Computers in Vehicles going bad?

[Ranger Kip]

The computers they put in all vehicles today will eventually go bad in roughly 15 to 30 years on average. KEEP YOUR OLDER CARS!!!! They will last you longer. All the computers in newer vehicles (to be replaced) is a lot of money, unless you have a 3rd hand brand and the knowhow on installing them.

I think I will keep my out of date 84' Ranger with carb. It will last me 50 years + if I keep it in good shape, heck, maybe even longer than that!

(Look at Toyota, they put almost all the controls on a computer, and let it do the work, as to save money and 1 or 2 mpg).

 

[adsm08]

PCMs are not as expensive as you seem to think and don't take a whole lot to install. You just need a scan tool to program some basic info (like the VIN).

They also make the vehicle much more reliable, much easier to diagnose, and greatly improve emissions.

Also, it saves more than 1 or 2 MPG. Some of these cars that are getting 40 or 50 MPG and still have 200 or 300 HP, would have gotten 25, maybe 30 going down a long hill, and had 50ish HP.

I'll keep my computer controls.

 

[exbass94]

They go bad after 15-30 years eh? Got any data/statistics to back up that statement? Better yet, any statistics on how long people keep their vehicles? (HINT: Most cars are junked WAAAY before they’re 30 years old when, according to you, the computer WILL fail)

Carbs are garbage. They're pretty much good for weed whackers and chainsaws and that’s about it. There are dozens of reasons why automakers switched to EFI. Including but not limited to: easier starting, better throttle response, better emissions, better fuel economy, ideal air/fuel ratio, completely and CONSTANTLY self-adjusting for ambient temps, load conditions, throttle input and on and on.

And why single out Toyota? EVERY automaker is using just as much, if not more computers in their vehicles.

Sorry, you can keep your obsolete junk. I’ll keep driving my 16 year old computer-controlled Explorer, and my 18 year old computer controlled Honda, BOTH of which have NEVER had a single computer or sensor problem. And I’ll still be driving my Ranger for the next 20 years with no computer troubles either, while you’re in your driveway fiddling with adjustment screws trying to get your truck to idle correctly.

 

[LearjetMinako]

Probably the reason for the newer PCM not lasting longer is the fact that the chips are being made on a smaller acrh-type. The larger chips can take more abuse from outside factors while these newer smaller chips need to be more proctected from a static discharge. Computers will always be in vehicles today, no matter what make or brand it is. So adjust and live with it.

 

[97RangerXLT]

Why computers don't last as long in newer cars has to do with the EPA. Google ROHS...

That said, I gotta agree with adms and exbass.


AJ

 

[OilPatch197]

They go bad after 15-30 years eh? Got any data/statistics to back up that statement?

1988 Oldsmobile cutlass Ciera,

Got it from Grandpa in '95 with under 100,000 miles. We put 100,000 miles on it and the famous "limp mode" was activated.

Took it to a Oldsmobile dealer, bad ECM, replaced back on road...

10,000 miles later, "limp mode" was activated, bad ECM again, dealer replaced.

then we sold the car!

Sorry, you can keep your obsolete junk. I’ll keep driving my 16 year old computer-controlled Explorer, and my 18 year old computer controlled Honda, BOTH of which have NEVER had a single computer or sensor problem. And I’ll still be driving my Ranger for the next 20 years with no computer troubles either, while you’re in your driveway fiddling with adjustment screws trying to get your truck to idle correctly.

That quoted message is nothing but ignorant bullshit. It's called preventive maintenance, as long as that is performed, carb or fuel injected should do just fine. You just have to be a little smarter with a engine with a carburetor.

 

[Boghog1]

They go bad after 15-30 years eh? Got any data/statistics to back up that statement? Better yet, any statistics on how long people keep their vehicles? (HINT: Most cars are junked WAAAY before they’re 30 years old when, according to you, the computer WILL fail)

Carbs are garbage. They're pretty much good for weed whackers and chainsaws and that’s about it. There are dozens of reasons why automakers switched to EFI. Including but not limited to: easier starting, better throttle response, better emissions, better fuel economy, ideal air/fuel ratio, completely and CONSTANTLY self-adjusting for ambient temps, load conditions, throttle input and on and on.

And why single out Toyota? EVERY automaker is using just as much, if not more computers in their vehicles.

Sorry, you can keep your obsolete junk. I’ll keep driving my 16 year old computer-controlled Explorer, and my 18 year old computer controlled Honda, BOTH of which have NEVER had a single computer or sensor problem. And I’ll still be driving my Ranger for the next 20 years with no computer troubles either, while you’re in your driveway fiddling with adjustment screws trying to get your truck to idle correctly.

I have to disagree with that statement...























































I think EFI should be on weedwackers and chainsaws too

 

[cody93]

computers in a car are usefull to a certain point, when they get to the point that they can only be fixed by the stealership or wont start the car cause ur sealt belt is off or ur fuel cap is off is way to much. an EFI system is good and not to complicated. there 86+ 2.9s with efi that are still goin. computers were built better, altho not as fast back in the day, the componets were bigger and less likey to get physical damage, newer componets use lesser grade materials and are smaller, and can be prone to failure from vibration/corosion/heat cause of thier lesser quality and smaller size.

carbs on the other hand have there own benifits too, they are a simple system and can fixed easy. they are also simple to modify, ive seen ppl dump a propane hose directly into the carb and started the car. a carbed car will survive an EMP attack, altho the car radio wont

id keep both types, altho, if a carbed car has be tuned to run just right and get good powe /milage, id go with the carb cause of the coolness factor.

in a way, computers in vehicles will go bad as todays technologies get cheaper cause the stealership want to sell you a new car, so its more like hold on to ur old cars as they have better quality parts.

 

[master hec0]

carbs on the other hand have there own benifits too, a carbed car will survive an EMP attack,

never thought of surviving an emp attack before

 

[adsm08]

A Ranger will not survive an EMP.

Neither will most cars built after 1975.

In fact there is good chance that no matter when your car was built that the EMP would fry the coil and it still won't work.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

But the coil isn't a computer chip, its basically a relay which wouldn't get damaged.

 

[heptofite]

a diesel ranger will survive emp, as will any mechanically injected diesel.

 

[superds]

a diesel ranger will survive emp, as will any mechanically injected diesel.

I agree as far as the engine operation. But would the starter solenoid survive?

 

[adsm08]

But the coil isn't a computer chip, its basically a relay which wouldn't get damaged.

EMP's can burn out coils if they are strong enough/close enough.

The older PCMs can be de-gaussed and still work if the program didn't get wiped.

 

[exbass94]

1988 Oldsmobile cutlass Ciera,

Got it from Grandpa in '95 with under 100,000 miles. We put 100,000 miles on it and the famous "limp mode" was activated.

Took it to a Oldsmobile dealer, bad ECM, replaced back on road...

10,000 miles later, "limp mode" was activated, bad ECM again, dealer replaced.

then we sold the car!

One data point is not enough to draw any conclusions. Wow, one car you've had had computer troubles. What about the MILLIONS of others that DIDN'T have troubles?

That quoted message is nothing but ignorant bullshit. It's called preventive maintenance, as long as that is performed, carb or fuel injected should do just fine. You just have to be a little smarter with a engine with a carburetor.

Exactly what part was ignorant bullshit?
FACT: Carbs have been completely replaced by superior (yes SUPERIOR) technology. Therefore, they are obsolete.
Fact: None of my vehicles have ever had electrical or computer problems
Fact: Carbs will occasionally need adjustment, whereas EFI never requires any adjustments.

*looking over what I just typed*.....Hmm, nope, no ignorant bullshit there.