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Wouldn¹t it be nice to know your car¹s computer systems are operating properly without having to wait until a check engine light comes on or your car is in the shop for a repair or recall problem?
Cars manufactured since 1996 can have up to three computers networked together to control and monitor several safety and performance systems, and just like your personal computer or video player, those computers need upgrading.
But it isn¹t in the best interest of automotive manufacturers to let vehicle owners know it¹s time to take their car in for an upgrade of its computer system. When you do take your car in, charges may run to $75 for the check and reprogramming.
AAA Car Care Centers will now do computer vehicle upgrades, thanks to the purchase of new testing equipment called EASE, which includes thousands of upgrades published in the past two years by the manufacturers. EASE allows access to manufacturer¹s websites to download computer upgrade programs.
Computer Controls
Automotive computer systems control drivability, suspension, cabin temperature, brakes (anti-lock braking systems), and in some cases, the sound system, and need upgrading just like a laptop or desktop system.
The question is, how is it done on your car and who does this service?
Until recently the only automotive computer upgrading (reprogramming) was done at manufacturers¹ service shops. There has been reluctance on the part of manufacturers to notify owners that a computer in their car may need an upgrade.
The fear is tens of thousands of car owners would descend upon dealers seeking upgrades, even at a cost of $75.
Consequently, upgrades normally occur today when a vehicle is taken to a shop for repairs and a computerized diagnosis is needed, or when a vehicle is under warranty and a recall has been issued, which may be a programming issue.
Reprogramming Fixes
What are some issues drivers face when a vehicle hasn¹t been upgraded?
They can include a steering wheel shaking when the engine turns over, loss of the drive belt when starting the vehicle, hesitations when pushing the gas pedal, erratic idling speeds, poor mileage, door lock malfunction and more.
Manufacturers have quietly published thousands of upgrades in the past two years. To perform them, a repair shop needs certified equipment and licenses to manufacturer¹s web sites for download. EASE is compatible with the same diagnostic machines repair shops use when making DMV inspections.
EASE allows upgrading and reprogramming of all automotive computers in 30 minutes to an hour, depending upon the vehicle.
Side Benefit
EASE allows a comprehensive look at how all the computerized systems in a car are functioning.
An automotive mechanic can determine if a complicated repair is properly completed. EASE verifies the repairs without the customer having to take a 40-mile drive to make sure everything is working properly a convenience to the customer, and the repair facility.
SOURCE: JIM GREY
May-June 2007 Go Magazine
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