The Insanity Of Modern Automotive Electronics And How It Will Lead To A Mechanical Revolution

[@winstonvillaflor7050]

From the Philippines here. I was a newly licensed physician in the year 2000. My first car was a 1974 super beetle. I drove it everyday without a major problem. Year 2013 Nov. 8. Super typhoon Haiyan struck Tacloban City and destroyed my car in the storm surge. I bought a brand new 2015 VW tiguan TDI. After 6 years I sold it because of the sensitve electronics. I wasted a lot of money on that crossover. Now I'm back to driving a restored 1970 super beetle. No crazy electronics, no monthly payments and I have peace of mind.

[@psesolarscott]

Smart man. Simple is good. Thank you for being a Dr. Salamat.

[@DGTelevsionNetwork]

That whole country was built on the jeep brand. They such awful cars now that they are one of the least bought car brands there.

[@pete614]

Philippines and Finland have lot in common and its the weather: wher Philippines have humid and hot, we in Finland have wild temperature changes from -20c in winter and +25 in hottest summer days. Add very humid weather to that and you have an environment where modern electronics start DYING.

[@ItalianMetalHED]

german cars are overengineered masses of plastic. As they age the electronics fail and if the quality of parts are bad that just adds to the problem while you're chasing shorts. They build their harnesses different by combining 5v/12v which is why you will see many german cars with one brighter tail light or headlight out. My 97 jeta vr6 was a nightmare (loved the engine) and every 3 years i was replacing the ignition module.

[@OACSOME]

just watch out for oil starvation on those flat 4s

[@thomvogan3397]

I took mechanical engineering in the 80's. The first day in class on the blackboard was written in large letters SIMPLICITY, SIMPLICITY, SIMPLICITY. Never design a system more complicated than it has to be. Today the opposite seems to be true and it is indeed intentional

[@nathanael5606]

I share the same sentiment. It’s all about the money

[@alhemmings8554]

As a recent Aerospace graduate, I can confirm we were taught the same principles by older, experienced 'apprenticeship route' Engineers who are very handy at fitting and turning! Even so, some of my classmates seemed to have a modern Engineer's fetish for finding the most complicated (i.e. BMW) way to solve a problem.

[@kevinm.n.5158]

It's absolutely no coincidence that most cars only last 3-5 years same time as most financing payment terms.

[@brothertyler]

You can thank diversity for that. Thank Pajup, Derjeep, and Punjabi.

[@phiscz]

​@@brothertyler nope, was definitely a white dude who made the concept of planned obsolescence. also 'punjabi' lmao american try to beat the dumb hick allegations challenge impossible difficulty

[@mark63366]

As a farmer I am on the front line of this change. I would say we are roughly 10 to 15 years ahead of car culture. Currently a tractor that doesn't have modern electronics easily sells for double what it should. For example, a 20 year old tractor with 8000 hrs that should bring 25000 sells for 80000. For the same money, 80000, you could buy a 10 year old tractor with 4000 hrs. But that newer tractor has electronics and computers everywhere. This is mainly because old electronics cause a lot of problems with the rough use a tractor gets. If you knew how to strip out the computers and replace them with a simpler system, you would make bank.

[@jeepster1515]

Tractor manufacturers are leading the legal battle to deny ownership of equipment to purchasers under the guise of intellectual property. They, along with automakers, are eager to replace purchasing with leasing, so the payments never stop and older units are rendered entirely useless when they decide to stop supporting them. Oh, and they have the help of insurance companies who will simply refuse to underwrite policies for unsupported models (see the history of the Saturn EV for proof of that).

[@race8427]

This may be signaling “the end of technological advancement”. Certain Technologies pushed as far as they can go before it is too expensive and no longer practical.@@jeepster1515

[@marshmower]

Definitely more than one entity involved in all that. More vultures if you ask me.

[@heavymetalmadness666]

Why does the average age of a car keep going up? There are two main reasons. Inflated wages, and then government demands. In the rust belt, we see newer cars not lasting nearly as long as they used to, so why are so many choosing to put a bunch of money into an old car???

[@mark63366]

I couldn't have said it better myself. To futher the point, Tesla and Mercedes both have "features" on their vehicles that must be paid for on top of purchase price. A battery extension for the Tesla and a heated steering wheel on the Mercedes I believe. Real life DLC.@@jeepster1515

[@Tracerm17]

I am not a car guy, but I enjoy the honest and non-inflammatory way you talk about modern world politics, how they apply to everybody in all walks of life, and the ever changing world around us.

[@Mobus_]

I learned long ago that companies don't want to make something that lasts. They want to keep selling. They also make it more difficult to repair on purpose.

[@a2max280]

Planned Obsolescence

[@watamatafoyu]

Yup, that's why we have to fight for Right to Repair. 100%, no stop, no compromise. Manufacturers used to provide circuitry manuals to repair shops, now they lock everything up. It's just endless scandals of greed.

[@williamphillips2794]

stop blaming companies that only want to satisfy their market; the real culprit is the tyrannical US EPA mandated "emissions" that mean manufacturers need to use smaller engines and to preserve performance add plastics to save weight and electronics to save fuel

[@williamphillips2794]

no they don't - if people are prepared to pay a premium (most don/t) for a quality product they would buy a Lexus, same applies to every other industry. You get what you pay for

[@watamatafoyu]

@@williamphillips2794 You're flat wrong. You need to learn more from repair industry people. Manufacturers used to make it relatively easy to repair, now they're working to make it difficult. It's not all of them, but it's a rising trend. Most people can't afford a frikn Lexus

[@XDWX]

I used to be an automechanic during the 2000's and the first thing I learned was that the engineers that design the cars are your enemy. They are the enemy in two ways; they design things that make no sense whatsoever and make it almost impossible to work on for even a factory trained mechanic. They deliberately design things so the regular person cannot work on their own vehicles and special tools are needed for even the most basic repairs.

[@cas343]

Canadian here. Had a roommate who was a mechanic in the army. She said that the Leopard tanks we have never get above 60% operational capacity (that's the repair line items on each vehicle). The reason is that the tanks require special tools only available in Germany. Reading your comment I now realize how smart they were. By sheer coincidence we randomly decided to send all our Leopards to Ukraine...

[@robertsmith2956]

there is no way every part is put where you can't get at it. This was done on purpose with cad software. My 1980 Datsun was a dream car. I changed the clutch in 30 minutes outside in a blizzard. Could have done it in half the time, buy I had to keep going in to defrost my fingers so I could hold the bolts, and wrench. My '71 f100 is great. A fuel line, a water line, that's it under the hood. Sadly the companies that made electronic ignition conversions back in the late 60's aren't around anymore. But I can still buy points, and my dwell meter from 50 years ago still works fine. I cried when Rick didn't buy the SUNTUNE machine for beetles on Pawn Stars. I would have loved to have it for mine.

[@calebclark5615]

I remember my 2002 Cadillac Seville, great car ran like a top and was fast and snazzy. Car overheated one day, checked it out. Needed a new thermostat, no biggie right? $10 part. Problem is you have to remove half the engine basically and need a child sized hand to even install it. Or you can take it to the dealer and they’ll do it for $400

[@XDWX]

@calebclark5615 My brother had that same Cadillac.Those engines were designed with the starter under the intake manifold. That's the most insane thing I ever heard back then. A 20 minute / $200 repair now involves removing half the engine and cost $1000.

[@slawomirhering3770]

Its not by comodity thats BS narrative CBDC cannot be backed up by anything but SLAVES pladge by goverment. CBDC agenda cashless sociaty screen us all we cannot allow them take away the money. People will do becasue they buy into narrative those rule the world BIS-IMF-FED currencies monopoly. If we are played by them we going simply be extinct selfdestruction they want stop on CBDC next is going to be Neurolink microchip brain implant AI humanoid SLAVERY death. I am from Poland this is no different then any wars before againast Polish Nation. This one involve entire world almost world without money isn't the solution 5 thousends years of trade distroy by BIS-IMF-FED privat Banking Cartel. When you are going to satart talk like real human beings exploit and attacked by parasites. The main parasites are BIS-IMF-FED currencies monopoly triangle CBDC is their agenda not the pupet masters Putin or Claus Schwab WEF Davos thier model is communism.

[@oliveoil2x]

My son is 15. Loves cars, and is saving for his first truck. He wants to buy a 1970’s pickup - because, “mom, those trucks make sense. I can work on it and fix most things myself.”

[@arrebarre]

That's awesome and I really relate to that, my first car being a nissan sunny coupe from 1987; but mark my words, governments around the world are going to make it impossible to drive these older vehicles on the road by blaming it on pollution. I will cry when the day comes that I no longer can drive my sunny.

[@bobbydevall6942]

Smart kid

[@Red_Star_robin]

If you do I’d get a 3 point harness installed at the minimum

[@trojanthedog]

Yep. My first car was a 1972 HQ Holden. When I popped the hood I could mostly see grass. Easy to set the points, change the plugs or the oil and a bunch of other stuff. I was 17 and not that mechanically minded.

[@HAL-dm1eh]

@@arrebarre You know your cars. They don't make em like that anymore!

[@markiefufu]

I bought a 1998 school bus and converted it into an RV. Totally mechanical and I love it. My boys bonus grandmother bought a 2021 Lincoln Aviator and that thing is a nightmare. Open the hood and there's plastic covers on everything, including over the battery. Anyway, it wouldn't start a few weeks ago. A tow driver came out to bring it to the dealership. We couldn't get the thing into neutral. After consulting Google, you have to remove a small panel between the dash and center console. It only has room for you to get your hand in there (barely) and then you have to use a pocket screwdriver and blindly move a little lock lever to put it into neutral. Took hours of diagnostics to find out a wire to the fuel pump was corroded. Apparently with all the idiot plastic paneling hiding everything, the wiring for the fuel pump was not protected from the elements.

[@nairbyad7188]

engineers need adult supervision

[@markiefufu]

@@justincasesomethinggoeswrong took me a hot minute to find her battery too. Totally ridiculous. Lol

[@SirenaSpades]

What the heck is a bonus grandmother?

[@markiefufu]

@@SirenaSpades my wife's ex-mother-in-law. She treats our 2 sons together the same as she treats her flesh and blood grandson (my step-son). She loves them all equally.

[@mikewilliams2072]

Yeah, the manufacturer wants some parts to go out to keep them in the loop, as long as you own one of their cars you are paying for it until you trade for another one and the cycle starts again!

[@rcud1]

I would like to see if someone could come up with a repairability index for new cars. Consumer Reports should incorporate that into their car buying guide.

[@prismatic9804]

They won't because companies pay them for favorable reviews. That's why they always tank Toyotas lower than others but Toyota still outsells

[@iraqiimmigrant2908]

@@prismatic9804💯

[@dionst.michael1482]

Great idea

[@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit]

​@@prismatic9804Consumer Reports is paid for favorable reviews? Where do you come by this information?

[@OtherDalfite]

Good idea, but that metric would easily be bought out by the same companies manufacturing the cars

[@retro440]

Tony, I am so, so, so with ya!! I'm 77 and have been a shade tree mechanic for many years. Back in the day, there was nothing that could possibly go wrong with my ride that I couldn't fix. Today, there is very, very little that I CAN fix on my 2010 van. Case in point, one day the windshield wipers quit working. Bad motor? Nope. Bad relay? Nope. Bad switch? Nope. Bad control module. Cost of replacement for said module? $1,100 plus pay the dealer to 're-program' the new part to my van. Utterly, absolutely ridiculous. I have more horror stories, but, you and your viewers have heard them all. Keep up the great content!

[@matthewtarka2804]

DITTO!!!!! WHY ARE WE BUYING THIS CRAP!!!!!! ULTRU PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE.....IT IS BEYOND CRIMINAL.......IT HURTS THE PEOPLE WHO CAN'T AFFORD IT MOST!

[@astrand32]

Government motors classic.

[@Huwadwink]

Fix the control module 😂.

[@henryfleischer404]

I'm 21, and a programmer. That's ridiculous. A windshield wiper should, in the worst case scenario, require a couple programmers to program it once. Because it just needs to move up, then down, repeatedly. Preferably at multiple speeds. It should be dead simple. And the control module should be cheap too.

[@xq39]

old cars really should start going up in value drastically considering the insane repair costs and complexity of new cars

[@Jake-bt3fc]

Old cars are becoming a nightmare to fix for other reasons. Especially in wet places or places where they salt the roads.

