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Yes, engine ECU modifications aren't controlled, but other parts, that have direct safety or environmental implications, are (for example exhaust pipes and the

by roel_v 15y ago

Yes, engine ECU modifications aren't controlled, but other parts, that have direct safety or environmental implications, are (for example exhaust pipes and the way that a chassis can be repaired). And modifications to the firmware of other controllers than the engine ECU can have safety implications. Also yes there is much less regulation in the US, I was mostly talking about the EU market (I think for example that the chassis reparation I mentioned isn't regulated in the US?)

sokoloff 15y ago
Most vehicle repair codes (inspection requirements, etc) are state's rights, though with the advent of OBD-2, many emissions inspections programs have fallen into line. "Plug in the scanner; if it reports 'ready' and no MIL codes, it passes." I won't even bother to enumerate the number of ways that can be gamed. There is a federal emissions certification program, but again, that's only enforced via state inspections, which are a source of income for the independent garages (meaning that there's incentive to interpret the rules loosely to protect the revenue stream). If you need a car to pass, you can find a station that will pass you based on a recent color photograph and a small amount of cash. In terms of chassis repair or mods, it's pretty much a free-for-all. Lifted trucks are regulated in some states, but most other modifications are owner and mechanic discretion. I'm completely changing the geometry of my '66 convertible's front suspension, converting to disk brakes all around and changing to a dual-circuit master cylinder. The number of other people who will be required to check my work prior to it being to legal to drive on the public highways: zero. (And IMO, that's as it should be, but I have a pretty strong libertarian streak.) It will have to pass the state safety inspection, but unless I have a light out, there's no realistic chance that the car will fail the safety inspection and they sure won't notice that the suspension and brakes have been completely re-engineered.
leviathant 15y ago
Just last month I bought a shift kit for my Dodge Magnum. You tap into the two communication buses and into the transmission control module. I bought it to firm up a sluggish automatic transmission, but the guy recently added a firmware update that lets you do a 'line lock' -- effectively, it tricks the car's computer into thinking it's lost traction, locking -only- the front brakes... until your speed is > 5mph. He added it for 'perfect burnouts' - something I have zero interest in doing, but it's pretty wild that he's got programmable firmware that has that much control over the safety-robot bits in my car.

by roel_v 15y ago

sokoloff 15y ago

Most vehicle repair codes (inspection requirements, etc) are state's rights, though with the advent of OBD-2, many emissions inspections programs have fallen into line. "Plug in the scanner; if it reports 'ready' and no MIL codes, it passes." I won't even bother to enumerate the number of ways that can be gamed. There is a federal emissions certification program, but again, that's only enforced via state inspections, which are a source of income for the independent garages (meaning that there's incentive to interpret the rules loosely to protect the revenue stream). If you need a car to pass, you can find a station that will pass you based on a recent color photograph and a small amount of cash. In terms of chassis repair or mods, it's pretty much a free-for-all. Lifted trucks are regulated in some states, but most other modifications are owner and mechanic discretion. I'm completely changing the geometry of my '66 convertible's front suspension, converting to disk brakes all around and changing to a dual-circuit master cylinder. The number of other people who will be required to check my work prior to it being to legal to drive on the public highways: zero. (And IMO, that's as it should be, but I have a pretty strong libertarian streak.) It will have to pass the state safety inspection, but unless I have a light out, there's no realistic chance that the car will fail the safety inspection and they sure won't notice that the suspension and brakes have been completely re-engineered.

leviathant 15y ago

Just last month I bought a shift kit for my Dodge Magnum. You tap into the two communication buses and into the transmission control module. I bought it to firm up a sluggish automatic transmission, but the guy recently added a firmware update that lets you do a 'line lock' -- effectively, it tricks the car's computer into thinking it's lost traction, locking -only- the front brakes... until your speed is > 5mph. He added it for 'perfect burnouts' - something I have zero interest in doing, but it's pretty wild that he's got programmable firmware that has that much control over the safety-robot bits in my car.