Illegal for you to maintain or modify your own car!

[Howie]

From my friend:

Hello Motorheads,
This came to my attention from Bavarian Auto (BMW) Parts website.  The public comment period is ending very soon... April 30!
Immediate action is required if you want to try and stop this from happening.  Please click on the link below and it will bring you to an article discussing the proposed regulations and also a link to a petition opposing them.  I've signed it.  Please consider doing the same and forwarding this to friends who you think are concerned about this issue.

http://blog.bavauto.com/16530/

Please sign and pass along.

[DarkMonster620]

Not only for BMW, ALL manufacturers are thinking of the same . . .   

[Howie]

Yep, being handled by lobbyists. 

[Duck-Stew]

Signed.  Thanks Howie.

[ducpainter]

I'm in too.

[Grampa]

People need to watch Logans Run. Traveling in tubes is the future.

[OT]

People need to watch Logans Run. Traveling in tubes is the future.

here and now...

As I read this, it sounds like the question is related to IP?

If so, isn't that absurd?  Otherwise, how could PC repair shops function?

[1.21GW]

Some more detail on the issue below.  Basically, they are saying that the software/ECU are proprietary and that messing with that would violate digital rights laws.  This could go many ways, so I wouldn't sound the alarm bell yet.  But long term (i.e. by the time I'm DP's or Howie's age) I figure we tinkers are doomed regardless of how this specific symphony plays out.


http://jalopnik.com/carmakers-want-to-make-working-on-your-car-illegal-beca-1699132210

[ducpainter]

Some more detail on the issue below.  Basically, they are saying that the software/ECU are proprietary and that messing with that would violate digital rights laws.  This could go many ways, so I wouldn't sound the alarm bell yet.  But long term (i.e. by the time I'm DP's or Howie's age) I figure we tinkers are doomed regardless of how this specific symphony plays out.


http://jalopnik.com/carmakers-want-to-make-working-on-your-car-illegal-beca-1699132210

I open the hood on anything older that a MY 2K and don't even know what I'm looking at. I swear my '08 mF-150 had no spark plugs. I didn't own it long enough to have look for them.

If you lay underneath them you can recognize the drain plugs and oil filters.

[Howie]

Some more detail on the issue below.  Basically, they are saying that the software/ECU are proprietary and that messing with that would violate digital rights laws.  This could go many ways, so I wouldn't sound the alarm bell yet.  But long term (i.e. by the time I'm DP's or Howie's age) I figure we tinkers are doomed regardless of how this specific symphony plays out.


http://jalopnik.com/carmakers-want-to-make-working-on-your-car-illegal-beca-1699132210

The immediate effect would be cost to aftermarket scan tool manufacturers and service publications would make it impossible for private shops or owners to perform even simple repairs. 

[the_Journeyman]

The immediate effect would be cost to aftermarket scan tool manufacturers and service publications would make it impossible for private shops or owners to perform even simple repairs. 

This to me starts getting into anit-trust/monopoly laws.  If ONLY a Chevrolet dealer can work on your Chevrolet, then they can charge whatever and push prices way up since there would be no competition from the independent shops for new cars.

JM

[1.21GW]

This to me starts getting into anit-trust/monopoly laws.  If ONLY a Chevrolet dealer can work on your Chevrolet, then they can charge whatever and push prices way up since there would be no competition from the independent shops for new cars.

JM

Nah.  The counterargument is that if Chevy pushes up prices, Ford (or Honda or VW) can keep them low, thereby incentivizes people to buy Fords.  Competition is maintained.  No monopoly threat.

The article I posted seemed to suggest that independent shops will be okay (though I bet they'll have to pay more for proper diagnostic tools) and that the legislated had the support of some aftermarket supply association(s?).

[ducpainter]

The discussion in this thread is getting close to our line.

That is not to say it's not an important discussion.

[ab]

The discussion in this thread is getting close to our line.

That is not to say it's not an important discussion.

I didn't understand what you mean 'close to our line'?

[red baron]

I didn't understand what you mean 'close to our line'?

NO POLITICS!!!