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There is perhaps no vehicle more iconic in representing the United States than the pickup truck. The images conjured in marketing for these trucks: open roads, freedom, and resilience.
But repairing Ram trucks isn’t as free as those images would suggest, according to YouTuber Scotty Kilmer, who said in a video posted to his YouTube channel that the company is scamming customers by locking codes and information behind paywalls.
Ram, along with Dodge and Chrysler, introduced a secure vehicle gateway protocol in 2018, meaning that only registered mechanics or dealership mechanics are able to clear or reset diagnostic trouble codes. These software locks have essentially the same consequence as parts pairing restrictions in smartphone and appliance repair.
These restrictions make repairs more expensive and less convenient for consumers. They also reduce competition in the repair market, which can lead to higher prices and lower-quality repairs. The main motive is money, says Kilmer. By restricting repair to a subset of “authorized” repairers of their choosing, companies are able to manipulate markets to ensure they are reaping profits—a principle that extends far beyond just cars.
- Android’s planned ‘repair mode’ will keep customer data safe from snooping techs: Google is introducing a “repair mode” in stock Android devices. In repair mode, personal data is hidden, but core phone functions are accessible for repair technicians. Lockscreen credentials are required to enter and exit repair mode. The goal is to make the repair process less stressful for users and protect their privacy. Under the hood, repair mode uses the Dynamic System Updates mechanism and simulates a fresh OS instance. Google plans to release Repair Mode for Pixels in the December 2023 Pixel Feature Drop.
- In Maine, auto right to repair referendum closes in: Maine’s Question 4 ballot measure aims to standardize diagnostic systems and share information with repair shops with the goal of ensuring vehicles can be fixed outside dealerships for consumer choice. But auto manufacturers claim repair shops already have the necessary information (though many repair professionals, including Scotty Kilmer, disagree). Now it will fall to Maine voters to decide if existing repair agreements suffice.
- Plastic pollution is a global crisis: With large-scale production of plastics harming the environment and human health, a global treaty is being developed to reduce plastic production, promote reuse, and explore alternatives to plastics. While recycling and waste management help, the key is to make and use less plastic.
- Fast tech catches criticism: Similar to fast fashion, “fast tech” in the UK includes nearly half a billion small electrical items discarded in 2022. Fast tech contributes to e-waste, with products like disposable vapes, decorative lighting, cables, USB sticks, and cordless headphones being among the items discarded, highlighting a lack of awareness about the recyclable materials they contain and the need for better recycling practices.
- The economy-wide move to cut waste: The current economy is largely linear, leading to waste production. The circular economy aims to reduce waste by extending product lifespans, repairing, and upcycling, with recycling representing on a small part of the circular economy. But a shift to a circular economy requires systemic changes and incentives. Among them: manufacturers should design products with repairability in mind and make it easy for consumers to repair, re-use, and upcycle products.
9 opmerkingen
Just getting the correct tire pressure (as judged by the chalk line test) past the NHTSA-mandated 80psi fill (which made riding in the truck feel like riding over speed bumps at 20 mph on flat surface roads) took buying a different wiring harness to the OSB reader, software and a blueooth OBD plug-in reader to program the BCM for a much LOWER pressure for a more comfortable ride but %#*@ if the dealer didn’t reset it on the next trip in… and the next… and the next.
My fuel tank is 31 gallons per the factory build sheet. On Board computer says 26 gallons. I go bingo fuel at 22 gallons, but I’ve never drained the tank to completely empty to verify the 31 gallons. Someone got it wrong somewhere and of course, every time I set the BCM for 31 gallons, dealer resets it to 26.
I’ve had enough frustrations with the RAM and FCA. DEF pump broke, now antilock brake module died, 1k left on extended warranty. selling this weekend.
me - Antwoord
As a mechanic I'm well aware it isn't just a money making scheme but it's added security to stop people stealing your car. Hence the stolen hellcats we keep seeing. It does however make it annoying for the everyday consumer for diy. And anything from Scotty is usually regurgitated crap to appeal to click bait. He hasn't actually "fixed" a car in decades but he will jerry rig one in a heart beat. Don't get me wrong I'm all for right to repair, you own it you should be allowed to fix it. Blame the morons that kept stealing and caused them to implement this.
David Phillips - Antwoord
I know this sounds off topic and impertinent, but please read the Peaking of World Oil Production: Impacts, Mitigation, and Risk Management, a report issued by Robert L Hirsch in 2005. At least look it up on Wikipedia. The predictions may have been somewhat premature, but the threat hasn't been diminished by much. Concerns about repair restrictions are valid, but it's a little like trying to get the sand out of your shoes when a tsunami is heightening the horizon.
Laine Lee - Antwoord
Volkswagen has tiled this same tech on car batteries no longer can you DIY replacing a battery. What would normally cost 150 now costs over 400 at the dealer.
Greg McLean - Antwoord
That is there for battery warranty purposes due to the crappy AGM batteries they used. Without following that routine they will not honor a submitted battery claim.
Youdont Needtoknowwho -