[@johnbarrett5229]

They are going up in price.

[@johnbarrett5229]

A nightmare compared to not being able to get a chip or trouble shoot an electrical problem. Did you even watch the video dude? Sheesh. @@Jake-bt3fc

[@Dogman262]

They have been for the past three years

[@bertross9727]

We still have to pay for the complexity of other peoples cars in our insurance premiums!

[@johnulrich5572]

I remember as a kid in the 80's looking through my J. C. Whitney catalog and being amazed that you could buy a conversion plate to match any engine to any transmission. That's what we need now. Great video.

[@brandonbowling524]

Transdapt made (or still makes) a bunch of the adapter stuff. There's a bunch of conversion companies out there now. A lot of bolt in stuff

[@pii-chan8804]

You can still do this... :P

[@ПётрПроценко-б3к]

More so we need to banish consumerism. Is there is no need but for one platform for all cars, so you can have any color you want, any shape of car cabin and luggage compartment mounted on top of a universal suspension, unversal transmission and engine with only one type of steering and brakes. And of course the control panel must be exactly the same, as it is the same in every bicycle, every elevator, every washing machine.

[@lsswappedcessna]

with all the interesting junk ya coulda bought off JC Whitney, ya probably coulda small block swapped the fucking moon lander

[@barrykochverts4149]

Welcome to East Germany, 1970. And state mandated choice. Enjoy your new Trabant, in any color or configuration you like. There's no need to improve it because there's no competition.

[@williamjsingleton5240]

The most valuable part of any machine is it’s reliability. My 1964 van has a new engine, transmission, rear end gears and new simple wiring harness. It is only ever needed a tow once since 1964. I will not sell it because it is so reliable 👏👏👏

[@danielreinhardt937]

Old vehicals are more useful than they are valuable.

[@gerardgerman9995]

It's in the Autobody industry as well. Replacing a bumper cover on the rear can be parking sensors, blind spot detectors, foot activated liftgate, backup camera... i showed my wife a picture of the inside of an Escalade bumper and she thought it was the inside of a dash. Third parties have to come in and set up special screens to calibrate adaptive cruice control, blind spot detection, in bumpers and grilles and charge $800 to $1200.

[@dionst.michael1482]

Wow. Never even considered stuff like this. I DREAD buying another vehicle. I’m still patching together my 2007 G5. And I rescued it from salvage! Lol! It’s all I could afford. I look at both new and used car prices right now with my mouth usually hanging wide open. I see the prices of new 1/2 ton pickups right now and it’s literally shocking! They are the cost of the previous generation’s starter homes for cripes sake! My parents house was bought for half of the average cost of a new half ton truck today when I was a kid! I’m only 54 and I feel old when I look at the marketplace cause things have risen so quickly and dramatically! My pay cheques sure havnt kept up to the cost of living! I work 60 hrs a week and feel poor by comparison to just 20 years ago making half of what I make now! And most of the regular folks I know are in the same boat. Most Canadians are hurting after what the Liberals have done to our country for the last 10 years! We used to have a balanced budget

[@kadthejedi]

Cadillac parts in general are just super price inflated, which is why so many people over the decades have switched to JDM cars that are meant to be repaired and used

[@MrNick615]

@@dionst.michael1482yup and yup all you say is true :/

[@Adierit]

@@kadthejedi Nah, JDM parts are usually far more expensive then GM parts. Unless we're talking about a Camry, but that's not even a JDM given that its one of the most common cars in the US market.

[@eddiesmith7867]

​@@Adierittoyota is based in japan, which means a camry is jdm

[@gusxenakes48]

I was a automotive mechanic for 45 years. Dealerships for most of it. Ford and land rover mostly ford. I left in 2017 and started working on fork lifts. All kinds of different systems. Totally fun again. I wish I did it much earlier. Some tool expense because of the jump but only a fraction compared to automotive industry. And now I’m going old school for personal vehicles. Happy times again.

[@Gurgich13]

What's this got to do with the issue at hand

[@gusxenakes48]

@@Gurgich13 the issue at hand is the automotive industry itself. I was just commenting on how I dealt with it.

[@truthhurts4771]

Corporations do not want you repairing their products, that's their job.

[@88Grave]

I became an apprentice in 2010 and knew something was off. By 2019 the shop was dead, customers couldn’t afford it anymore so I left the trade. Manufacturers are always making it harder to work without specialized equipment so they can monopolize the repairs.

[@MrKongatthegates]

Cant beat em joinem. Dealerships hire lots of techs. Go work there.

[@chipyeahoo]

@@MrKongatthegates, dealerships often suck to work for, at least as far as techs are concerned.

[@dogguy8603]

Dont forget its intentional, they intentionally make it so equipment that can only be fixed with specialized equipment that only they have, its why they oppose right to repair

[@dogguy8603]

​@@MrKongatthegatesor legalize right to repair

[@kevinjones3900]

German cars coding of parts is a joke.

[@ProjectTimeGarage]

Had this same scenario happen to me on Saturday with a 2015 GMC Sierra. Truck wouldn't even move. All codes were communicaton issues between the BCM, ECM and everything else. The culprit? Cheap aftermarket headlight had gone bad. Headlight still worked, but interrupted the CAN bus to the point other modules couldn't even communicate anymore. You are 100% spot-on Tony.

[@adamm1998]

I've been seriously considering this. I have a friend who runs a tow company, brand new f650. It has so many problems he stripped out everything and put a 7.3 international in it. The only reason he kept the truck was to present a successful appearance, but it a stripped down 30yr old piece of machinery

[@brawdz31]

Not as modern, the same thing happened to my dads ‘07 Dodge Ram. He had a friend install LED bulbs without an adapter harness and it messed up the PCM. It still runs but the cluster has every single warning light on

[@globalcommerce7654]

All these modern changes are highly unnecessary! I diagnose modern cars on my channel and even sell the Ultimate CANBUS tester to help with this issue! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4PXoWiogp55m5Isi=vcsI_z_2Q4dCspfC

[@ljmorris6496]

​@@adamm1998that's probably a false story, why not just buy a 30 year old truck from the start?, The state will flatten him when emissions and inspection time comes up if this is true.

[@Robert-mz9hi]

Great video. Where I live, I'm seeing more and more old pickup trucks from the 1970's, 1980's and 1990's being used as daily drivers.

[@madbrax5184]

Exactly! Why is the dome light controlled by a $350 body computer? I'm so glad I'm not alone in this insanity.... Thanks Uncle Tony.

[@PhpGtr]

Because it's more efficient to have similar items run from a central location. It's rare that this would ever become an issue.

[@andrewslagle1974]

Stop its over complicated bs designed by children! @@PhpGtr

[@adamredden2007]

​@@PhpGtrYeah, it's called a fuse.

[@raoulcruz4404]

@@PhpGtr. Are you a mechanic? Because it’s a problem. Maybe not a terrible problem. For example there are numerous reports of a certain model vehicle that the dome lights would randomly turn on and off with no one in the car and the keys out. Point being, just because you can make a computer run something doesn’t mean you should.

[@turboflush]

It's all to give it fancy features.

[@marblox9300]

My friend from High School graduated in 1977 and he was Auto Shop. Smart Guy and a very good mechanic worked in dealers and also small shops. His toy was a 1967 GTO 4 Speed. He always said COMPUTERS are great but they don't belong in cars. Ironically I ended up being a Computer Programmer who also likes cars and I will say he was absolutely correct.

[@PhilipX2030]

Maybe we just need more people to be able to understand and connect with the CAN Bus? Also, everything going Electric ⚡️ now = Simplicity. 95% fewer moving parts and likely... you'll be able to do cell level diagnostics from your phone! (or remotely - or via instantaneous Ai diagnostic) eventually, the repair might also be automated, with a subscription or folded into your insurance plan. Thoughts on converting gas to electric? ⚡️

[@wumi2419]

@@PhilipX2030 It's "simplicity" in a very "black box-y" kind of way. Instead of it being 20 moving parts, you get a 1000$ black box you can not disassemble and repair, only replace (and 1000$ is on a low side). You get less components, but components themselves become more expensive and more fragile. I don't think diagnostics help there. If battery capacity is going down, you can diagnose it, you will know about it, but it doesn't change the fact that you can't replace individual battery cells, only 16000$ battery package. CAN bus can be seen as a metaphor of sorts: it ties components together in the worst kind of way, where if one thing breaks, everything breaks. Instead of "analog" levels of failure you get discrete states: either it works perfectly, or it doesn't at all. Electric components will work the same way. Repair just isn't the same when all it is is swapping a component that costs 2/3 of the car.

[@richardchandler6969]

​@@PhilipX2030solve the battery problem and reduce it to a speed controller and a motor (I'm thinking the ev west conversion kits) and sure. the potential simplicity is definitely appealing.

[@redhathacker]

Im a software engineer too and Im currently restoring a 1979 corvette. Its so straight forward to work on. Haven’t thrown a single tool!!

[@zacharyb2723]

@@wumi2419 You can make simple electric - IE my electric scooter still works even when the display is shorted out from rain. I don't need complicated luxury features or autostart, whatever, I turn the key and the battery connects to controller to motor. Batteries SHOULD be more modular, allow mechanics (at least) to isolate bad cells by computer and keep cars moving at 95% their capacity and top speed, but thats design I guess. Frankly, electric cars don't need to reach 75mph, our culture demands high power cars but lightweight, smaller battery (thus smaller replacement cost) vehicles should be everywhere. Look at all the scooter commuters in India on small batteries, 1/10th what's in a car.

[@kintustis]

I went to college for computer science and worked in IT for a few years. The disgusting practices of weaponizing computers to take away ownership is what made me want nothing to do with them anymore. The right engineering answer is almost NEVER another buggy line of code running on a chip that'll break if it gets shaken a little too hard.

[@100xasd]

Just curious what did you choose instead? I have come to the same conclusion and I have a similar background as you. I think it is unavoidable what is going to happen next, especially with the increase of AI.

[@dwmaddawgs]

They're literally breaking older products with forced firmware upgrades and denying service or refunds. A smell class action or personal vendettas in the future making companies think twice.

[@JamesSmith-ix5jd]

Lol you could have owned the world by becoming a programmer yourself, but you decided to not free yourself and keep being the average consumer?

[@100xasd]

@@JamesSmith-ix5jd You only own the code that you write for yourself and run on your own machine. Everything else is owned by other companies already.

[@onlooker774]

wrong, it would be more correct to learn how to crack those systems and repair them on cheap... other way is to fight for "right to repair", using computers makes things better and with more capabilities, but being more complicated it creates the situation that average dude can't fix them then blaming electronics instead of corporates who are abusing on this aspect...

[@BartFlossom]

I'm not a mechanic and I have no idea how I got here. But this was the best 22 minutes of my week so far. This so-called "ramble" is actually concise and level-headed. Definitely the most coherent string of thoughts I've heard on YT in quite a while.

[@lawrenceengel3330]

Manufacturers are definitely focusing on making all repairs and service as difficult and unapproachable as possible for anyone outside of their dealership networks

[@dallysinghson5569]

You can be free of those chains as a mechanic. As long as you surrender your wallet XD

[@user-360johnn]

And even then, they don’t even pay their own techs appropriately

[@Vid_Master]

​@@user-360johnnyep! we are in Late Stage Capitalism. There are no more gains to be had, the system is designed to aim for infinite growth in a finite world. How many tech upgrades can a phone or car realistically need? There is a point where growth stops, and it cant stop, so the only thing they can do is squeeze and underpay workers and planned obsolescence

[@HAL-dm1eh]

@@Vid_Master It has nothing to do with any implied fault in capitalism and everything to do with corporate short term greed amidst government regulation.

[@jimbothegymbro7086]

yup, good luck finding customers when everyone has to tighten their belts and they're going to have to sooner or later

[@saradolphin3242]

You have articulated the exact problem with the world in the past 20 years. I am a nurse. I have witnessed this in the medical field as well it has grown for the financial growth only. Not to help people. I love old simple cars and this is exactly why.

[@hyacinthbucket3803]

Medicine is no longer a practice, it has become a business model.

