Stupid Computers

[70rr-brian]

Why in the hell do new cars even bother having computers if they aint gonna tell you anything useful? I mean I realize somethings are outside the computers control/watchful eye. But a f%^kin sensor?

2003 Hyundai Sonata (father-in-law's car) would just stall for no obvious reason. No codes. Turns out it was the crank position sensor. Now correct me if I am wrong...but doesn't the stupid sensor connect to the computer? The computer is cutting spark when it gets something from the sensor thats says something is wrong. Surely the sensor doesn't shut it down. So if the computer is handling the shutdown you would THINK it would give you a code. As a matter of programming one would THINK that the computer would recieve data, process the data, determine something isn't right, record what it finds(puke code) and then shutdown the car. In that order...

Am I crazy? WTH is so hard about that? This car seemingly omitted the record step in the process and went straight to shutdown.

Vent over.

 

[1971RR]

We just had this issue the other day with my sisters 05 Dodge Stratus. She was panicked. Car would not accelerate, no power. I told her "turn the key on three times, leaving it on the third time and tell me what the odometer says". It told her P****. I told her then to look the code up on the internet (thanks Al!). She found something relating to cam sensor for that particular code. Found out the cam sensor was $30. For that price it was worth the attempt. Five minute change over and she was on her way. I think the American cars may be a little more user friendly. I did tell her she got lucky as the codes are usually some generalized error (like emissions, could be any number of things).

 

[Ron 73]

I think the biggest thing is they do not want us fixing them, But it seems it should have registered some way.. Maybe the brain in the computer is going bad. Id call Hyundai and ask them how they themselves would know if this went out! If there the same as my wifes Malibu the garage (we go to) uses the same type device to find problems as the code reader i use on it, plugged in the same spot.

 

[70rr-brian]

I think the biggest thing is they do not want us fixing them, But it seems it should have registered some way.. Maybe the brain in the computer is going bad. Id call Hyundai and ask them how they themselves would know if this went out! If there the same as my wifes Malibu the garage (we go to) uses the same type device to find problems as the code reader i use on it, plugged in the same spot.

Oh I called them and was told..."Yeah we see that on about 50% of those with that problem."

That's nice.

 

[65-440]

not always that simple, trust me ... i do this for a living ! ... you wouldnt believe how many times a sensor is operating outside of its parameters and will not trip a code. the PCM has certain requirements before it will turn on the CEL ( check engine light ) ... i am constantly chasing faulty sensors with no codes.... cam and crank sensors are the most common to not trip the CEL ... and the TPS / IAC ......

 

[70rr-brian]

not always that simple, trust me ... i do this for a living ! ... you wouldnt believe how many times a sensor is operating outside of its parameters and will not trip a code. the PCM has certain requirements before it will turn on the CEL ( check engine light ) ... i am constantly chasing faulty sensors with no codes.... cam and crank sensors are the most common to not trip the CEL ... and the TPS / IAC ......

Oh I hear ya. But if you are going to shut off the motor (computer) there had to be a reason. The computer itself should be coded in the firmware to log the reason for shutdown or don't shutdown is all I am saying. A simple if this than do this type of thing in the code. It's really not rocket science... Well then again, maybe it is.

 

[scotts74birds]

Amen! Simply saying "NO CPS SIGNAL RECEIVED" would be a GREAT fault!!!!!! I have chased these bs faults and am sick of the **** from the MFGR's! And trust me, that "puter is smart enough to do that! For alot of you that are not used to this, if the 'puter does not see all the inputs it wants, then it will NOT fire the ignition, NOT turn on the fuel pump, NOT fire the injectors!