Electrical accessories

[buickanddeere]

In the original thread I referenced, the guy replaced his electric tailgate and it still don't work, and they're telling him it needs to be programmed into the computer before it will work. To me that's just overkill! Why can't you just unplug the old one, plug in the new one, and be done with it?
Makes no sense to me.

Because the tailgate has to communicate through the canbus . In order to verify if the tailgate is there and what position the tailgate and what position the locks are in .

 

[Dingo3]

Agree with everything said here. We will be looking at end of year 2026 Ranger Raptors to replace our 95 Jeep GC as the camper tow vehicle/toy

I thought you were getting an electric truck. I looked at the Rangers a while back and the towing capacity was only about 7500. The Ranger Raptor was 2,000 lbs. less than the standard because of the focus on off roading capabilities.

 

[NoDakInMN]

In the original thread I referenced, the guy replaced his electric tailgate and it still don't work, and they're telling him it needs to be programmed into the computer before it will work. To me that's just overkill! Why can't you just unplug the old one, plug in the new one, and be done with it?
Makes no sense to me.

That's because that is how computers work. The board in the tail gate receives and sends information to the computer, but before that can happen, the computer needs to know the id and address of the board in the new tailgate and that the old one is no longer there. So you have to go into the computer and remove the old id and address from the previous tailgate's board and assign the new one. Essentially, the computer needs to know what this new board on its network is and where it's at before it can work with it. Once that is established, it knows who and what the information is coming from and then it gets inserted into the various programs on the computer, allowing it function properly. Wishing it worked differently, that you could just put in the tailgate and it would work automatically, is kind of like hitching a plow to a tractor with the draw pin, but wanting the hydraulics to work without hooking up the hoses. You have to do that extra step for things to work.

 

[paul]

I enjoy driving.

Really don’t understand all the extra junk these days. Can’t really drive any more.

Wife wishes she could buy her 2008 vehicle again, simple nice transportation.

I wish I could buy my 2010 pickup again, I would only add a backup camera for hooking up trailers. I’m not against everything electric, but things have just gone over the top crazy.

Paul

 

[paul]

That's because that is how computers work. The board in the tail gate receives and sends information to the computer, but before that can happen, the computer needs to know the id and address of the board in the new tailgate and that the old one is no longer there. So you have to go into the computer and remove the old id and address from the previous tailgate's board and assign the new one. Essentially, the computer needs to know what this new board on its network is and where it's at before it can work with it. Once that is established, it knows who and what the information is coming from and then it gets inserted into the various programs on the computer, allowing it function properly. Wishing it worked differently, that you could just put in the tailgate and it would work automatically, is kind of like hitching a plow to a tractor with the draw pin, but wanting the hydraulics to work without hooking up the hoses. You have to do that extra step for things to work.

All of which the computers can talk to each other and do this on their own, they would not need the $200 dealer visit. Wink, wink, we know why it is the way it is….

Plug a different memory stick into your usb slot and you don’t have to visit your computer manufaturer, it just talks to each other and figures it out.

Paul

 

[GChief]

I thought you were getting an electric truck. I looked at the Rangers a while back and the towing capacity was only about 7500. The Ranger Raptor was 2,000 lbs. less than the standard because of the focus on off roading capabilities.

We were all in but shifted focus when we decided to make the current camper towing Jeep GC a total toy. The SO will get an EV car/SUV of some type in a couple of years. As to towing capacity, the Jeep it would replacing is rated at 6500lbs. Our camper loaded and wet is only 3190 according to the scales, this is our only concern towing. The Jeep GC it would replace has some decent mods, not crazy rock crawler (but will be) but much better then stock and very capable. The Raptor is small enough to replace it as a trail toy, and more capable out of the box. Our first thought was a 4 door Bronco, an SUV fits us better, but its is only good for 3500-4500lbs, same with after new 4 door Wrangler.

It typically takes me about 18 months to buy something new edit: and I won't make a decision until I sit down to order something.

 

[GChief]

I enjoy driving.

Really don’t understand all the extra junk these days. Can’t really drive any more.

Wife wishes she could buy her 2008 vehicle again, simple nice transportation.

I wish I could buy my 2010 pickup again, I would only add a backup camera for hooking up trailers. I’m not against everything electric, but things have just gone over the top crazy.

