STOP REPAIRING YOUR NEWER CORVETTES JOHN DEERE AND GM plus others

[Bob H.]

http://www.autoblog.com/2015/04/20/a...s-car-repairs/

[David H.]

Re: STOP REPAIRING YOUR NEWER CORVETTES JOHN DEERE AND GM plus others

Perhaps, since the OEM is the only party capable of repair/modification, this obligates OEMs to maintain (for free) electronic components for the life of their vehicles. This might just solve the problem of out of production components on computer controlled Corvettes.

[Michael J.]

[Dennis O.]

Re: STOP REPAIRING YOUR NEWER CORVETTES JOHN DEERE AND GM plus others

I completely agree. When my GF decided she wanted a Kia Soul because "it was so cute", I thought she was nuts. When I saw that it came with a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, I completely changed my opinion.

[Michael J.]

Re: STOP REPAIRING YOUR NEWER CORVETTES JOHN DEERE AND GM plus others

I completely agree. When my GF decided she wanted a Kia Soul because "it was so cute", I thought she was nuts. When I saw that it came with a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, I completely changed my opinion.

[Mike E.]

Re: STOP REPAIRING YOUR NEWER CORVETTES JOHN DEERE AND GM plus others

How the hell would they ever enforce such a law? Car repair police...Drop that wrench or I'll shoot! Total silliness....Sounds like a Monty Python sketch.

The same links have made their way to the BMW forums. Perhaps someone's belated April Fools Joke?

People will always fix their own cars....I have not paid repair bill for a car in probably 20 years that doesn't mean I haven't bought parts or had some sub-contract work done, but as far as someone turning a wrench on my iron. If it out of warranty it's not going to happen.

Mike

[Bob H.]

Re: STOP REPAIRING YOUR NEWER CORVETTES JOHN DEERE AND GM plus others

It is no joke when it comes to computer related equipment. I have first hand knowledge of a company attempting to block their software from being resold without a new licensing agreement and fee paid. What good is "hardware" without software? Imagine buying a used ZO6 and not being allowed to get into the software. There is a "second hand doctrine" in the law that allows re-sale of software but as I understand it you cannot tamper with the software. Doubt this goes anywhere soon but I would not be shocked to see in the future, the buyer of a used car have to pay a fee to even use software that was licensed to the original owner and claimed to be owned by the manufacturer. Complicated and interesting...... Perfect reason to tell your spouse you just have to hang on to your old toys!

[Dennis O.]

Re: STOP REPAIRING YOUR NEWER CORVETTES JOHN DEERE AND GM plus others

From the early 70's to the middle of the last decade I owned a computer company. We stated out using computers from Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), which was at that time number two behind IBM. Their computers initially came "bundled" with the required software and the company thrived. In the 80's, they brought out their new line of "VAX" computers, which looked very promising. Unfortunately, at the same time, they "unbundled" the software from the hardware, requiring their customers to jump through all kinds of hoops regarding software licensing. Sometime thereafter, they ended up being absorbed by Compaq (the makers of the first clumsy "portable" computers). Today, hardly a soul remembers they ever existed. Hopefully, somebody learned something from that whole mess.

[Ed S.]

Re: STOP REPAIRING YOUR NEWER CORVETTES JOHN DEERE AND GM plus others

Enforcement - sealed compartments that contain the engine, accessories and other critical components. Break the seal and it not only negates the warranty but now you have a car that has a diminished or no resale value. Its like digital (allegedly tamper proof) odometers. Break the seal that grants access to the protected parts and it would be essentially the same as a classic Corvette with a non-original VIN tag. I could see the Feds establishing regulations that would require sealed areas of automobiles - and I suspect the auto industry would gladly go along with it because it would guarantee future maintenance fees. This could get ugly in a hurry.

[John D.]

Re: STOP REPAIRING YOUR NEWER CORVETTES JOHN DEERE AND GM plus others

That article is mostly alarmist hype but you can be sure if you show up at your local Chevy dealer with a spun rod bearing on your Z06 the first thing they will check is for non factory calibrations. They can be grounds for denying warranty coverage...

One thing the story did not address is right to repair laws some states have enacted requiring OEM's to provide access to their diagnostic and repair procedures to the aftermarket competition....

[Michael G.]

Re: STOP REPAIRING YOUR NEWER CORVETTES JOHN DEERE AND GM plus others

A few months ago I drove my 2008 Silverado with 32,000 miles into a local Chevy dealer because the radio was draining the battery. Not only did they want $2,600 to fix the radio, they presented me with a laundry list of urgent safety items that absolutely needed to be fixed, such as worn out ball joints (these go out at 32,000 miles all the time). I drove out, disconnected the radio (for now) and am, (gasp) presently risking life and limb driving this apparent road hazard on public streets!!!!

Imagine a host of such dealers who've been given monopolistic powers over all our vehicles...If this happens, I'm walking.

[Jim F.]

Re: STOP REPAIRING YOUR NEWER CORVETTES JOHN DEERE AND GM plus others

WOW! Our carb powered cars could become a huge status symbol like a '57 chevy in Cuba.

[Roger W.]

Re: STOP REPAIRING YOUR NEWER CORVETTES JOHN DEERE AND GM plus others

Dec's other big mistake was that the owner did not think that personal computers were going to be used at home. They did make an attempt to make a PC, but once again, only their Soft ware would work on it.