[@bymarcatholictinkering]

Spot on I’m 69 and have experienced this in my career as a mechanic

[@mromatic17]

the dumbest thing they've done with newer cars lately is running everything through the touch screens. if theres a problem then you're almost dead in the water cuz if everything is controlled by one thing then if said thing has a problem then everything will become a problem.

[@geraldscott4302]

And that is why you can't simply replace the engine or transmission with an old school model. You would literally have to tear the whole vehicle down to a shell and start over again. Literally everything would have to be replaced.

[@yurimodin7333]

@@geraldscott4302 then fail emissions because its govt's job to prop up this insanity.

[@mromatic17]

@@yurimodin7333 I used to be a turbo subaru nut and we would just delete the DTC codes off the map and no more check engine lights for whatever the fug.

[@yurimodin7333]

@@mromatic17 you mean like reflash the ECU????

[@arizonaoperator]

I hate this. The idea you have to look away from the road to adjust the fans is crazy. I ended up mapping out the CAN messages and designed a set of physical switches to control the AC and fans on my new Acura.

[@rus0004]

As soon as you said "late model+tail light=$5600" I immediately said "CANBUS!" I bought an aftermarket ECU a few years back. I spent $2000 extra for the higher model, because it could fit a second oxygen sensor without needing a secondary canbus module. I hate canbus almost as much as I hate rust. As for the specifically coded components, Dad discovered that heartache when he tried to change one injector on his mid 2000's TDI Peugeot. He had to change all four, and even then it was still at risk of organ rejection. Of course that didn't matter, because someone tried to change the battery without following the ten step process and bricked the ECU. Modern cars suck.

[@davidkennedy4845]

I prefer rust over CANBUS. Rust can be cut out and replaced with good metal. CANBUS? Well....

[@Wannabegoodvideos]

yeah that sounds like complete shit. unless you fucked up the battery replacement you're not going to brick an ecu. yeah no shit he had to replace all four injectors. you expect 3 old injectors to keep up with a brand new injector on a turbo direct injection engine? cmon now, 3 old parts and 1 new part isnt going to work well. thats why you replace tires in pairs, plugs at once, and coils together. the parts aged together. so when you go picking one to replace at a time you'll end up replacing each one at a time.

[@robotron1236]

Modern cars suck, but they’re still the same thing they always were at a purely fundamental level. There’s no ten step process to change a fucking battery, it’s the same as it’s always been. Maybe they put it under the seat, in the trunk, or in the wheel well; big fucking deal. Disconnect negative terminal, loosen the battery hold down, disconnect positive terminal, remove battery. Reverse steps to install. It’s not that difficult.

[@rus0004]

@@robotron1236 Disconnecting and reconnecting a battery in a modern Peugeot (and possibly others) requires having everything switched off and the doors to remain closed before turning anything on for ten minutes. That means sitting in the car with the doors closed, not touching anything for ten minutes, or else the computer will have a hissy fit. I can't remember the process for jump starting, but more and similar precautions have to be taken. We had to buy special jumper leads with a capacitor built in, to "lessen the chance" of frying the ECU. We've had this happen to two cars, one of which is still in our front yard, unable to start pending a replacement computer and possibly a BCM. The best part is that it doesn't always happen immediately. The place we bought the car from jumped it to move it, we got it home, and the next day it wouldn't start at all. We only found out the true horror through the Peugeot forums. Modern cars are not like the cars of old. Makers have abandoned simple, logical design, in favour of fucking over not just the customer, but the small mechanics of the world, to try ether monopolise the repairs, or force consumers to buy a new car as often as possible.

[@CasperLabuschagne]

I have been in IT since the early 1980's and I fear the future where I have seen working computer systems scrapped due to some chip no longer being available. Very soon they will send fully functional cars to the scrapyard due to a chip not being available.

[@syloui]

That's basically what they did in 2022 during the parts shortage from TSMC, only instead of sending them to scrapyards, they never even left the manufacturer's yards. Computers can solve a lot of problems, but they can't solve the problem of excessive electronics with preprogrammed planned obsolescence

[@slawomirhering3770]

Its not by comodity thats BS narrative CBDC cannot be backed up by anything but SLAVES pladge by goverment. CBDC agenda cashless sociaty screen us all we cannot allow them take away the money. People will do becasue they buy into narrative those rule the world BIS-IMF-FED currencies monopoly. If we are played by them we going simply be extinct selfdestruction they want stop on CBDC next is going to be Neurolink microchip brain implant AI humanoid SLAVERY death. I am from Poland this is no different then any wars before againast Polish Nation. This one involve entire world almost world without money isn't the solution 5 thousends years of trade distroy by BIS-IMF-FED privat Banking Cartel. When you are going to satart talk like real human beings exploit and attacked by parasites. The main parasites are BIS-IMF-FED currencies monopoly triangle CBDC is their agenda not the pupet masters Putin or Claus Schwab WEF Davos thier model is communism.

[@effexon]

it seems already and more in near future all kinds of shortages limit manufacturing and supply of products. it can be 0c part that is needed so it is not about money, just something is simply not available. This would then force societies to heavily prioritize things differently.

[@impactodelsurenterprise2440]

This has already been happening to CNC machines. That's also how I buy them cheap. The mechanics are pristine, just the electronics that needed work. There's always a workaround.

[@HPSFRoadrunner]

Yep! I've got a beautiful BMW wagon from the 90's that SHOULD run fine, but there's a problem between the ECU and the anti-theft system that is preventing it from cranking. This is on a car from the 90's! I can image how bad the modern systems are getting.

[@josephklimchock5412]

Hey Uncle T. I feel your pain and then some. I Started as car mechanic in the 70's at family gas station, been industrial cleaning equipment mechanic for 40 years. Had weird code issue with a machine, nothing normal according to the service manual. I actually was able to in my industry, sometimes talk directly to the electrical engineer that designed the electrical system. When I told him of the values out of spec and what the machine was doing, he asked me where I got my specs from and he was very puzzled. In sheer amazement I told him the these specs are directly from his own companies service manual which he was not even aware existed!!!!!! I swear, true story. He advised a part to be replaced costing 5 K. It failed 4 more time and this company, one of the top companies in this field, is unable to find the issue. I am not in the position to "guess" and waste thousands of dollars of my customers money, the machine which cost 60K just 3 years ago and has only 300HRs on it, sits useless, the darn engineer that designed it, cannot troubleshoot his own design!!!!! At 63, I'm about ready to give it up and be the greeter at Wal Mart!!!!!

[@Turvotastic]

Yeah working for Chrysler we have star center which is similar but you talk to a star agent not exactly an engineer. I heard a story from an older tech in the shop about this brand new Chrysler that as soon as you stepped on the brake it would apply so much pressure to the left rear caliper that it would shatter the piston. They had him put on control modules first, then brake hoses, then they wanted him to program the module again, finally he looks at a diagram of the brake line routing and the left and right rear were switched. So it would continue to apply pressure to the left rear caliper because the module thought it was applying pressure to the right caliper. They even had an engineer come out and work on it all day with him and they couldn't figure it out. Long story short I don't like working with star center

[@bw2442]

Hi, loved the video, I started as a mechanic right out of high school in 1976. Olds Cadillac dealer, simple fun old cars to work on, I learned how to overhaul engines, transmissions, differentials, power steering pumps, ac compressors wiring issues. Then in 1979 I beleive it was, the first front wheel drive sideways engine models were unloaded, the shop Forman was saying how great they would be to work on, this was the beginning of my education on how the average mechanic was being pushed out of the loop. I quit being a mechanic at the same time fuel injection and computer controlled systems rolled out. Went on to be a tech in the navy on fighter planes, the f18 was just a computer system with wings. Everything controlled by two computers and a mix buss blah blah blah. I could troubleshoot by pressing a button. But I thought, what if it gets shot up.??? I didn’t like the direction the world was going, I had little satisfaction working on these electronic nightmares. Fast forward to today, I am retired and living in the Philippines, a poor country that mostly gets around on motorcycles 150cc or less. Mostly Hondas, kawasakis and Suzukis . Asia has many models sent here with fuel injection but most cycles used here are from Japan and they wisely offer basic cycles here that are very inexpensive and bought by people that must be able to repair them as they can’t afford big repair bills or breakdowns, and operate them in all weather and bad gas situations. They have electronic ignition but still have carbs, drum brakes and heavy duty shocks. I bought a honda scooter that’s fuel injected but also bought a honda dirt bike built in China that has a carb and looks exactly like what I had in the USA in 1970, I love tinkering with it and doubt it will ever leave me on the road in a way that I can’t fix it with the tool kit it comes with. I feel designers have lost the plot or are being told to engineer things where they can’t be fixed by the user to bring the repairs back to the dealer but this has reached the point where this will put them out of business. Imo.

[@someolddude7076]

Welcome to Walmart, I love you. Greeter at Walmart from the movie Idiocracy

[@davidt8438]

I saw that video ($5000 taillight repair) about a month ago. It made me insane! You are so right about mechanical vs electronics. My wife doesn’t listen to me anymore because I keep talking about this sh*t world we live in where everything is going to break and even mechanical masterminds won’t be able to fix anything. We are doomed.

[@robertmaybeth3434]

Somehow I just got a picture of you talking to your wife like Scotty Kilmer, while waving your arms, as the traffic drives past doing a double take and it was humorous

[@mikewilliams2072]

They don't want you to be able to fix it they want you to discard it and buy another so they can continue getting a percentage of your pay check every month!! The cycle never ends until you die and that is what the world wants, is a way to get their part of your check every month!!!!

[@squatchfromearth4076]

Joined 8 months ago looks 45? Bot account ​@OskarHersch

[@LamelKendrick]

wives don't care about logic.

[@GEricBromley]

Same here. When I tell anyone who will listen, that's my favorite example I use as an example of how eye watering stupid and un-necessarily complicated vehicles have become. It didn't help that this truck was a top of the line model that I suspect the owner bought so they would have bragging rights around the coffee shop table.

[@davidnimmo8306]

Great video and your absolutely right about new vehicles. One the reason that there is more interest in older vehicles is that people are beginning to realise that yes they are old and yes they need work, but they are easy/cheaper to work on and fundamentally reliable. However the underlying issue globally is that we are living in the age of stupid.

[@mrjjman2010]

Lol how are they “fundamentally reliable”? Do you know what fundamentally means? Many of them were absolutely not “fundamentally reliable”, they just didn’t have all the BCM and communication issues that are stupid and costly, but many of them had plenty of other issues, hence why many aren’t running LOL They’re just more expensive and with components that the local mechanic now has to pay an arm and a leg to get a specialized tool or program to fix.. this is so that you go to the dealer to buy another or for overpriced repairs. It’s really not rocket science or society collapsing. it’s greedy car companies, dealers, and insurance companies. It could all be as easy to work on as a race car for the most part, but that would be a lot less hours! It’s a bit funny how it’s always “electronics” or “democrats” or “global blah blah” but it’s never the people who are directly fucking y’all over lol. I work on my own stuff and friends because it’s pretty fuckin easy and saves a ton of money. The days of making tons of money for relatively simple stuff is over, but now they’re also trying to fuck y’all on the day to day stuff. Answer the question.. if you have some over complicated electronic thing and blah blah blah.. who benefits? Dealers and car companies, to some extent insurance companies. Not the libz or big resistor or or your local mechanic, the fuckin dealer and car brand LOL Y’all will make a lot of good reasonable arguments, but then come to the absolute most brain dead conclusions. It’ll be your grandmas fault before it’s the dealers or the insurance companies 😂😂😂

[@vex6559]

not just stupid, but stupid cubed

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

Car manufacturers are building shit to fail and people are still buying them. 😂

[@bluecollarbeat3156]

​@@mrjjman2010insurance companies??? 😂😂😂

[@johnemous5777]

​@@mrjjman2010fundamentally as in completely and utterly simpler to work on. Once you get past the big bad carburetor clean, working on old machines is simple. Not like these new ones where it cost thousands of dollars for a simple fix. I think you should take that highfalutin attitude and shove it where the sun don't shine

[@WorldPowerLabs]

I'm an electrical design engineer, and there's a reason (several, actually) why my vehicles are from 1997, 1999, and 2003. Even with these, I've had a couple of electronic modules fail in the 1997 car. However, there's no CANbus stuff or dealer reprogramming... and I can rebuild those modules if I can't find used ones (just standard logic ICs and support components).