Paul

You can trun it all off

Wink, wink, we know why it is the way it is….

Typical response when ignorance of the technology is involved.

 

[paul]

You can trun it all off

Typical response when ignorance of the technology is involved.

Why pay for stuff you don’t want and have to turn off? What a silly thought.

Makes no sense.

Progress moves forward, I understand, but the latest push of options don’t appeal to a lot of people that are looking for a driving experience and transportation.

Those things work for the wealthy and flashy and folk that trade every 3 years.

Others that want a vehicle to drive, and last a long time, and affordable to buy and maintain, are being left behind.

Progress.

Paul

 

[kencombs]

Ordering 'special' is still mostly by bundles or groups, not individual. Most of the options are part of designated packages. Only things like winch and hitches are offered seperately. Carpets come with leather for instance. Painted body color bumpers require cloth seats for some reason. But you can chose tires and wheels, unless you order a package that mandates a specific set. Confusing.

Larger dealers often have a sales person that can sometimes color outside the lines though.

 

[kencombs]

You can trun it all off

Except the inter-dependency of systems can result in unexpected results. Like my Tundra and it's new 4WD problem. The selector that drives the 2/4 and hi/low shift is stuck. Little motor that drives the shift mechanical shift. Seems simple right? Except that also causes the anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control to become inop.

I never realized how good the traction control is(was) until it's no longer working!

I'm sure that is because those functions require input from that selector in order to operate.

And it can't be turned off for the same reason. Inter-dependency. One would think that a simple on-off would be available

 

[GChief]

Why pay for stuff you don’t want and have to turn off? What a silly thought.

Makes no sense.

Progress moves forward, I understand, but the latest push of options don’t appeal to a lot of people that are looking for a driving experience and transportation.

Those things work for the wealthy and flashy and folk that trade every 3 years.

Others that want a vehicle to drive, and last a long time, and affordable to buy and maintain, are being left behind.

Progress.

Paul

OK Boomer

But yeah, somethings can be turned off. Those are typically good to have. Most of the nanny features can be turned off.

I am a almost Boomer, 1 yr, that gets it
as I work on system controls as part of my day job.

Technology has always advanced whether we want it to or not. Some have always fought it (a losing battle) and complain while others embrace it, or live with it and learn it becasue they are realistic and know it will just keep moving on without us either way.

 

[NDIHC]

All of which the computers can talk to each other and do this on their own, they would not need the $200 dealer visit. Wink, wink, we know why it is the way it is….

Plug a different memory stick into your usb slot and you don’t have to visit your computer manufaturer, it just talks to each other and figures it out.

Paul

For that to happen the manufacturer would have to build the same part with different programming for each application and market. Programming is different between North American, Asian, European or which ever market the vehicle is produced for. By having the dealership perform variant coding, they can manufacture a part that will work in any market, compatible with different equipment, saving the cost of producing area or equipment specific parts. Either pay for the programming by the dealer or pay more for the market/equipment-specific part. There was a time when modules were that way but since variant coding became the norm the manufacturer can build 1 module to be compatible with all markets.

 

[kencombs]

[QUOTE="GChief, post: 11785258, member: 255516

Typical response when ignorance of the technology is involved.
[/QUOTE]
Well, maybe it's not ignorance but a better understanding of possibilities.

Many years ago I wrote code for and operated a computer system made up of all hot swapable ATR boxes. The same boxes one used to see in aircraft. That's because it was designed and built by Collins Radio. Each box had a specific function and could be exchanged with a spare without any reflash or similar. All because of the design, each boxes address was the same for every one that occupied that slot and function. Only the SN was different and was immaterial to it's function.

And this system was capable of operating in different rooms, even buildings still as a part of a whole.

It's all a matter of design goals and corporate philosophy.

There is simply no good reason for an individual or insurance company to be required to pay the price attached to a damaged taillight on a later F150.

AI summary:Repair costs for Ford taillights can be quite high, often reaching over $5,000 due to the advanced technology and sensors involved. Even minor collision damage can lead to significant expenses, as seen in cases where taillight replacements alone can cost around $1,500 or more. fordauthority.com CarParts.com

 

[NDIHC]

Stripped down models are available if you don't want all the bells and whistles. Just don't expect to find them on the dealership's lot. The segment of the population who wants them is such a minority that most dealerships aren't going to keep them on hand. Also, some of the equipment is mandated by the NHTSA.


