concerning automobiles.
nrshida asked in another thread for a list of annoyances in the automotive field. rather then continue to hijack that thread, here is said list.
now bear in mind that there are plenty of things i like about modern cars, but they are somewhat agitating to work on too. some of what follows is tongue-in-cheek, some serious. this is not meant to offend anyone.
My Gripes With Automotive Engineers
1)Cadillac ht4100 engines(and subsequent similarly designed 4.5 and 4.9L engines).
Who in their right mind would design an aluminum engine with cast iron heads, then when they discover it leaks, simply specify coolant sealer tablets?(I call them Cadillac asperins) then to make it worse, they make TWO more engines the same way?
2) Chrysler 2.7L engines.
These are true engineering marvels. They are designed with a passage behind the timing belt that expits next to the oil filter. This passage is for coolant….that leaks, apparently normally.
3) Tire pressure monitor systems.
Most of these systems have a transponder that is part of the valve stem now. Used to be done by the abs sensor. Ever try to tell a customer that the valve stem for their tire is gonna cost them $125.00?
4) computer controlled windows and/or lighting
Ever since cars have had power windows, they’ve worked beautifully. It was simple. 12V fused to the switch, from there, to the window motor, and the motor was grounded.
Now, they’ve got their own control modules, with associated relays, extra wiring, circuit breakers, etc….but they function the same.(this is classic engineer “fix it ‘cause it ain’t broke)
Same with headlights. Some now have a lighting control module…yet the function is identical to what we had 50 years ago, but with more/extra wiring to support it.
5) window regulators.
Again, ever since there have been roll down windows on cars, a simple easy, lightweight(and non-failing) scissors type of regulator has worked perfectly.
Now, we have cable(often failing) operated regulators. No need. They do not save room, or weight.
6) general underhood assemblies.
Ever had a bolt that you simply cannot get to? Classic example. Customer brings his 2006 subaru in for a fuel leak(kinda new for that, eh?) I find the leak. It’s a fuel line under the intake plenum. Pretty simple, eh? Problem was that to get the intake off, the fuel line had to be disconnected….and to disconnect the fuel line, the intake had to come off. There’s more in this heading, but I could go on forever here.
7) hvac systems.
Again, heaters in cars have worked perfectly ever since they’ve had them. Same with a/c. now these too, are often controlled by some sort of control module.
Then there’s the servicing of these systems. Ever try to replace the heater core in most Chrysler products? Or the evaporator core? Can any of you that work on cars remember ever replacing a vacuum motor for the vent control doors? Those are mostly electric now, and they go bad all the time.
8)lighting systems
Tail lights that are mounted on a printed circuit board. Are you friggin KIDDING me? They do not improve the function, do not save wiring, and these things fail.
Try changing the headlight bulbs on some of the smaller cars. Nearly impossible to get at them. I could go on more here too…..
9)cooling systems.
First off…..vw….whos brilliant idea was it to put a plastic impeller on a steel knurled shaft, and expect it to last more than 60k miles?
Coolant…..ever seen the crap dexcool causes? Or some of these other manufacturer specific coolants? Not a single one of them does anything better than plain old ethelene glycol based antifreeze…except to cause problems.
Electric fans…actually a pretty good idea. How to control them on the other hand, varies. Old way was a temp. sensor in the engine, trips a relay, relay turns on fan. Now, we have small(and often times hidden) cooling fan control modules. These things are just downright silly.
10) awd/4x4 systems
Mostly on suv’s. most jeeps, and basic ford/gm systems are still ok. But on suv’s we have a computer that controls these too now. Why?