[@barrykochverts4149]

Yup. My '98 Olds has the occasional electronic glitch, but it also has only one battery. When the HVAC went screwy, it was a short in the wiring, easily fixed. This problem is a time bomb for used vehicles and people who need them.

[@noimnotarobotcanubeleiveit7024]

same here. any fail on my non computer truck that can be fixed better than with NOS parts, i get a digispark for a dollar and write a program in 5 minutes in arduino code. sometimes add a relay or mosfet. all my lights are attiny controlled with pressure sensitive flashing brake lights and hazzards that flash SOS in morse code.

[@seanlevoy9446]

I've owned a 2000 Silverado with a 5.3 since it was new and I can't think of a new vehicle I'd want to own for various reasons. It has enough computing power to maintain the air/ fuel ratio and emissions systems and not much more. I replaced the ECU for $150 and it came preprogrammed with my VIN. It seems around the year 2000 was the sweet spot for just enough computers in cars.

[@SianaGearz]

EE as well (computer engineer actually) and while i don't drive and don't have a car, i wouldn't even consider something much past 90s. Also people hate French cars for electical issues blaming electronics but honestly electronics was fine back then, it's just the wiring that's the problem. Any dolt with enough time on their hands can fix up the few known bad spots. Ironically i have worked for 2 automotive companies working on their bloated shitty firmware. Hopefully made it a little less crashy, but not much less weird, we don't get to make those kinds of decisions.

[@noimnotarobotcanubeleiveit7024]

@@SianaGearz as an EE I despise auto electrics. i cant even read the schematic that looks like a spider crawled through ink, and the actual wiring? 2000 wires all grey and unlabled. i have not examined their code but i imagine it to be the same. blocks of code randomly stacked up without proper subroutine control

[@TheApatheticGuy]

I'm 30 and very computer savvy (have worked as a programmer, in IT, etc) and even I agree with you. The proliferation of complexity in the systems ordinary people are expected to use combined with continuing corporate privatization of information will drive many sectors towards the same route farmers are having to go with challenging at legislation-level. Either that or continue to knee-cap the middle and lower classes with bills that don't reflect the value of what they have or the value of the work performed, sometimes both.

[@williamb454]

Wow, that's some fancy talk!! But I like it and agree ,Eventhough I don't understand 1/2 of it!!

[@reteipegal7690]

​@@williamb454That is the way "The ApatheticGuy" generation get brainwashed to use big nonsensical words, stringed together in a way that sounds good, but means nothing. It only says: "You have become a slave of the New World Order".

[@willhutton1516]

Yup. With the computerization of most if not everything in cars coming when electric really proliferates the industry, “good enough” will be a thing of the past. It will be like logic gates, 1 and 0, yes or no. No in-betweens

[@cl-7832]

@@willhutton1516 No offense, but your statement sounds foolish to any computer programmer or electrical engineer.

[@rmylus]

It is Called engineered mistake in Europe, first it started in Germany with all MB brand , so we all start spend more money on repairs or buy a new car every five years

[@bcrock8655]

It's all about ownership and therefore, control. Just found your channel and love it. I was a civil engineer for 30 years and over my career, I noticed that the way to advance one's career shifted away from doing the job with excellence to numerous other things which affected quality. It seems that this same attitude has infected all other industries too.

[@thefixerofbrokenstuff]

Subscribed. I fix broken stuff, mostly generators, hvac stuff, and old Chevies. I was at a Doctors (psychiatrist) house a couple years ago and installed a new generator. When I was done he did some calculations in his head and blurted out a number that he supposed was my profit. He wasn't too far off, but he didn't add in overhead. He looked at me and said, "I've been a doctor for 40 years, and I don't make that much per hour". I replied, "doc, it ain't never too late to take up an honest trade". He laughed, I laughed, and then the check was deposited in the bank.

[@The_Kman]

When I was young, I worked at a junkyard. Lots of people would get repair parts there. New parts were not nearly expensive as they are today. We sold both body and mechanical parts. We even would install them for a fair price. A GM alternator would fit just about any GM car, etc. Today, most parts are year and model specific. It's crazy.

[@glennnickerson8438]

I quoted a reman alternator for a a guy with a newer Ford truck. It was over $450.00 on a good customers account (and I knocked at least $40.00 off it because I felt bad). He felt I was taking advantage of him... Sorry, I do not control the price or design the technology.

[@mccoma11]

The interchangeable parts scenario is huge. We get lectured today by college kids over things like "carbon footprint" but they can't comprehend the absolute basics. Look at all the cars and parts getting scrapped because they aren't worth repairing. Mom pointed out that we all had hand-me-down clothes, returnable bottles, canning jars, etc. Everything today is disposable, but the "older generation doesn't care about the environment".

[@mattheiustwittyham5501]

@@glennnickerson8438 Parts in general have skyrocketed while the quality has diminished. An reman alternator for my 96 bronco is 130 bucks. They used to be 80 all day a few years ago.

[@lb9gta307]

Most of the parts that are technically interchangeable have one time variant coding too making them specific to that application

[@mattheiustwittyham5501]

@@mccoma11 Never forget who brought us the “carbon footprint” term. It was British Petroleum after the deep water horizon spill blaming people for using their products.

[@aygwm]

A man who can go from a coil pack to financial derivatives. Tony, you’re one of a kind. Keep doing what you’re doing.

[@BartFlossom]

I thought the same thing. So much wisdom and clear thinking packaged in this (as Tony calls it) "ramble."

[@terry_willis]

Tony's a philosopher-mechanic.

[@kayeninetwo3585]

Great video Tony! Ask a typical college professor to diagnose and repair a vehicle. They might be able to do it if they have a Phd in engineering, but most college professors aren't engineers. Your scenario of an aftermarket industry of vehicle modifications that will make cars more repairable seems spot on to me. The only issue will be: what kind of "penalties" will the government impose on those who make such modifications?

[@pinotgrizio3567]

No joke I own an appliance repair business in Texas and I run into this problem almost every day now. Things just aren’t worth repairing because of the way that they were designed. I find myself using cheap parts from other manufacturers and wire them in in ways that it wasn’t designed to be in order to make it work, and to make the cost worth the repairs.

[@jamescrock2213]

what im disliking about repair business. everything seems to be trash it, get a new one. 1/10 of the new ones come with factory defects, trash it, get a new one. whole pile of trash and throw now

[@Freedom42069]

I think the only way to combat this nonsense is to unfortunately, as you said, repair things and rig things in ways they weren't supposed to in order to keep them going. DIY skills are more important then ever as the big corporations try to make everything throwaway

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Glad to hear I’m not the only one!! I thought I was just weak & couldn’t handle auto repair. In 5 years of troubleshooting late model 21st-century vehicles, I was COMPLETELY burnt out. DONE! I closed my shop & went back to working for a company in the city doing maintenance. I HATE modern vehicles! After these changes, I also took my ‘07 Silverado 1500 off the road & bought a NICE, rust-free ‘93 W250 with a Cummins 12v, 205 case, Dana axles, & Getrag 5-speed. The holy grail of trucks! I couldn’t be happier. Gets better mileage, pulls better 100% stock than the 5.3 did with bolt-one & a converter, & most importantly, it just plain WORKS! Simple to troubleshoot & cheap to fix & upgrade. The hell with modern crap & the beer-can sheet metal! I’m done with all of it. My newest vehicle is 29 years old now. 😊

[@coldspring22]

Yes great decision. That's why I never bought any car model newer than 95. OBD II is crap. I am a computer specialist and that's what I do for living but I hate overly complex proprietary gizmos on cars which make repairs extremely expensive and impossible for DIYers.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

@@coldspring22 Yep, every OBD-II vehicle I've ever owned has been a problematic POS! EVERY SINGLE ONE!!

[@ericschulze5641]

Closed my residential appliance repair business after 20 years for the same reason, & I'm also property maintenance

[@tfinvold]

Old cars they are great mechanically but the problem with old cars is a bad car accident will likely kill you. Its all the mandated smog shit that has caused excessive sophistication due to so much computer management. With new cars a lot of the time its a computer issue and not actually a real mechanical problem. For the love of god will people stop buying newer GM its gone into the toilet years ago, the newer ones are POS nightmare.

[@engineerisengihere44]

​@tfinvold ehhh, depends how old we're talking when it comes to safety.

[@Strykenine]

I think a lot of seasoned pro mechanics are frustrated with trying to fix modern cars. I talked to a guy once, years ago, and he broke his troubleshooting down for me on a particular problem. It was fuel-air-spark, and I said that's great but what about when the computer that controls the HPFM breaks? He thought about it and looked at me and said 'That's your problem, I'm five years away from retirement.' He wasn't wrong. Troubleshooting these days is a huge pain in the ass, but if you know how to do it you get paid. Keep your old cars. I have an '11, and even though it's still 'modern' even by my own standards, at least I'll never pay to rent my heated seats.

[@LeonSwiss]

i laughed at your last comment. thanks!

[@location_florida]

You read my mind. I stopped being a being a mechanic 6-7 years ago and now a truck driver for all the reasons talked about. I think there will be a high demand reliable running new cars, and I'm about to start doing exactly what was talked about at the end of the video. You can't open a shop doing this because the government will shut you down, but you buy the vehicles, do the work at a private shop, then sell them in a privt transaction. This is going to be the way moving forward and I'm glad to see others with the same mind set.

[@sunbeam8866]

Just wait 'till the government starts up roadside anti-tamper checkpoints. Something messed with underhood? Then it's off to the crusher, plus a big fine for you! Unless they just flat-out ban ALL ICE vehicles first!

[@goshawk4340]

Are you talking about a used car dealer that fixes up the cars and sells them?

[@location_florida]

no, you could never have a dealership doing this. the government would shut you down. i talking about buying a car in a private sale, doing the work in in a private garage, then sell selling it as a private individual.@@goshawk4340

[@ridenm7748]

​@@goshawk4340He's talking about simplifying cars and reselling

[@MrSilver708]

As a mechanic and instructor who taught dealerships how to use the new technology...I completely agree with you 100%...this is exactly why I have a 1989 Mazda b2200 in my driveway that I love. Crank windows, manual locks etc but it never ever lets me down and takes a beating. I have been saying this for a long time now. The chip shortage that just happened last year was a great example. Think about that. And that wasnt just cars 😊

[@user-ue4he3li8b]

@UncleTonysGarage What AMERICA really needs is a groundroots movement to hold corporations accountable and ban them from these kind of extortionate, manipulative, and overall wasteful practices that leave the American Car Fleet looking at a coming extinction! They did it in Europe by holding Apple accountable with standardizing overly expensive chargers and there's also the movement for "Right To Repair" which could legislate that common repairs be engineered to be easily fixed instead of requiring, again with Apple, for items to be shipped in at excesssive expense to be fixed by a specialist with specialized tools and parts. Designing in obsolescence and frailty of design should be ILLEGAL!!! It's a tremendous waste of resources and entraps everyone in an neverending treadmill of having to replace every single dang item they own often and forever!!! The endgoal is to harden-engineering of items, just that little bit extra, so they last long and consumer dollars go towards savings and investments and paying it forward to their own children and not being drained every fashion cycle and product campaign cycle with fall-apart junk! THE PRESENT PROFIT PARADIGM IS DESTROYING THE WORLD AND MAKING ALL ECONOMIES UNSTABLE AND ENSLAVED!!!!! Do you see now the importance of these concepts? SO NO, YOU SHOULD NOT BE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE "AGE OF MECHANICS", there won't be a dang car worth working on in 10-15 years as things stand! I'm having the hardest time finding a car even worth buying right now and looking at pre-2014 V8's as long-term solutions! And I'm hoping to keep it for 20-years! What the hell happened to American Cars that I'm even considering this????!!!! So stop looking forward to "just rolling with the punches", and start punching back at Congress to force them to make car manufacturers accountable and held to standards that match our values! No more Extortion and Enslavement and Profitable-Churning-Replacement!!!! Time to say, "ENOUGH!"

[@simonmeszaros2770]

redundancy is important. without redundancy system can collapse like a domino. There are still shortages of parts, antibiotics here in country i live...

[@MrSilver708]

@@simonmeszaros2770 great point 👍

[@watamatafoyu]

I'm surprised manufacturers haven't bought off enough politicians to make it illegal for you to own a car that old.

