Fighting for vehicle owners’ rights to inspect the code that runs their vehicles

[Fat Charlie]

It works for the Mickey Mouse Protection Act, why not for the Artists Formerly Known as Detroit?

[Arragonis]

I do wonder about how much research has gone into this article though, for example this statement :

For instance, Smith said it’s impossible to put a newer-model engine in an older vehicle without modifying its engine control unit (ECU) software.

is nonsense. Lots of people do that - you don't modify it, you bypass it. Some have even been known to fit engines from other makes into GM cars. They pass the MOT (aka safety Inspection) here regularly and appear in tuning magazines all over the place.

That tapped I can see GM's point to some extent that people dicking about with their code or settings might just break something or (for example) make the brakes not work.

This is unlikely but I suppose GM want to be sure that if it does happen they won't be liable in any way, shape or form because they didn't prevent it by putting in security measures in their older software - the stuff they sold before people had the facility to plug in a home computer to a car or even had a home computer.

Plus of course they buy from component makers which also contain software - are they responsible for that too ?

On the same basis if someone "hacked" a VAG product using VAG-COM and caused a problem, would VWAG themselves be liable ? Would VAG-COM given their disclaimers ? How about the website where someone anonymous said "change this here for mega powah" ?

Seems like a perfect playground for lawyers. Then again isn't everything?

[oil pan 4]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

Plus of course they buy from component makers which also contain software - are they responsible for that too ?

Yes, so to protect them selves and you, GM would be the only source for such parts. Because remember they are just looking out for you and their intentions are pure.

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

Yes, so to protect them selves and you, GM would be the only source for such parts. Because remember they are just looking out for you and their intentions are pure.

Only source of which parts ?

Not sure why the just because I can see their point to an extent doesn't mean I agree with it...

[oil pan 4]

They are trying to position them selves so they are required by law to at least provide all the parts that run some kind of software or be able to sell the license to make such parts when GM decides that its not making them enough money fast enough off these parts.
GM does not like competition.
So instead beating the competition with quality, value and innovation they are going to beat them the only way they know how anymore, with lawyers and courts.

[Arragonis]

Which parts ?

[oil pan 4]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

all the parts that run some kind of software.

.

[Arragonis]

Yes, I saw that. Which ones ?

[Fat Charlie]

There are too many computerised parts that are specific to models and options that the aftermarket won't touch them.

I love looking up the older ones from before VIN filtering: What trim level? 2 or 4 wheel drive? What engine, transmission, and transfer case? Federal or California emissions? I can have 20 or so different choices for one model in one year.

Can you really see Napa having an aisle full of ECMs, another with TCMs and another with PCMs? BCMs, SCCMs, HCUs, WIN modules and airbag modules would require another store entirely and only scratch the surface of that they would have to have in their systems. It's not worth their time to chase that business.

Sure, the OEMs try to capitalize on it. You want a remote start? Get a car that comes with it or pay through the nose to have it installed and enabled at the dealer. Ditto with trailer brakes or a radio. They use it to support their price structure and gain a little accessory spending- but the accessory spending is more about getting people to come back to the dealer at least once before they need to buy another car.

[freebeard]

With General Motors, anyway, the cars are a loss leader and all the money is in GMAC.

Silly IP laws started in the computer industry but now (thanks DMCA!) are metastasizing throughout society.