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It just takes a new type of mechanic. I personally would have no complaints about swapping batteries, fixing electronics or upgrading/updating accessories but

by Ccecil 6y ago

It just takes a new type of mechanic. I personally would have no complaints about swapping batteries, fixing electronics or upgrading/updating accessories but I also come from a different level of training. To me it appears as easy to remove an entire EV motor as it is to change a rear differential (electrical safeties aside). Mechanics for decades have been complaining that "you can't fix these new computerized cars" when mechanically they are very similar to what has been produced for half a century, sensors and electronics just allow you (when properly working) to set and adjust on the fly...making engines more efficient and smoother running. The "new mechanic" will be required to know most (if not all) of the same things as those of the past but will also be required to have an understanding of electronics repair and safety. I suspect due to things like microprocessor kits, robotics and such being more popular at a younger age that this will be a non issue. Sure...the current batch of mechanics may have issues but the next generation will (could?) consider it common knowledge. I am sure in history someone complained that these automobiles can't be fixed as easy as replacing a horse. That is the issue with new tech...if you only know old...it seems like black box magic.

ChuckNorris89 6y ago
The problems independent mechanics have with new "computerized cars" is the expensive and sometimes unavailable DRM protected HW and SW tools that you need to perform any operations on the electronics which are usually only made available to authorized dealers by the auto manufacturers. The "new mechanic" for the EV era will not exist if auto manufacturers make every digital tool proprietary and unavailable outside the dealer network, with phone-home to HQ for authorization.
- Ccecil 6y ago
  Almost everything can be read by an OBD2 reader. Or there are also some homebrew options. Tractors and such start to get tricky and I am sure there are aspects of the cars which you cannot control but from what I have seen you can get by without a reader on older cars (flashing the obd light) but on newer ones you need a decent reader. Which largely are about $100 depending on how in depth you want to go. On my VW I use the OBDeleven reader...but I believe there is a generic comparable one also. It allows you to test sensors, modules, even door switches/lights and the radio. I understand the added complexity is confusing at times but really once you have a reader it is easy enough. Code readers are actually a fairly accessible and cheap addition to your toolbox. I do agree though that the "black boxing" and DRM of hardware needs to be addressed. Especially in anything that is relied on. If you buy a machine you should get full schematics/docs/etc upon request IMHO...but that isn't really a common thing anymore.
  - ChuckNorris89 6y ago
    >Almost everything can be read by an OBD2 reader Yes, read but sometimes you have to write to the ECU to update, reset or recalibrate some parameters and there's where the gotcha is since those writing operations are secured via challenge and respsonse and only available via manufacturer approved equipment. Source: former automotive firmware engineer

by Ccecil 6y ago

ChuckNorris89 6y ago

The problems independent mechanics have with new "computerized cars" is the expensive and sometimes unavailable DRM protected HW and SW tools that you need to perform any operations on the electronics which are usually only made available to authorized dealers by the auto manufacturers. The "new mechanic" for the EV era will not exist if auto manufacturers make every digital tool proprietary and unavailable outside the dealer network, with phone-home to HQ for authorization.

Ccecil 6y ago
Almost everything can be read by an OBD2 reader. Or there are also some homebrew options. Tractors and such start to get tricky and I am sure there are aspects of the cars which you cannot control but from what I have seen you can get by without a reader on older cars (flashing the obd light) but on newer ones you need a decent reader. Which largely are about $100 depending on how in depth you want to go. On my VW I use the OBDeleven reader...but I believe there is a generic comparable one also. It allows you to test sensors, modules, even door switches/lights and the radio. I understand the added complexity is confusing at times but really once you have a reader it is easy enough. Code readers are actually a fairly accessible and cheap addition to your toolbox. I do agree though that the "black boxing" and DRM of hardware needs to be addressed. Especially in anything that is relied on. If you buy a machine you should get full schematics/docs/etc upon request IMHO...but that isn't really a common thing anymore.
- ChuckNorris89 6y ago
  >Almost everything can be read by an OBD2 reader Yes, read but sometimes you have to write to the ECU to update, reset or recalibrate some parameters and there's where the gotcha is since those writing operations are secured via challenge and respsonse and only available via manufacturer approved equipment. Source: former automotive firmware engineer