[@xXx_Regulus_xXx]

the chip shortage also forced printer companies to sell ink cartridges without chips in them

[@Dexter01992]

What I was taught in metalmechanics High School: "Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

[@Watchmaker_Gereon-Schloesser]

love that you put his quote. TRUE. If you like to see this in a car happen check out Citroën Dyane (1967) and 2CV BEFORE 1968! Nearly EVERYTHING after/with 1968 is junk. Cordial greetings from the region lake geneva in switzerland - Géréon

[@robertsmith2956]

Only one thing ion new cars I liked. Women was airing the tires, and the car horn beeped, and lights flashed when tire pressure was reached. Couldn't get over to her to ask if you can set the pressure yourself, or your stuck with what the car decides it should be. But I did like that with all the bad air hoses I have run across, and dammit, my gauge is gone...

[@chrisparsons7043]

I think you are 100% correct Tony. I own cars from the 60s 70s 80 and 90s, I enjoy them all, but I think the 90s - particularly in the UK - was the pinnacle of motoring. The cars had power steering, ABS, cruise, a/c, fuel Injection etc, and we're/are relatively easy to repair. As the great band from Britain - Blur - once said "Modern Life Is Rubbish".

[@panhead55]

Just like Caterpillar. The machinery from the 1960s-2002 we the pinnacle of machinery innovation. Since the high emissions restrictions and huge market for parts, the quality, power, and price have all suffered…

[@cristianomallmann3842]

@chrisparsons love the 80's Vauxhall line, specially Commodores, Rekords and Carltons..big Ford Granadas, Sierras and Capris are a amazing kind of stuff also. Cheers from Brazil.

[@TheOnlyKontrol]

Yeah around that time British car manufacturers started taking notes from Mercedes,bmw and Audi

[@lilmike2710]

🎯 I will not have any car or truck built after the 1990s. My daily drivers are a first gen Miata and a 96 mustang GT. Our pickup is an 85 Chevy C-10. My friends, family and co-workers ask me... 'why won't you "just" buy a new bla bla?' 😏 I answer with "My car has ran fine for 27 years and it would keep serving me well for another 28 when the new one that you have has long since been sent to the scrapyard." I do not see how feeling like I'm being flash is worth the ridiculous sums of money that is being spent on the plastic rubbish people are driving around today.. I simply don't see the logic.

[@psesolarscott]

I think you are right. And blur rocks!

[@theonemasterwarhero]

You've explained the very reason why I love most old school stuff in general..whether its machinery/models/vehicles etc..I began to notice a few years back with say new gaming consoles and how restricted they are getting aswell as repairing them yourself..(its like this across the entire board regardless of what it is)..honestly it disgusts me..even as a millennial..the way they are deliberately making things to stop you fixing them which leads to a throwaway society..I've gotten to the point now where I refuse to buy new phones/computers/devices/collectables/models etc..how terrible they are designed and comes with many headaches..anything that seems to be electrical is like an Iphone..you can't get into it without damaging it..neither can you modify or upgrade it..there's no future in technology/advancements like that. You are correct too when it comes to the constant change of things aswell..like computer systems..by the time you've learned/mastered one..it's changing into something more complicated again that's vastly different..it's just not logical or ethical..when I explained to someone why I won't do a PC course for this reason even if it betters my chances at a job which I doubt..they think I'm off my head for stating it's a waste of time when programs keep changing every year to month.

[@jeepster1515]

Tony, greetings from East Tennessee. I am and have been a very small one-person auto shop owner for a long, long time, since before the OBDII connector and as a professional mechanic even before all the various OBD connectors existed. I feel the change. Just last week I put on a set of front brake pads and a wear sensor on a 2020 Silverado. Just replacing the parts set codes in 4 major control systems and limited the top speed of the truck to 43 miles per hour. I spend more on scan tool updates now than just about any other tool in the shop. Without the latest software subscriptions and the ability to program simple replacement parts like disk brakes and window motors, we aren't fixing anything anymore. The manufacturers are tightening the noose.

[@bren42069]

you have to program your BRAKE PADS?? insanity

[@engineerisengihere44]

The exact reason i will never buy a car newer than 2009, and even then only certain cars. Im in college right now and just bought a '93 taurus SHO because I wanted something older but still new enough to have crash testing done to it. Next car will probably be an early 90s toyota or a late 90s grand prix

[@and4263]

Thankyou Tony, it takes balls to go online and state the truth but that's what you are doing! To pick up your point ref the BRIC economies I worked in the auto industry for US companies 35 years ago when globalisation was in it's infancy. We were forced to go out to low labour cost economies for castings, pressings etc which were frankly crap at the time. As engineers we all raised concerns about what this was doing to our local supply base and where this would ultimately lead. Well here we are all these years later and the s...s really hit the fan, the "low labour cost" economies now dictate the supply of everything and we are all passengers on the ride. I dare say this has been great for the western investors and the companies who grew exponentially and now own the supply chain but this short sighted policy has basically given away any control we had over the supply base. The tail is now wagging the dog to coin a phrase.

[@snippletrap]

The "western" investors see themselves as "citizens of the world". They don't owe any allegiance or feel any patriotism for us. They don't care what happens to the country so long as they and their buddies get rich.

[@patmat.]

I fully agree with your title 👍 And yes "planned obsolescence" and "ecosystem hostage" are the N°1 sales tactics. It's Microsoft and Apple's business model.

[@wannabecarguy]

A standalone ECU is the answer. Lead free soldier is the real problem.

[@0rnery]

Hey Uncle Tony. You have one skill I truly envy. You spew facts I would be screaming about, with a smile on your face. Amazing! You obviously have a good handle on life in general, and a new subscriber to boot. 🙂

[@jonrod8731]

OMG, I bought a 2018 f150 5.0 new & w/in 18mos the tail light was condensated & the engine was shaking. I bought a new tail light for $1200, self installed it & the engine was purring again. I almost didn't change it because of the price. You're so right, they know about this and engineering is gonna take you to the cleaners !!!

[@rustedhorsepower5132]

For a significant part of my career i was at the forefront of all this digital and integrated systems . Working at GM dealerships i dealt with all the new models with all the new bells and whistles that broke down. Camera systems that allow you to look thru the trailer you're pulling by generating a rendering ! Thats some pretty complicated crap. You mentioned CAN buss, that alone can eat your lunch. Some of these cars have multiple buss networks, LIN, CAN, high speed, low speed , class 2. The problem is, more and more systems are becoming integrated and almost everything NEEDS a program now. Some stuff is 1 shot program only, meaning it won't accept a different vin or work in a different car. Even some remotes , key fobs latch to one car, they cant program to a different car. We used to have a few systems that were stand alones. Hvac, radio, etc. Now theyre integrated. Swap a radio or an ac control and it locks, it doesnt recognize the vin.your windshield camera fails, so your cruise control stops working. Your abs light comes on, and triggers a check engine light, good luck with an emmissions test with that one. Then we have politicians who want door handles or steering wheels to test a drivers blood alcohol level! Dealers are mistreating and short changing techs, the tech shortage, youre right, and ive been saying it for a while also, a breaking point is coming.

[@greengoat5654]

Bring back serial car sensors!

[@bandjolyn]

I hate everything about this comment.

[@rustedhorsepower5132]

@@bandjolyn im just the guy who used to fix all that stuff, not the engineer who conjured it up

[@blackrat1228]

With regards to the emissions test my friend ran into this with his ~2012 BMW 3 series. Some sensor that controlled his traction control/ABS went bad and threw a code. Mechanic gave him the cost to replace that sensor and it was close to the KBB of the vehicle itself. The car was totally drivable in every way, but smog was going to be due that year and he wouldn't be able to pass. He ended up having to sell it and got a new car.

[@rustedhorsepower5132]

@@blackrat1228 its an unfair mil. ABS has no bearing on emissions, but when the check engine light is triggered by an ABS code, then its considered emissions. I wonder if an aftermarket tuner could remove the ABS and SES triggering each other

[@billbyrd9845]

I'm 78, used to pull and rebuild engines, made excuses to do it. Grew out of it. You may have something: Mechanics, even the DIY types, retro the new cars. The only thing that might curb that is that the auto industry notices it and dumb down their cars to get back in the game. But that could take some time. By then, there would already be millions of their crappy cars out there, candidates for the retro-mods. Great video.

[@lsswappedcessna]

There was an LS swapped Tesla at SEMA not too long ago. Took an overcomplicated adult version of a power wheels car and made it actually worth driving.

[@optimalkfrt]

Auto industry will never go back, execs live in la-la-land and so do regulators. All the active safety, cameras, etc., they will never let go those.

[@cl-7832]

I believe the automotive industry would try to legislate DIY competitors out of the market before dumbing down their vehicles. Look into the "Right to Repair" bill story as evidence of the automotive industry laziness.

[@grantp7975]

The Auto industry is mainly global these days and as such has to bow down to global rules and regulations. Or, in the case of the USA, California regs. "Standards" for vehicle safety and emissions are, mainly, driven by UNECE, a United Nations committee. As with all things related to "standard" the people involved have to keep making changes in order to justify their existence. Auto makers understand this, they have been doing it for years, and are mostly grateful for having someone else to blame when buyers get upset. And, of course, added complications provide opportunities to raise prices for everything. That's great for the manufacturer's too ... until it's not. Which is about now. Or maybe a couple of years ago. The optimum specs for features and functions without really excessive functionality were probably available in the 1990s up to mid 2000s. Anything after that is just so wasteful of energy and materials that the politicians who supported the laws that enforced the manufacturer's policies should be prosecuted. IMO.

[@cwcisram]

Brother you are spot on. They lost me the 98 Ram taillights went on the bus. Now we deal with wiper motors and door handles that must be programmed to the car! I'm over it, and tell my customers no when they ask me to look at this crap. For the last few years I have been playing with "downgrading" but emissions and rust are a pain in the ass. Regarding the future and being prepared, I hope folks hear you. I believe we will see some very tough times and yes, it will be the mechanics that save the day.

[@norton750commando]

I have a buddy (and we're both older, basically retirement age) and he's an appliance repairman with his own business. For years, he had lots of calls, basically had income from it to buy a house, raise a family, do what one normally does in life. These days, he's lucky if he gets 3 or 4 calls a week that will make him some money, usually some old unit that needs a dryer belt, or stove with an electro-mechanical controller that needs replaced. Most times, he walks in and he just says, buy a new unit, it's going to cost more to repair it than buying a new one. He sees the new washing machines with a couple of dozen load options and they're controlled by a computer logic board that has fried. Who would have thought that having a sensitive electronic device in a high moisture environment wouldn't have problems? New board? 6 or 7 hundred bucks, if you can find the one for that specific brand and model. We're doomed!

[@andye7389]

I fixed my washer that a small relay went out. It was soldered in a board that was obsolete. But then our fridge went out. Lg don’t buy Korean appliances beautiful had its own computer diagnostics. The evaporator coil had a hole cost $1800 to fix. Five years old just past warranties. My old fridge my brother gave me he bought in 1988. Simple fridge freezer no water or ice. Works perfect. New fancy ones junk.

[@michaelsmith-rh4yt]

No problems like that on my 71 commando Roadster

[@michaelsmith-rh4yt]

My wife has a refrigerator that her parents bought in 1964 still works great .

[@norton750commando]

@@michaelsmith-rh4yt Except if you don't have your floats set up perfectly for those cold starts. Ha!

[@j_freed]

@@michaelsmith-rh4yt- that old refrigerator will cost you more in excess electricity billing than replacing a decent new unit every six years. Plus it uses CFCs to chill it. Better if it were scrapped and they removed the Freon.

[@lmiddleman]

Your thesis has a lot of merit, and there is another aspect that I think may drive things. Modern cars, especially EVs, are also surveillance devices that log people's daily lives into a massive database. Neutering that "feature" is a hero's task.

[@bobmester3475]

Excellent point!

[@WildDisaster]

Yeah, bc your phone doesn't do that already, right? 🙄

[@Wise2daGame]

​@@WildDisasteryou can turn off the tracking feature, but people should replace their "smart" for retro flip phones

[@paulsutton5896]

A bloke in New Zealand completely restored an ancient Land Rover. And he upgraded the electronics. There are KZbin videos. He decided that the wiring would be simplified with the aid of a can-bus. So he incorporated a programmable computer. It was a bit bulkier than a manufacturer's can-bus controller. It was a simple device, based on what I think is called an Arduino. This must be the way forward.

