OEM's fight to make software mods illegal


Dino-Spumoni

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I've read two articles, and I'm still trying to get my head around this one.
In the US there is a big push from automakers to make accessing and modifying the on-board computers unlawful, outside of pulling diagnostic codes. It's based on keeping their specific coding/programs under wraps, unknown to those outside of the company who made them.

The auto market is global and that's why this sort of thing is worth a read for everyone, IMO. Doing your own tuning has become more difficult over time (and more expensive). First the jump from carbs to PGMFI and OBD, then from OBD-1 to OBD-2. Now, interestingly, many automakers want to do away with tuning altogether.

Thirteen automakers are in support, with Honda notably absent-
General Motors Company
BMW Group
FCA US LLC
Ford Motor Company
Jaguar Land Rover
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz USA
Mitsubishi Motors
Porsche
Toyota
Volkswagen Group of America
Volvo Cars North America

http://www.wired.com/2015/04/dmca-ownership-john-deere/

https://www.yahoo.com/autos/s/gm-ford-others-want-working-own-car-illegal-160000229.html
 
This is interesting, reminds me of the situation with jail breaking iphones. I might be wrong but with the phones did a court not rule that once you own the device it is your decision to modify it? At your own risk of course and voiding any warranty. But you own it so you can do what you like with it.

It's maybe a US thing but I think if manufacturers in the UK decided that you don't actually own the car and could be punished by the courts under copyright law for working/modifying your own car there would be an outcry. Surely this would fall foul of monopoly legislation? I thought the idea behind standardised obd sockets in the first place was to prevent manufacturers forcing independent garages out of business by having to buy multiple diagnostic machines to work on different vehicles.

Using your car to commit music piracy is hilarious though!
 
Chipping undeclared on insurance is a big issue now with turbo engines so mainstream.

17 year old with chipped ecoboost engine..?

Otherwise this is bollocks.
 
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