing about cars (or modern cars) you see lots of little piece and become concerned that there's lots of things that could break. You open a car that says "$BRAND" in a $30 piece of plastic and you think, "Nice, this is a simple, reliable, easy-to-maintain vehicle!" There may be some small effect from highlighting the typical user service ports as well (windshield washer fluid, oil, brake, coolant reservoirs).
privateSFacct 7y ago
Phones are sold this way - and people like everything "packaged up" into a black box in many cases. My guess - the company that makes all the parts / wire runs / etc very visible has a harder time selling to mom and dad when they stop by with their kid.