[@GoldenGrenadier]

Car electronics really should be made open source after the warranty period is over. I've seen the inside of simpler modules and they're not much more complicated than an arduino with a CAN transceiver. Even ECUs can be made out of arduinos. My first engine swap is going to use a Speeduino, in fact because megasquirt is outrageously expensive.

[@todddenio3200]

UT, you hit it right on the head. People need to realize how much trouble we as a country are in

[@Tipman2OOO]

Right I don't get why people are so delusional. Country literally being flushed down the drain with peoples' choices. Nobody wants to learn anything, simply rely on others to know everything, and only want to do their own job. What a failure.

[@donaldhalls2189]

Because everything is cheaper from slave labour countries, they come into the country get grants from the Taxpayers to stay, in the country, then walk away without paying anything back, 😂 gotta put your money in your own countries instead of buying Made in China, all the best to yous and your loved ones

[@PhpGtr]

Preposterous. The old "they don't make em like they used to". Good! This is an interesting anecdote about a potentially large issue from a chain reaction that started in the taillight. Sounds terrible right? it is. So was changing points every year and dying on the road, regularly. But if you want to drive a Hemi and get more than 9 miles per gallon, then welcome to the 21st century, we can do that now. Computers and electronics, (and all the progress that's brought us) are here to stay. You say we're in trouble? Maybe learn how to repair, or at least diagnose, these issues, or keep whining about the country being "in trouble".

[@seriousmustangnut]

@@PhpGtr Disagree. Cars of the late 80s and early 90s were the best mix because the Hondas and Toyotas got 30-40MPG, but are still fairly easy and logical to work on. Additionally, the automakers are looking to keep you from having access to software and diagnose things in the future. You won't have a choice. This country is going down the tubes.

[@timewa851]

@@seriousmustangnut The Right To Repair Law(s) are the only thing that might save us. But if you're walking in the dealership & spending $70k for a truck, you probably deserve everything you get.

[@TomSegerson]

Thanks Tony. I refuse to work on anything built after 2000. One of the reasons vehicles are becoming more complicated is to meet almost impossible emissions regulations. Cleaner and higher quality fuels would accomplish almost the same results. Another is consolidation and control of the market. Dealers know customers will take their vehicle to an independent shop to save money. They build the vehicle to make it almost impossible for anyone outside the dealer/manufacturer to service. When I wrote fuel injection repair manuals for a major engine manufacturer we found out that 80 percent of the engine problems were either sensors, wiring, or ground straps. Keep up the good work!

[@dustins382]

Haha I worked on a 2004ish Chevy cavalier with long crank, misfire, no headlights, no speedometer, no turn signals, transmission not engaging properly, fuel gauge not working. I was like "man this is gonna be rough". I searched online for a little over an hour where I found a video with a lead but instead the top comment said "just add a ground strap from the battery negative to the chassis"... I figure okay this takes about 10 min let's try it. I did it, it fixed everything. My dad and I work together in our shop and we have a running joke about Chevy, "electronic issue?"... sadly enough that's usually the issue. I've got many such examples but the one I mentioned was the most extreme. (I still like Chevy though cause they run pretty good and knowing it's only an electronic issue actually narrows down diagnosis)

[@stoveboltlvr3798]

I have a 97 Silverado with a 350 that belonged to my Dad that he bought new. It's in really good shape, starts right up. He lived in southern WV (Coal Miner) where they don't do AIMS testing. His response to a Check Engine light is ... "Ah I just ignore that it runs fine" and it does. I live in northern Ohio where we have AIMS and after the code for O2 sensors was satisfied it still wouldn't pass. I had to let it sit until it was 25 yrs. old to get a sticker. All of this is by design IMO. They don't give 2 shitz about the environment. I have been to junkyards that have nice vehicles in them but the owner just gave up because of government overreach. Give me a steel car with a steel dash any day of the week. I can upgrade safety items myself.

[@marblox9300]

Automakers LOBBY lawmakers to make anti-pollution equipment mandatory. Fact: The air that we are all breathing is no different than it was in 1965 before catalytic converters. It is literally a money making scheme.

[@kinte1870]

​@@stoveboltlvr3798Cars aren't in the junkyard because of government over reach. They're there because the owner doesn't know how to fix it most times. People actually sell cars for junk because of a 100$ sensor.

[@slawomirhering3770]

Its not by comodity thats BS narrative CBDC cannot be backed up by anything but SLAVES pladge by goverment. CBDC agenda cashless sociaty screen us all we cannot allow them take away the money. People will do becasue they buy into narrative those rule the world BIS-IMF-FED currencies monopoly. If we are played by them we going simply be extinct selfdestruction they want stop on CBDC next is going to be Neurolink microchip brain implant AI humanoid SLAVERY death. I am from Poland this is no different then any wars before againast Polish Nation. This one involve entire world almost world without money isn't the solution 5 thousends years of trade distroy by BIS-IMF-FED privat Banking Cartel. When you are going to satart talk like real human beings exploit and attacked by parasites. The main parasites are BIS-IMF-FED currencies monopoly triangle CBDC is their agenda not the pupet masters Putin or Claus Schwab WEF Davos thier model is communism.

[@seanb9814]

The exact reason why I founded my vehicle electronics repair business 2 years ago. Offering repair options for these crazy expensive modules gives car owners a much better option and increases vehicle lifespan (less carbon). The F150 example was very likely a damaged CAN bus. In most cases the CAN driver chips in damaged modules can be replaced at reasonable cost. Around $200 per module. Your idea of replacing this stuff has its challenges precisely because they are all networked together. Transplant one element, another will stop working. Solvable but really needs the development of generic, reliable controllers that can make use of existing wiring, actuators, sensors etc. Food for thought.

[@Baard2000]

Not only the challenge of finding out what caused what. And replace a bunch of parts before it works again . Sometimes OEM requires it to maintain warranty. Like on a friends Kubota tractor an armrest with integrated switches etc had to be replaced by a complete new one of only 7000,- . The switch that broke was only 150,- to replace. Another thing is also workforce not interested in finding out why. Another friend, working for big farmer , went to John Deer dealer as hydraulic valve was broke. 2 days later he picked it up. Mechanic : oh..it was the known problem of these type tractors. Always the most used hydraulic valve breaks down. We replaced the whole block with 8 valves in it. 4500,- for that block only...... So he asks did you check WHY that valve breaks down and do something so it doesnt anymore ? Huh?? Why...?? Replaced it ...old one is in the scrap bin which was emptied yesterday... ( with 7 still working hydraulic valves on it ) . Its crazy....

[@diegosilang4823]

vast majority of electronic failure is probably caused by soldering tin failing. My 2001 accord HVAC control just died, but with a sheer luck I found a resistor did not have enough soldering tin and it fractured causing open circuit, so I re-soldered and it works like new again. Same goes with the fuel pump relay, the soldering tin fractured causing open circuit, I just reflow it and works like new again. Then in 2006 lead free solder are mandated in many places such as EU, so electronics are higher likely to fail due to tombstone failure and tin whiskers.

[@hugopacheco3575]

Great video. That hot rodding stuff in the futire sounds very interesting. But here in Portugal, its impossible to do it legally. For you to change for a different engine (bigger for example) you need a certificate from the car company saying its possible to do it and, of course, no company will issue it.. they annoy you and even fail you in the MOT if you have springs of a different color of the original... the police also fines you for that, if they catch you on the road...

[@relevation0]

Tyranny

[@Tomas-gw6rd]

I'm all about stopping pollution, but a lot the regulations for climate change are really about protecting monopolies. It's just another form of planned obsolescence.

[@leeknivek]

@@relevation0no, it’s no tyranny, they legalized all the drugs in Portugal so you can do heroin on the streets if you want, total freedom! Unless you want a reliable car

[@SurnaturalM]

That's the socialist, totalitarian EU is for.

[@SurnaturalM]

​@@Tomas-gw6rdThere's no such thing as "climate change"

[@billsmith1770]

saw the $5,600 tail light vid earlier , and it made me think . i've always gotten by with driving older vehicles because i knew a little about working on them . lately i've noticed that often , a pickup that's 10 or 15 years old will sell fairly cheap , compared to a beat up truck from the 70's 80's or 90's that'll be offered at what i consider a ridiculous high price . with repairs on newer vehicles as expensive as they currently are , what will poor people drive in the future ? they can't afford new , can't afford old and reliable/repairable , and can't afford repairs on cheaply priced decade or two year old vehicles .

[@jlGenozzV]

They won't drive. Nor own anything and be happy🙃

[@sc3ku]

problem with old vehicles is they are no longer cheap to repair (mechanics with old school knowledge going away) and are no longer reliable (those reliable OEM parts are old or gone and new cheap parts are garbage)

[@maxi-me]

Easy. They'll function as they presently do: By over extending on an $80K F150 on an 8 year note, run it hard and when they can't keep up payments have it repo'd. Declare ch. 13, rinse & repeat.....

[@mandaloin]

You just spelled it out. They won't. And that's exactly the objective.

[@mandaloin]

You just spelled it out. They won't. And that's exactly the objective.

[@stevejagger8602]

I felt the same in 2000. A fellow engineer put this problem in perspective. He and I repaired and maintained broadcast tv equipment. The extent of the use of microprocessors was growing exponentially even for simple processes. One day Malcolm said " why use a microprocessor when all you need is a f@#$ing relay and a switch. This is making fault finding unnecessarily complex and repairability impossible without whole board exchanges which is ultimately unsustainable. It is a deliberate policy of redundancy designed to push consumers into direct replacement instead of repair. As you say - adapt to survive - ingenuity will find a way around this craziness.

[@marshallkohlhaas80]

throw away society

[@stevewhitesell4195]

I really admire your optimizum. I was burnt pretty bad with a garage bill on my previous vehicle so found myself a mid 70s gm car, no control modules! If I had the time and money I'd buy a newer car, completely gut the wiring and convert it to carburetor. We should teach the low-tech conversion in high school shop class 😅

[@joshm3342]

You must live in a place without smog checks. In many metropolitan areas, you must pass a smog check, which includes making sure you have all the correct equipment.

[@lawrenceartz8640]

The problem is that the EPA and your local environmental agency prohibits you from doing that. As a result, older, pre-computer car bodies and older VINs become more valuable as time goes on.

[@flatsquatch]

​@@lawrenceartz8640..well the loop hole there is antique plates....just run it! Pig pen will get over it...

[@ronaldalyea1136]

I get it Tony, I spent 45+ years as a mechanic. The last 20+ years in the trade I was tied to alignments, steering, suspension and brakes. I pretty much lost touch with the electrical side of the trade. Reality hit when they gave me a Chevy Tahoe that kept draining batteries, the draw tests were negative and the alternator showed it was charging. With help from one of the mechanics that worked on the electrical side who pointed out you had to go through a process of checks to see what the alt. was actually doing. Even though it showed it was charging, the alternator was dead! So I know what you are talking about, and that happened several years ago. Yes Cuba, we are coming!

[@don2deliver]

I had a Power stroke with 2 dead Batteries. At first I diagnosed it as a bad Alternator. It seems the software doesn't let the Alternator charge until it has been running for a few minutes. The heavy starting load and glow plug draw pull the batteries down so much each start and the delayed recharge just prematurely wears out the batteries.

[@fuckjewtube69]

You spent 20 years doing apprentice work lmfao youre not a mechanic

[@volk528]

@@fuckjewtube69 Are you?

[@jimlong2469]

I started thinking about this a few years ago but you explain it much better than I could. As a people, we CANNOT continue to kowtow to these crooks. Yes, it IS possible to get around all this complicated garbage by reverse engineering - it just takes the WILL to DO it.

[@robertmaybeth3434]

But except for the Iphone guy legend of youtube - who IMO is a true consumer hero if only for the continual middle finger he waves at Crapple - nobody is going to bother reverse engineering anything as complicated as a car. Since they designed garbage from the get-go, it isn't worth the effort, and the only way to buy such rubbish is by mistake. I worked for a fleet for 30 years and saw how most cars are made. That was when I first realized the complete mockery the auto companies make of any efforts to keep their junk running much past 100,000 miles. I have no need for Detroit iron, gimme Toyota or a Honda any day.