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandates several safety features for new cars in the U.S. to prevent crashes and reduce injuries, including seat belts, airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), backup cameras, and tire pressure monitoring systems. By 2029, all vehicles must include Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). This from gooooooogle AI

 

[GChief]

I

Many years ago

How many is many? A few years can be a long time in this field.

But I get what your saying. I have been working on marine gas turbine and many other system controls since 2007, often prototypes, and the ts'ing involved with that.

Sustem controls are so reliable now I do not give them a second thought anymore.

 

[kencombs]

I

How many is many? But I get what your saying. I have been working on marine gas turbine and many other system controls since 2007, often prototypes, and the ts'ing involved with that.

Sustem controls are so reliable now I do not give them a second thought anymore.

Early 70s/mid 80s. All assembler language.
Edit: My point is that the techniques needed to avoid flashing software to change hardware has been done and known for a long time.

Manufacturers will always choose the most expedient path for assembly.

The life cycle cost of those decisions are of no concern as they are born by the owners and insurers.

If the products were bought solely by companies they would be different. Almost all businesses will do a total cost of ownership analysis as part of the purchase decision.

Maintenance and repair costs would surface during that analysis and likely drive the choice to another product. I'm really surprised that the insurance industry isn't more active in this area. They do set rates using that info, but most people don't check the price of insurance before buying cars/trucks.

 

[GChief]

By 2029, all vehicles must include Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB).

And that is not a bad thing for the idiots around me when I commute 57 miles one way daily.

 

[NDIHC]

As for the high priced tail lights, models without LED tail lights are available. I looked up for Chevy, but would imagine others offer standard bulbs in lower level trims.


Yes, a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado is available without LED tail lights, typically on the lower trim levels such as the Work Truck (WT) and Custom.
While higher-level trims like the RST, LTZ, and High Country feature LED signature tail lamps as standard, the base models continue to offer standard, non-LED bulb-style
Again, from goooooogle AI

 

[ss55]

The thread about the pickup tailgate that won't work got me to thinking:

Call me old fashioned, but why do they have to put all this electrical crap on modern vehicles? Same with hatchbacks and sliding doors on vans that open and close by themselves, etc., etc. Just more things that can go wrong! We've been opening and closing our own doors and tailgates for years. If a person can't do that, maybe they shouldn't be driving a vehicle!

Didn't want to hijack that thread, so started my own.

It is interesting to look at the demographics of US new pickup truck sales. Over 85 percent of new pickup trucks are sold to residential households, less than one percent of existing pickup trucks are registered as farm vehicles.

It makes sense for new vehicle dealers to only stock on their lots what sells fastest. The premium to special order a vehicle is only an extra three percent. Both the customer and the dealer are money ahead to special order the work and farm trucks that most buyers are not interested in owning.

https://www.bts.gov/browse-statistical-products-and-data/national-transportation-statistics/number-us-truck

44 Pickup Truck Owner Demographics [2023] - AmericanTrucks

Explore the latest data on pickup truck owner demographics to see the facts about who buys pickup trucks and who drives them throughout the U.S.

www.americantrucks.com

 

[NDIHC]

It is interesting to look at the demographics of US new pickup truck sales. Over 85 percent of new pickup trucks are sold to residential households, less than one percent of existing pickup trucks are registered as farm vehicles.

It makes sense for new vehicle dealers to only stock on their lots what sells fastest. The premium to special order a vehicle is only an extra three percent. Both the customer and the dealer are money ahead to special order the work and farm trucks that most buyers are not interested in owning.

https://www.bts.gov/browse-statistical-products-and-data/national-transportation-statistics/number-us-truck

44 Pickup Truck Owner Demographics [2023] - AmericanTrucks

Explore the latest data on pickup truck owner demographics to see the facts about who buys pickup trucks and who drives them throughout the U.S.

www.americantrucks.com

And that is why they have to "put all this electrical crap on modern vehicles". It's what the public demands. I honestly can't even think of a farmer in my area who drives a base W/T or XL or whatever Dodge calls their base model. It's all about keeping up with the Joneses. A lot of people are vain and think a base model is beneath them. Gotta have something better than the neighbor.