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bhavin66@gmail.com - 01 Nov 2006 23:19 GMT

Just curious if any opensource project is underway to redo the car
daignostics or replace the car computer with the opensource module so
folks dont have to be dependent on the Auto Manufacturers for a
solution.
Like the one in my Malibu which seems to have some typical problems.
Malibus for many years now have this kind of issues like the starting
problem with anti-theft system, or the CAL ERR and so forth....

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Cy Welch - 02 Nov 2006 06:55 GMT

> Just curious if any opensource project is underway to redo the car
> daignostics or replace the car computer with the opensource module so
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Malibus for many years now have this kind of issues like the starting
> problem with anti-theft system, or the CAL ERR and so forth....

Not only would it not be legal to try and write your own operating
system for the cars ECM, most of the items you point out are hardware
not software anyways, so making software changes would not do anything
to fix those things. The starting problem with the anti-theft is the
sensors not working properly, which the only way to fix that with
software would be to remove the anti-theft system, at least a part of is
done in hardware. The CAL ERR is also a hardware problem, which cannot
be fixed with software.

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Cy Welch
89 Camaro RS 5.0 TBI
98 Passport
03 Malibu

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bhavin66@gmail.com - 02 Nov 2006 19:20 GMT

> > Just curious if any opensource project is underway to redo the car
> > daignostics or replace the car computer with the opensource module so
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> 98 Passport
> 03 Malibu

I do not agree to it totally.
I do understand that there are some hardware problems involved but GM
or in that matter most of the automakers have not progressed far enough
to point to a fault location if not the exact problem. I do have to
comment on this as my experience with many problems leads me the
AutoShop and they cannot detect the problem, sometimes for days and
sometimes not at all. I am also not driving to the idea that everyone
should have thier own diagnostic center in thier garage or backyard,
ofcourse that would be helpful if the knowledge spreads and people can
afford some basic tools or kits.
Personally i have a feeling that when it becomes more opensource or the
knowledge becomes more like opensource then it would make life much
more enjoyable as this being our daily mode of transport to and from
work.
And finally to add to it, It can also be a driving force to get into
newer technology in automotive like the fuel-cell or solar or hybrid
and so on....
Like the AirCar, hypercar, PHEV hybrid, Electric cars.

Bhavin
87 Toyota Van
01 Malibu

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