[@mikewilliams2072]

Yes and the manufacturer is working hard to figure a way to stop you every day!!!!

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

I have to seriously agree, the people are going to have to fight and combat the opposition tho. Repurposing and recycling the old old cars and trucks aand maybe doing conversions of some the older generation “late “ model vehicles to old carb or very simple aftermarket EFI setups and older engines, example taking a 94-95 Dodge Ram to an older carb set up or what have you from its original EFI systems if they should get too far beyond repair or lack parts. I say that because price of so many old classics cars are being driven up way to high by whoever. But it’s going to take a viable aftermarket Industry willing to keep the old stuff going

[@Srulio]

Yep, I agree with you. We need to transform the old hot rod industry into *build cars that can repaired* industry. Open source cars with a guaranteed right to repair. The big manufacturers won;t be the ones to lead this movement.

[@mrtechie6810]

California: "No."

[@Wayoutthere]

We will need to destroy EPA and the like first.

[@dafunkycanuck]

Retrofit is a word we are going to hear a lot of. Great breakdown on this topic, you explained it so even a non-mechanic like myself could understand.

[@peanutbutterandjammy]

I actually have personal experience with this. A customer brought us his 6.0 powerstroke to have the engine replaced, we eventually finished the job and sent him a bill for $15,000. That's insane to say the least. I own an almost identical truck that originally had a 6.0 as well. When I bought it the engine was already blown up but instead of installing a crate engine I converted the truck to a fully mechanical 6.6 Ford from a medium duty f700 school bus. I have a grand total of $3,000 into that engine conversion.

[@gypsonny2]

...and a better engine

[@ripvanrevs]

I have a 454 out of an 86 truck in my 1980 Trans Am!

[@terrallputnam7979]

You guys get it! Common Sense is not so Common anymore!

[@redmondjp]

As an owner of a 2006 F350 Fummins that formerly had the 6.0, did you maintain the stock engine ECM to run the stock gauge cluster (and warning chimes, interior light timers, etc.)? I have a fully-mechanical 12V engine but I am still using the ECM for that reason. I considered getting rid of it, but that would have been more work to completely rebuild the dash with individual gauges. I still need to pull the cluster and snip off the check engine LED (can't get tuner to turn it off any longer, thanks EPA).

[@MarkMcCoolJr]

@@redmondjpI have an early 04 6.0 and I am glad I do not have that same problem last year before everything went through the cluster. Had to replace the motor for about the same price as said but that was because I had my fuel gel in feb of 21 -14 in OK. Didn’t freeze but had to trash the motor running it waiting for the tow truck.

[@sledgehammer1278]

Great video Im currently rebuilding older trucks 05. Don't want anything to do with newer ones. Cash for clunkers and high scrap prices was a tool to get rid of all the old stuff..

[@scottfowler8380]

Oh man, you are saying almost word for word what I’ve been saying. I’ve been a automotive mechanic for 26 years. I have seen lots of changes, and many ridiculous expensive repairs. I know in the near future I’ll be spending lots of time at pick a part getting the materials I’m going to need in order to continue repairing automobiles.

[@iquetzal6014]

I had a 2003 Lexus whose transmission suddenly stopped working after a drive on a bumpy road. Bizarro behavior. Then it randomly would not start and left me stranded. Twice. Lexus said I needed a new transmission and 'tune up' but I knew they were lying. After four trips to the dealer, including three long distance tows, the problem was traced to a corroded ground to the ECU (engine control unit) computer that controls the engine, transmission and anti-theft immobilizer. A single corroded wire turned a perfectly mechanically sound vehicle into a paperweight that cost me over $4000 to fix. The mechanics just threw random parts at the car. Their training was to read a code off a computer screen and perform the maintenance described for that code. But there was no code for a corroded ground wire to the computer. So these 'factory trained mechanics' had no clue how to troubleshoot this thing. I now drive a 1991 Volvo. I will never buy another car manufactured after 1995.

[@johnnysechrist6313]

As a lifelong mechanic Tony, I agree with your logic. I'm 70 and retired last year due to health concerns. Semper Fortis.

[@ManuelPerez-ip4bb]

And try and get better brother.

[@ronhood7773]

I can't believe you compared us with doctor/surgeons. The human body hasn't changed. When med schools out we need 2,3,4 new car training classes. The use the hospital tools that the patient has to pay for. We wash are hands then we pee. Lol

[@capt.bart.roberts4975]

Good mechanics are, and have always been, bloody hard to find.

[@capt.bart.roberts4975]

I was lucky to know Stirling Moss' Mechanic, he taught me how to understand diagnosing vehicles, which followed me into my job as a trauma technician. Thanks Mike, I hope the cars are reliable wherever you are.

[@ripvanrevs]

@@ronhood7773 What are you talking about? We have at least 70 new genders than we had when I was growing up in the 60s and 70s!!!

[@wasyliwr]

Started fixing vehicles in the 60’s. By the 90’s knew this was only going to get worse. Took my skills to industrial machines. Today computers are turning this area into head scratching territory. I’ve said for years the analogy you used about doctors is so true.

[@abyssstrider2547]

These things can be quite simple and easy to repair if they weren't designed by complete buffoons. Computers are fine can he helpful in solving some issues but when you overengineer something it can become a problem.

[@robotron1236]

😂😂😂😂 You think cars in the 90’s were complicated!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@GeorgeTsiros]

@@robotron1236 No, @wasyliwr said that by the 90s they knew it was only going to get worse. Not that in the 90s cars were complicated. They were, indeed, complicated, but that is something they did not comment on.

[@flinch622]

At least with doctors, patients in some respects heal themselves - a machine never does that.

[@curiousnomadic]

I like 90s cars though. They seem pretty reliable. Only the rust got them.

[@boomerdiorama]

I grew up in the sixties on my back under a car fixing things, with my dad, and I loved every minute of it. I still do it once in awhile.😁

[@Nairod2]

I been building a garage for about a year, this video gave me hope. Hopefully one day in the future, swapping a new electrical engine for a combustion engine and old school drive train will become something common.

[@hellboundTX333]

Another issue I'm running to the past couple years is that with all the electronics on vehicles now, the old 12v batteries are just too inefficient to keep up. And even a slightly weak battery will cause all kind of issues, codes, and warning lights when there nothing actually wrong.

[@Badjujubee]

There was serious talk about this problem even at the end of the 90's (It seemed like it was a monthly topic of discussion in the ASE magazine at the time). They have been dragging their feet for more than 2 decades on what was supposed to be the transition to 48v systems on autos. it minimizes wire mass, would let every car have the electrical capacity to be a mild hybrid with minimal complications and would have let them go to all electric accessory drives (power steering, brake boosters, A/C compressors etc). 12V should have been moved on from in the late 80's but we are trapped with an electrical backbone that was designed for chassis lights, a bendix starter and maybe an AM/FM Radio, not a Drive by Wire Avionics loaded personal spacecraft with hair thin main bus wires and more buck converters than most people have fingers and toes.

[@CornFedZ06]

​@@Badjujubeelol

[@kornaros96]

@@Badjujubee there is also 24V in european trucks and optional in european cars.

[@Dino-63]

I have similar problems with batteries and also a lot of bad ground wires just alittle corrosion and the voltage drops and some module starts to go nuts

[@northdakotaham1752]

computers do not like reduced voltage levels and will shut down if they are not seeing an adequate voltage as you might have with a undercharged battery.

[@tyrssen1]

Insanity is exactly the right word. As my old friend Kurt Heinrichs said, when he was an instructor at the American Motorcycle Institute, "when it comes to mechanical devices, simpler is better."

[@garybulwinkle82]

It would seem every person coming out of school thinks nothing can be done unless a computer is doing it!!!

[@magnuszerum9177]

As someone who grew up in the engine compartments of cars from the 60's, I long ago figured out that about 50% of the changes to cars made them better, and the other 50% is to separate us from our money. Personally I want to switch over to the Cummins BT6 and use it for everything. I think I can get by with 2 engines for the rest of my life.

[@johnpike9612]

The 4 and the 6 bts 😊

[@Ross-p5q]

Hi same goes for me grow up in the 50s and 60s spent many an hour underneath cars changing clutches rebuilding engines you can't do that today everything is so complicated and it's been done like that for a purpose let's just take BMW the Mini engine is one of the worst engines that ever been built simple components like oil filters have a look where it's located and a lot of modern cars are like this and if you haven't got a scan tool then you've got to take your car to a garage good mechanics are hard to find specially mechanics that won't rip you off those mechanics the good ones very hard to find

[@themonsterunderyourbed9408]

What do you do when they shut off the pumps? You going to drill for oil and refine it in your kitchen?

[@magnuszerum9177]

@@themonsterunderyourbed9408 Well, hopefully by that time they will have come up with batteries that don't suck hairy cancerous balls, and I'll convert to electric, but it will be done by me so the extra crap they stick on todays electric cars won't be there. I will be able to have a logical electric car, not one designed to turn me into a slave.

[@jltcasper3]

Run it on vegtable oil and waste engine oil if that happens Get by a little longer

[@LuisFlores-vl3xz]

This man hit the nail right on the head. Everything he said is true

[@ronarmstrong835]

Perfection is attained not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. This needs to be applied to mechanical things, and often is. We need to pursue the Russell Bourkes and the Ruggero Libralatos of the world and start simplifying our technology. This will be part of the mechanical revolution.

[@vulture4117]

modern systems are designed to be as simple-*LOOKING* as possible on the outside (think smartphones, Tesla dashboard) but stupidly complex in reality. and also more of a complex pain in the ass to the end user (think wireless headphones with only a couple buttons with a hundred gestures for different functions, or in a Tesla needing to use the touch screen to control windshield wiper speed)

[@ronarmstrong835]

@@vulture4117 Absolutely valid points. We've witnessed the abandonment of USEFUL mechanical technology in pursuit of electronic GIMMICKS. But our time is coming to correct these things.

[@ziggystardust2514]

I am so excited to hear somebody talking about this. I have felt like there is going to be a backlash against this technology, and we are going to have to go back to basics at some point. I'm an automotive student, and I want to be a part of that.

[@user-lp3cf5yn5b]

The big automakers won't allow it. This stuff is made specifically to cut the throat of the aftermarket parts industry and independent shops. Right to repair you say? Sure, you can have right to repair, we'll just make it where only our parts will work and you'll have to pay for the final setup at our stealership service department.

[@jeffrutledge1789]

People need it all together quit buying new vehicles let these bastards go out of business! But of course everybody has to look like they have money even when they don’t.

[@rickelpers1820]

You’re young and hungry for a proper way of life that isn’t dictated by the governments rules of life or social blindness. Giving everything you have to the govt. you so like minded people are going to have to go brave and tough and RE-evolve back to common sense vehicular transportation. Leading the rest of the population to the revolution of basic truths about everything. It’s going to shock the blinded masses to realize that their beloved liberal politicians have totally lost their minds and they aren’t going to ruin our country. Prison for the guilty.

[@rickelpers1820]

Stop buying new cars . Totally bankrupt the auto industry. Only buy used vehicles. Buy only aftermarket goods. Turn this ship around. Mutiny is the rule of the day. Fuck govt and big businesses. Take back what they stole from us. And fight like hell to win back America.

[@keepcalmandblametheblackgu9164]

​@@user-lp3cf5yn5bgovernment regulations are needed.

[@kingcountrytowing]

Its sad because I think most people in the automotive trade feel the same way. I run a small wrecking yard and youtube channel in Nz, I used to sell parts and fix cars for the local people, I will only work on pre 2000 cars, but occasionally I fit parts from some of the most modern junkers for the locals, most of the new stuff is total junk and unrepairable unless its body damage or non electrical parts. They send them to the main dealers, they charge them to look at them, give them a ridiculous price to fix, or tell them it simply cant be fixed, and then I pick them up and just junk them out, some of them have less than 100,000 miles and they are stuck in limp mode, or refuse to start, or just have a part thats main dealer only and 1000s of dollars. pre 2000 cars are so damn good, I can fix em cheap, and they drive them to death, I now fix most of the older cars for locals to run round in, but parts are now becoming obsolete for them and I'm running out of options.

[@kingcountrytowing]

@@guido4231 I watched some amazing videos about cuban engineering in the 90s, I was absolutely in awe of their skills

[@rogervondach1238]

I have to agree with you 100%. I am a retired mechanic and basically I came to the very same conclusions. Those people still working on cars are (in general) not mechanics anymore, they are now automotive technicians. These guys can't repair nothing anymore. To find out what is wrong, they need a laptop and then replace all the parts that the computer found faulty. Basically nothing is repaired anymore, it's just replaced.

[@davidrfowler6432]

it is good that tony is bringing this issue up , toyota is considering going back to basics , the new CEO stated that is there is too much electronic crap in vehicles these days , they are talking about bringing back the 22RE engine and making it ethanol tolerant , easy to do , just install new style fuel injectors , you do not need an engine that requires 3 , 4 or even 5 timing chains , when 1 single timing chain and 1 single camshaft does the job just fine

[@glasslinger]

I love my 1988 Towncar and my 1973 Ford Ranchero! They rattle a bit and look a bit rough in places but they are not full of interacting computers that can cost over a thousand bucks to get repaired.

[@dannybradley271]

You are correct about machine logic. I've been a machine tech in manufacturing for 25 yrs.and logic controllers have become ubiquitous in the industry and most problems can be traced to a logic issue in the programming. It's more important to have computer skills than wrenches anymore.

[@AaronRhodeen]

Uncle Tony, you are the only person on YT who has taken the role of town crier regarding this insanity, which is exactly what it is!

[@arlanwade3268]

Spot on. I had this conversation recently with a coworker: I told him that my next vehicle will either be a classic car, or a 5 year old vehicle with a bad drivetrain that I can do a carberated 350/350 swap.

[@dwellner502]

Do you live in the rust belt? I’d love to own and drive a classic car but the winter here would eat an old car to pieces in a year or two I bet

[@arlanwade3268]

​@@dwellner502There's plenty of modern cars like Pontiacs & Buicks with the 3800 V6 which make great reliable beaters for backup in bad weather, and more resistant to road salt than classic cars. For daily driving I now prefer older vehicles with carburated 350/350 drivetrains (like my 85 G-20 van). I'd love to get a late 70s Plymouth Velare station wagon with a Slant-6 but they're rare so finding one in good shape is too expensive. I'd LOVE to have a Ford F-100 with the 300 inline-6 but finding one in good shape is WAY TOO expensive. Remember SNL skit "All things Scottish"? My slogan is "If it isn't carburated, IT'S CRAP!"

[@OldSchoolCrank]

Tony is absolutely correct. Beyond the economic impact, we live in a world where the daily driver can’t even change a taillight bulb. Mechanics that have a solid knowledge base and skill are becoming more important every day.

[@panhead55]

We’re not even aloud to say there are only two genders. This country is so morally and financially bankrupt it’s stunning. We ARE a third world country…

[@JimButler1234567890]

I've never heard it more perfectly articulated: "The perversion of the pickup truck".

[@TheStarbuck61]

Tony. Excellent broadcast! You are mirroring the very thing those around me, and I talk about. I've a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder with 225K on it - being old school, it still amazes me that it starts every day, and runs well - I say a thank you god prayer every time it starts. Last summer I had a bad #1 coil, and it was just simpler to re-order all six of them, and am glad now that I did, as I had NO idea that I would have encountered what you did, had I only replaced one. It's getting harder to do our own work. We are being stripped of our ability to FIX OUR STUFF, and in effect, control our lives. The "machine" is taking over, and shade tree mechanics and independent mechanics are being forced out. If (when?) my pathfinder gives up the ghost, I am seriously looking for a 30-year-old or older pickup truck...one that I CAN wrench myself. Thanks for the excellent analysis.

[@ClinicalDecisionYikesYT]

1978 Dodge D100

[@normblais7527]

🇨🇦 as always another great video, I was with you till the last 10 seconds when you mentioned fair compensation for our profession as a kid in the early 70s I attended a seminar regarding the coming of various fuel injection systems where we were told. Once we mastered them our wages would reflect that knowledge I’m still waiting half a century later.😅 cheers

[@Eibarwoman]

I've seen my brother's knowledge expand and his pay rapidly expand drastically as an auto tech. Even though he's paid quite well, I still don't think it fully reflects his wide skillset. As I am pretty sure the Space Shuttle is less advanced than these cars.

[@luliluli1471]

Uncle Tony hits the nail right on its head. Today's working vehicles are not for working people anymore. Pick-ups have been converted into luxury items. Take the old LandRover Defender in the UK for instance. A jeep like utilitarian which haa been transformed into a luxury item.😊

[@mikekitterhing1618]

Completely agree Tony, this parallel development path you suggest , by keeping vehicles on the road for longer is also a sound ecological process. I think we could refer to it as “simplification “. Keep up the good work mate. Regards from London

[@Eibarwoman]

It does mean environmentally friendly processes to keep vehicles in places like a Michigan until they literally rot from rust.

[@eddiekyler7502]

Thank you for being a man and sharing your knowledge with others. God bless ya brother! 🙏 Young people need to hear this.

[@Rossco139]

I've been rolling this around in my head ever since covid. I genuinely believe the scales have tipped, and it has once again become economical to FIX, instead of REPLACE. Can't wait to get my '67 chevy on the road! EDIT: And I say this as some who works in manufacturing!

[@vex6559]

Mhmm...and this is just the beginning. People are still buying newer vehicles, but we all know they won't last. Either they'll blow out halfway into the payments, or just after they're paid off...

[@Panocek]

Issue is, older vehicles will be simply rendered illegal to use on "emissions" grounds, sooner or later.

[@vex6559]

@@Panocek To which people will either drive illegally or go to the dark web for emissions defeat upgrades to their onboard computers (if it's has one) There's always the farm vehicle exception... Or we could go to horse and buggy, watch the Amish become billionaires, and shovel the sh_t right onto our dear leaders front porches.

[@1985cjjeeper]

​@@Panocek So vote out the democrats who implement these ridiculous restrictions.

[@dallysinghson5569]

Republicans are in on this too fella. Where Im at, the Republicans implented emissions charges. But then said Republicans want us to DEPEND on cars for anything and will die to prevent alternative modes of transport that wont drain your wallet.

[@Biokemist-o3k]

I am a chemical engineer however I am recovering from getting run over by a F350 while riding my 1957 Harley. I decided that life is too short to work at something I really am not happy with anymore. I decided to start a welding, fabrication,foundry and light machine shop specializing in pre war race cars. I rebuild magnetos for a hobby so I am trying to locate one of those SUN distributor machines. I designed my own super hot magneto that want to develop. I just found a whole wall of SUN gauges that I am buying next week so I can start my new life...Maybe you can stop by the shop/mancave some time. I am down in Pa right outside of Philly.

[@davechampion4987]

They have one at atomic motors in Henderson Nevada. It works too. If the owner wants to sell is another story but you could try

[@Biokemist-o3k]

@@davechampion4987 thanks Dave, I am in Pa so I am going to keep looking around here. I actually have a friend who has an Allen Synchro machine that he will let go for very little money but he is in Cleveland and I am in Philly. I may just end up driving out there in one day and then Drive back the next. I would love one of those beautiful Red Sun machines though but anyone who has one of those is asking at least $1000 and up.

[@FedUpCanuck]

Here in Toronto I know of the Sun Distributer machine you are after not sure if it is for sale but it is covered with dust I could ask if you are interested

[@themaverickmechanic7240]

I see these on FB marketplace from time to time. I’m near Harrisburg PA. Keep looking you’ll find one. I’m also picking up old shop equipment and building a mom and pop style garage. Best of luck!

[@Biokemist-o3k]

@@themaverickmechanic7240 That is so cool!! We are going to be the last of the people who know how to do this stuff. A little over 24 months ago an F350 clipped my rear fender on my 1957 Harley. It flipped me up and around a telephone pole and nearly crushed my right leg in two. I crawled up my dad's driveway where my brother got me to the hospital. The surgeons said I had less than 6 minutes left if I did not get into surgery. I had blood clots that went fro. myles to my heart and lungs.They wanted to take my leg but I kept fighting and eventually circulation cane back. That is why I decide I want o do what I love for the rest of life instead of what I dread. One day I came into work at the pharmaceutical company and a bunch of girls were dressed as boys and boys vice versa. It was bizarre and only got worse. it would be really great to stay in touch if that is cool with you. here is my Facebook.....facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072872596282

[@tabacum2]

There was an airplane flight control system that was designed to be software customizable so you could easily adjust the force, etc. But when we went to the supplier for the software update to make a change the cost was so high it turned out to be cheaper to design and build a new gear box to produce the same result.

[@jamesski1108]

I agree. I regret buying my new Charger because even changing a head lamp is a pain. And it constantly has electronic issues. I still have my old Ranger and I've been driving that - over 200k miles and still going strong.

[@seananderson127]

You are spot on. I took a break from turning wrenches for about the last 10-15 years (former mechanic). During that time I haven't paid attention to the automotive world really much at all. I have been working in software development and just started driving new trucks/cars. I wouldn't even change the damn oil! Post pandemic I'm looking at a truck upgrade and I can't do it ($$$$). I have had a 2015 and 2017 F-150 with the 2.7L. I haven't had many issues (except oil loss/burn) but I also haven't really kept them that long. Between the two F-150's I had a 2016 F-250, and it was fairly simple except for the time the computer crashed while I was rolling up to a stop sign. It took a few minutes before it rebooted and was able to start again--totally dead. The prices on trucks have gone through the roof so I'm back to obsessing over maintenance and doing my own work. Every time I take one of my vehicles to someone, they screw something up or it takes FOREVER. Can't get parts, parts are delayed, they sent the wrong parts. WTF!? Then the tech forgets to do some part of the job--leaving nuts/bolts loose etc. I have been using youtube to catch up on all the different automotive systems, new engines, transmissions etc. Drinking from the firehose. I am totally flabbergasted at the amount of complex shit that is oozing out of these cars and trucks. Ford's 2.7L ecoboost has been a nightmare. Sure the MPG is amazing...but this engine is disposable. It's $5k for a junkyard engine that still needs torn down and revised before you can think about shoving it another truck. Cant get the new one from Ford for $6500 because its on back order due to being in such high demand. Valve guides failing (head replacement OR long block), revised oil pans and valve covers, revised turbo oil feed tubes....I can go on and on. Don't even think about replacing the oil pump BELT or the water pump unless you have $3k laying around. If you don't do it the engine fills with water or the oil runs dry. I purchased a 2016 Honda Civic because of the reputation for reliability. Nope. Pain in my ass. Crazy complicated steering system has malfunctioned. You get the pleasure of fixing it temporarily for $2500 or suffering with a possessed steering wheel. I looked around at legendary Nissan: failed transmissions as far as the eye can see. I want a 1997 Buick. The complexity is out of control. I'm looking to get out of software development to start an RV tech business due to all of the overblown complexity in the software industry (grade A headache every day). I'm asking: Why the F88K are we doing this to ourselves? It is totally self-inflicted.

[@robscovell5951]

I'm with you on overblown complexity in software dev. I don't seem to actually write code any more. I just seem to work on endless dependency tree issues after security updates and access issues to upstream services.

[@seananderson127]

​@@robscovell5951 Yeah, careful what you wish for. We thought the cloud was going to free us up to focus on code. Nope.

[@robscovell5951]

@@seananderson127 100%. Configuring all the services is way more work intensive than sysadmin on an old school server in a rack.

[@1985cjjeeper]

Gearing up for this in my home shop now. I have plans for bulding work as well as concrete and a car lift. More and more people are realizing that older cars are the economical way to go as well as not leaving you stranded with a huge bill randomly. I'd like to take it all the way to manufacturing a reliable, easy to work on, no frills truck for the masses. Gotta set your goals high and see where it goes.

[@vulture4117]

keep me updated im subscribed to your youtube page

[@katieandkevinsears7724]

If you offer a manual transmission in that truck, I'll be in line for it.

[@FloorItDuh]

The problem circles back to government. Safety regulations have made it to where they have to put these sorts of things in like a backup camera is now mandatory so now you have to put a screen in for it as well. The cost gets passed off to the consumer.

[@saddlepiggy]

@@FloorItDuhI don’t agree that things like backup cameras should be mandatory, BUT there ARE ways to make electronic systems that are both cheap and reliable. A screen connected to a camera is dead simple for an electrical engineer. Of course, this comes at the cost of other fancy features but that’s the point of what we’re talking about right now sooo